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Why Nigeria holds a special place globally

Published

9 months ago

October 1, 2025

If senior secondary school students of Nigerian origin were asked to write an essay with the title of this article, I can say confidently that it would be interesting and highly competitive. I have done several articles on the subject in the past, and my central theme has always been that we do not have any other country to call our own; so, we must join hands together in the task of nation-building and make Nigeria a better place.

In a random survey last week, I asked some friends and associates of diverse professional backgrounds to tell me why they think Nigeria is a great country to provide additional context for this article. Their responses were similar in tone and perspective, suggesting indeed that we have a lot of positive attributes that can differentiate the Nigerian brand globally, despite those who knowingly damage the brand or deliberately de-market Nigeria.

But when we push the right narrative about Nigeria consistently, the story will change for good. I am not talking about propaganda. How the rest of the world sees us, or what they think of us, is our “public image”, and it is essentially the aggregation of our activities (what we do, whether good or bad) and how we communicate those activities. What of the things we say about the country? A positive public image is critical in influencing public opinion and building trust.

The good news from my survey is that Nigeria is poised for greatness despite our current challenges. The respondents generally agree that the strategic importance and relevance of Nigeria in the world cannot be ignored

From my findings, we can immediately point to the following advantages: Nigeria’s population (during his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Vice President Kashim Shettima told the world that our population was 234 million), the size of our economy, nature’s wonders, tourism, and hospitality; technology and innovation, regional power, food and cuisine, investors and investment opportunities, rich cultural heritage and diversity, music and entertainment, vibrant cities, our resilience and strong sense of community, successful entrepreneurs and outstanding professionals.

It is important to note that how we take advantage of these existing strategic opportunities depends on how we roll our dice. But one thing is clear: Nigeria’s story needs to be redefined by building a strong narrative, showcasing our strengths, opportunities and successes. No one, except Nigerians, can tell the story better.

Nigeria is a land of vibrant energy, boundless potential, and a story waiting to be told. From the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats to the roaring cheers for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s cultural nuances and economic vitality offer a compelling platform to reshape our global image.

Make no mistake about it, Nigeria is the giant of Africa and the next economic frontier of the world. By 2050, it is projected that our population will hit 400 million, making Nigeria the third most populous country in the world after India and China.

Our leaders must begin to worry about how to harness the potential of our huge population. For example, a huge workforce with immense skills, talents, and expertise can drive economic growth and development, while businesses will thrive and grow in the huge domestic market because we have the numbers.

As a founding member of the African Union, Nigeria’s current push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council is a measure of our regional leadership and influence in Africa, and an opportunity to strengthen our global relationships. This is an audacious move which deserves the support of all Nigerians, except that President Bola Tinubu has yet to appoint ambassadors and high commissioners for our foreign missions after over two years in office.

It is scandalous that Africa, with 54 countries and about 1.5 billion people, has no representation on the UN Security Council, comprising the following five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom.

These five members have veto power over substantive resolutions, meaning a single negative vote can block adoption of a proposal. Nigeria can leverage its contributions to global peace and security, which VP Shettima alluded to in his address. In addition, Nigeria can continue to advocate for reforms in the UNSC, including increasing the number of permanent seats and improving representation for Africa.

To again underscore our global influence, Nigeria is bidding to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. It will be the first time an African country is hosting the games if we win the bid. The games are held every four years across the world, and India is the other country bidding with us. Call it soft diplomacy if you like, but President Tinubu says our bid to host the games is a dream that must be realised. The 2026 games will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 26 to August 2.

We are not just a country with the most arable land for nothing. I emphasised this point in my last article, where I recommended that Nigeria should build global food brands, one category at a time. Our country is blessed with the largest population of black people in the world. Shouldn’t this important characteristic count for something? There’s hardly any part of the world where you will not find a Nigerian.

