The ‘Lion of Africa’ with Cat Claws

After 60 years of independence, Nigeria has failed to establish significant political leverage on the global scene and is not the African superpower many tout it to be.

Written by Fife Ogunde

Mar 20, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari BAYO OMOBORIOWO

Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world, with a population of close to 200 million people. With a GDP of $376 billion, it is also the largest economy in Africa. Yet Nigeria ranks joint 89th in the passport power rankings behind countries such as Liberia and Benin Republic. Nigerians have been executed in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia because the government was unable to secure leniency. In January 2020, the United States of America announced the imposition of restrictions on certain visa categories for citizens from certain countries, including Nigeria, despite Nigeria having one of the most educated and successful migrant communities in the US. These developments point to a stark reality: after 60 years of independence, Nigeria has failed to establish significant political leverage on the global scene and is not the African superpower many tout it to be.

The next question is: why has Nigeria failed to establish significant political leverage? To answer this question, it is important to provide a bit of context. Countries develop political leverage and improve their political standing through two major methods: political alliances with powerful nations and economic advancement. The former is mostly developed through an appealing socio-political image, particularly on the international stage. Contemporary political theory suggests that this image is linked with the following: respect for the rule of law, human rights protection and gender empowerment and equality.

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About the Author

Fife Ogunde

is a legal researcher with a focus on international law and foreign investment into Nigeria. He is currently a visiting lecturer at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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The ‘Lion of Africa’ with Cat Claws