By Amb. James Sunday, FCAI, MNIIA,
As a scholar in International Studies and Strategy, I see the recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” not merely as a negative label, but as a game changer. It indicates that Nigeria is a nation of strategic importance in global politics and governance.
If a nation exists and no one cares about what it does, or even mentions its name in international discourse, such a nation is either stateless or non-existent. What Nigeria and Nigerians must understand, from an international relations and strategic standpoint, is that Nigeria matters in global politics and governance. The world cannot afford to sleep when Nigeria is awake. This is not flattery or exaggeration, it is reality.
A nation of over 200 million people, with about 250 ethnic groups, multiple religions, and diverse cultures,Africa’s largest black and most populous nation, Nigeria is blessed with some of the brightest minds in every field: medicine and health, education, law, diplomacy, economics, finance, social sciences, art, computer science, and cybersecurity. Nigeria is an emerging force to reckon with. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the country attracts strong global opinions and counter-narratives.
As a wise man once said, “If you don’t want to be talked about, do nothing.” Nobody talks about those who do not matter. Only individuals and nations that matter attract global attention, and Nigeria is one of them.
As a great nation, we must take advantage of this moment in our history to challenge negative narratives and refuse to allow them to define our reality. There is no nation without internal challenges; what differentiates strong nations is how they resolve such issues internally, without undue external influence. Nigeria has its peculiar challenges, and we must confront them in our own way.
This article is not a denial of our issues but a call to embrace the reality of nationhood. We can no longer be spoon-fed at an adult age. We must engage our collective sense of responsibility to solve our problems ourselves. Our leaders must come together as One Nigeria, indivisible and united, to overcome the current challenges and classifications confronting us.
We live in a globalized world. What happens in one nation affects others, especially considering the large number of Nigerians in the diaspora who maintain strong familial and emotional ties to the homeland. This global concern for Nigeria should be seen as a sign of connection, not condemnation.
We must remember that we are a people bound by destiny, not by the error of balkanization. Nigeria is our only home. We must remain here to rebuild and redeem her together.
Nigeria is rising, the giant is awakening to take its rightful place once again.