The dynamic business environment has seen big players investing in the Nigerian economy, creating employment and paying significant taxes. Mind you, these billionaires and philanthropists are not local champions, as they have their tentacles spread far and wide. They include Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Arthur Eze, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Folorunso Alakija, Theophilus Danjuma, Cletus Ibeto, and Leo Stan Ekeh.

I am happy to also celebrate Nigerians who are distinguishing themselves in different fields all over the world. It is a long list, but let me recognise the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed; the immediate past President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Nkonjo-Iweala, and President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah.

What of our literary giants? These are impressive writers who have made significant contributions to our literary landscape. They include Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri, Flora Nwapa, Cyprian Ekwesi, Amos Tutola, Ken Saro-Wiwa and Elechi Amadi.

With over 300 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the ethnically diverse countries in the world. This diversity is reflected in our music, languages, food, costumes, dance, art and literature.

Nigeria’s music scene is home to global sensations such as Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Wizkid, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tuface, Ruger, Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Yemi Alade, Fireboy and Adekunle Gold. They have turned Afrobeats into a universal language, with some of them recording over one billion streams on Spotify.

Similarly, Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry, has been collaborating with streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime to spotlight Nigerian stories and movie stars, captivating international audiences. I doff my hat for Pete Edochie, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kunle Afolayan, Ramsey Nouah, Tony Monjaro, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Genevive Nnaji, Omoni Oboli, Mary Njoku, and Mercy Johnson, just to name a few.

Whether it is medicine and healthcare, technology and IT, academia and education, journalism, law, science, engineering, creative economy, hospitality, banking and finance or sports, Nigerians are excelling around the world.

Nigeria’s tech space is buzzing with innovations, especially in the fintech sector, with companies like Paystack, Flutterwave and Interswitch leading from the front. With over 200 fintech companies operating in the country, the sector is driven by the need for financial inclusion.

In Rotary International, the global humanitarian service organisation founded in 1905, the only African who has been president to date was Jonathan Majiyagbe, a Nigerian. He was the 2003-2004 president of the organisation.

Another Nigerian was announced as president-elect of the organisation on August 28. He is Yinka Babalola, and he will assume office as president of Rotary International on July 1, 2026.

In broadcasting, the Chairman/CEO of Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh and the Chairman of Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, are trailblazers. They introduced innovations that have consistently improved the ratings of both TV channels, and their viewers are loving it. I salute their courage and vision for doing things differently. With over 30 years in the business, Channels TV, which has about 1.6 billion views on YouTube, continues to demonstrate a commitment to long-term success.

Did you know that Nigeria is the largest producer of yams, shea butter, cassava, cowpea, sorghum, and taro in the world? The list goes on. Nigeria is also the third largest producer of sweet potato and ginger, and the fourth largest producer of palm oil, cocoa and sesame seed in the world. Please fact-check me, as I would be happy to be corrected.

Our Bonny Light crude oil is one of the most desirable crude oil grades globally, attracting marketers and commanding high prices due to its exceptional quality. Can’t you see that we are truly blessed? The Dangote Refinery is a game-changer for Nigeria’s oil industry. With an investment of about $20bn, the refinery is capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Nigeria ranks ninth globally in terms of proven gas reserves and is the largest holder of gas reserves in Africa, indicating a significant resource base for our energy needs. We are also endowed with an array of over 44 different types of solid minerals, spread across more than 500 locations.

We are also known for our resilience, creativity, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. Nigerians are generally warm and hospitable people, with a distinctive ability to adapt to situations, however inconvenient or difficult. Our strong sense of community – a form of local area network to support one another – promotes family values, helping us reduce social tension and play a pivotal role in everyday life.

I cannot end this piece without talking about our tourism assets and nature’s wonders. When I wrote that “Nigeria is the Greenest Nation in Africa” in my last article, a key component of that positioning statement is “tourism”.

Nigeria is blessed with several enchanting tourist sites, festivals and carnivals across the country. The Benin Museum in Edo State is a treasure trove of history and culture, showcasing the rich heritage of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Some of the top attractions at the museum include bronze artefacts, ivory carvings, textiles and fabrics, and ceremonial objects.

