‘West Africa is no Pawn’: Tinubu sends strong message to global powers

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has warned against foreign interference in West Africa region, criticising the use of its land and people as pawns in global power struggles.

Tinubu spoke in an address delivered at the Nigeria-France Business Forum in Paris on 29 November, 2024.

The Nigerian leader, addressing an audience that included business magnates, diplomats, and government officials, strongly criticised the exploitation of the region’s land and people in international power struggles, emphasising the need for genuine partnerships to tackle socio-economic challenges.

“We have serious socio and economic challenges to confront in our region. We seek partners to help combat poverty hunger and lack of growth. What we do not need are actors coming from far and distant places to use the land and people of West Africa as pawns in a game of power and influence unrelated to the welfare and wellbeing of our people,” Tinubu said.

The president commended the French government for hosting the forum, describing it as a significant opportunity to deepen bilateral relations.

He noted that France could play a constructive role in West Africa’s economic and social development, pointing to the historical ties between both nations and their potential for productive collaboration.

Tinubu articulated his administration’s vision for Nigeria, highlighting the country’s recent economic strides. He revealed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46% in the third quarter of 2024, a notable improvement from the 2.54% recorded in the same period the previous year.

Tinubu attributed this progress to bold fiscal and monetary reforms, including measures to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and ICT.

“My vision for the Nigerian economy transcends GDP figures. It is about ensuring a better quality of life for our people—eradicating hunger, creating meaningful jobs, ensuring stable electricity, and making Nigeria a leading industrial and agricultural powerhouse,” Tinubu asserted.

The president also detailed his administration’s 8-Point Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, national security, education, healthcare, good governance, and infrastructural development.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment through initiatives by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which has streamlined regulatory processes, enhanced transparency, and reduced bureaucratic barriers for investors.

In his address, Tinubu outlined various incentives aimed at attracting foreign investors, including tax holidays, duty-free imports for critical projects, and export grants for non-oil exporters.

He called on French businesses to seize the vast opportunities available in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, assuring them of a favourable investment climate.

“This forum provides a platform to strengthen the dynamic partnership between our two nations. Nigeria is not just a destination; it is a place of destiny. My government stands ready to do everything possible to ensure that investments yield mutual and enduring benefits,” Tinubu remarked.

The forum explored multiple areas for collaboration, including energy, oil and gas, logistics, banking, and infrastructure development.

Tinubu highlighted these sectors as crucial to driving sustainable growth and fostering stronger ties between France and Nigeria.

He expressed optimism about the future of West Africa and emphasised that partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals were essential for regional stability and progress.

“Together, we can overcome the imbalances of the past and chart a new course for a brighter future for both our nations and our continents,” he said.