Akufo-Addo Urges Nigeria’s Elite to Champion West African Leadership and Economic Integration
Former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo has called on Nigeria’s political and economic elites to take a more assertive leadership role in West Africa and support efforts toward continental unity and intra-African trade.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of A Journey in Service, the autobiography of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo emphasized Nigeria’s crucial role in driving regional and continental progress.
Nigeria’s Leadership Role in Africa
Acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing challenges, the former Ghanaian leader stressed that Africa’s economic and political integration cannot succeed without Nigeria’s firm leadership.
“I cannot forgo the chance of this prestigious platform to mount an important hobby horse of mine.
I appeal once again to Nigeria’s political and economic elite to aggressively assume leadership of West Africa and Africa’s efforts toward unity and e-commerce.”
Akufo-Addo urged Nigeria to embrace its historic responsibility in fostering an integrated, democratic, and economically vibrant Africa, noting that while the country faces significant challenges, history does not wait.
“For our prospects of effective integration to materialize, Nigeria must take the lead. This evolution cannot succeed without you, but you will be its greatest beneficiary,” he added.
Strategic Solutions and Regional Stability
Highlighting the need for well-defined strategies to address regional and global challenges, Akufo-Addo underscored that Africa’s collective success depends on cooperation and decisive leadership.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to regional stability and development, he pledged his country’s continued partnership with Nigeria in repositioning West Africa and the broader continent for sustainable growth.
“Ghana will always remain a loyal ally and a committed partner in this collective journey of advancing and repositioning our region and continent,” he assured.
A Shared Vision for Africa
Akufo-Addo’s address reinforced the urgency of unity and economic collaboration across Africa, placing Nigeria at the centre of regional transformation. His call to action challenges Nigeria’s leadership to embrace its strategic role in shaping the future of the continent.