The Benn Moats, also known as the Great Benin Wall, is a remarkable historical structure that played a significant role in the kingdom’s defence and social organisation. The moats were part of an extensive network of earthworks that surrounded the ancient Benin, covering over 16,000 kilometres.

Olumo Rock in Ogun State is a massive rock formation which offers stunning views and natural tunnels, while the Agbokim Waterfall in Cross River State is a breathtaking waterfall that features seven cascades surrounded by lush green vegetation.

At the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State, the warm spring and cold spring meet at a juncture yet maintain their distinct properties. In Badagry, Lagos State, the historic town showcases relics and artefacts from the slave trade, including the first storey building in Nigeria.

The Kano City Wall offers a glimpse into the ancient city’s rich history and cultural heritage, while the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the home to the goddess of fertility and features various shrines and effigies.

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News

Step-by-step guide for contactless passport renewal for Nigerians abroad

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Nigeria Immigration Service has released an updated step-by-step guide for Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System.

The Service announced the update in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform.

According to the Service, the application process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal.
2. Select Continue from the pop-up window.
3. Click Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.
4. Create an account and verify your identity using your National Identification Number and date of birth.
5. Complete the application form and choose your preferred processing embassy or high commission.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Pay the passport fee for your selected booklet.
8. Obtain your Application ID and Reference Number.
9. Select the Contactless option under the Application Status/Book Appointment section.
10. Review the contactless instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In.”
11. Download the NIS Mobile App.
12. Log in or create a profile on the app.
13. Select Passport Application Services.
14. Click Passport Biometrics Enrolment, enter your Application ID and Reference Number, and check your eligibility.
15. Capture your facial image and fingerprints.
16. Complete the liveness verification.
17. Pay the contactless service fee.
18. Submit your biometrics.

The Service, however, noted that not all applicants would qualify for the contactless process.

“If response is INELIGIBLE, then it means applicant should return to the landing page of the portal to book physical appointment at the Embassy/High Commission,” it stated.

For applicants who successfully complete the contactless biometric enrolment, the NIS said additional documents must be forwarded to the selected processing mission.

“Upon successful completion of biometrics via Contactless App, applicant should print-out the Application form, passport booklet payment, biometric payment, current Passport and enclose all in a self-addressed return envelope to the processing embassy selected during the application process,” the Service said.

It added that applicants would be able to monitor the progress of their applications after submission.

“Applicant may track successful application two weeks after submission via https://track.immigration.gov.ng or on the NIS Mobile App,” the Service added.

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PFIPC scandal: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal suspects ‘big racket’ behind ‘fake’ agency’s budget code

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has called for a judicial inquiry into the controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), arguing that the scandal points to deep institutional failures rather than a simple administrative error.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Lawal said the circumstances surrounding the alleged agency suggested the existence of a wider network that enabled it to function within government processes despite questions over its legal status.

He insisted that an administrative investigation alone would be insufficient. “I don’t think it should even be administrative alone; it should be a judicial inquiry”, the former SGF clearly stated.

Lawal questioned claims surrounding an alleged ₦27.5bn take-off grant reportedly linked to the agency, asking how such funds could have been approved and released if the organisation had no legal basis.

“Nigerians are talking about how N1.3bn was inserted into the budget. The man himself first said the quarrel came about because he refused to part with 48% of the 27-point-something billion Naira take-off grant. That money has been spent before this budget office was looking for the budget.

“Who gave him the money? It was not appropriated for; it’s not in any budget, that N27.5bn Naira for which he says somebody demanded 48%. Who gave him the money? How did the process of generating the request for the release come up? How did it go through?

“We are just talking about the tip of the iceberg here. Down there, before we got to here, N27.5bn had already been disbursed, according to him, as a take-off grant. How did that money get to him? It was not in the budget. So this is what should frighten us. If such money can go to a fictitious organisation, we only now begin to see it when we are quarrelling about how it got into the budget. How did that money get to them?”, Babachir queried.

The former SGF argued that the controversy only became public because of disagreements over the sharing of funds rather than because government oversight mechanisms functioned effectively.

He continued,… “So you see, that’s how we got to know this to start with. That is the reason why we got to know this on his side of the coin. It’s about the sharing of the N27.5bn. That’s why the thing came up. So it didn’t work. It should have worked before that money left the government coffers into the account of the agency.”

Lawal also alleged that the scandal reflected broader institutional weaknesses within the current administration, arguing that the Office of the SGF should have detected any irregularities before the matter progressed through official channels.

He maintained that the SGF’s office bears responsibility for identifying and flagging agencies without legal backing before their requests or budgets proceed through government.

He said, “It’s institutional compromise, because in this, I sense there’s quite a big racket going on somewhere along the line. If the agency was created by maybe one big man alone, and then he wants to go through the budget process, the budget office assigns the budget code according to the chart of accounts in GIFMIS. So, how did they manage to assign the budget code for this agency that does not exist? Who inserted it?

“Because first of all, the budget office issues a budget call circular to MDAs, and everybody starts to prepare his budget according to the budget line. They give you ceilings, and you prepare your budget and forward it to the budget office as an agency or ministry. Now, the Ministry of Budget and Planning would, in our time, call every MDA to come and defend its budget. Now, if you don’t exist, how did they recognise that you are a genuine entity? Who gave out the budget code and allowed their budget to pass?

“That’s what oversight is. The SGF should be able to know, because before it gets to the National Assembly, that budget goes through the SGF. Unless there’s a dereliction of duty by the SGF’s office, the responsibility to flag that this is a fake agency would have come from them.”

Lawal further criticised the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of failing to thoroughly scrutinise budget proposals.

“It is a legislative oversight. This government—this National Assembly—has no interest in scrutinising the budget that comes before them. Most of the legislators just go in there to earn their salaries and collect allowances and go. They don’t scrutinise the budget line by line. We all know how this particular government works. There are some people that when they talk, nobody else has the authority to contravene.”

He also suggested that public attention should focus not only on the agency’s legal status but on the individuals who allegedly enabled its operations.

“Why are you interested in N27.5bn that had already been collected and spent? We are talking about an agency that we are claiming doesn’t exist. Maybe it exists, but it doesn’t have a legal framework for its existence. But it exists. And there are a lot of powerful people that make sure it exists in that form.

“Those are the people we need to expose. The Chief of Staff, in particular, is so powerful. The SGF is there, just reneging on his responsibilities. And nothing has happened now”, he concluded.

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Fake Agency Scandal: Gbajabiamila threatens Adeyemi with N10bn defamation suit

Published

11 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, ha threatened to initiate legal steps against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, and demand N10 billion in damages over allegations linking him to murder, bribery and other criminal activities.

The move was conveyed in a letter dated July 6, 2026, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, on behalf of Pinheiro LP, the Chief of Staff’s legal representatives.

The dispute stems from a press conference held by Adeyemi on June 25, during which he accused Gbajabiamila of seeking a share of the alleged take-off funds of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), receiving money through intermediaries, abusing his office and participating in efforts to conceal wrongdoing.Death & Tragedy

During the briefing, Adeyemi also referred to the Chief of Staff as “a murderer” and “an assassin”.

The Presidency has consistently maintained that the PFIPC is a fictitious organisation, despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyers dismissed all the allegations as entirely false and defamatory, saying they were intended to damage his reputation.

The letter stated: “not only false but gravely defamatory,” adding that the allegations were “designed to portray our client as corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable, morally bankrupt, administratively incompetent, a murderer and unfit to occupy public office.”

According to the legal team, Adeyemi is already standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors, over allegations including forgery of an appointment letter bearing Gbajabiamila’s purported signature and the alleged counterfeiting of Presidential letter-headed papers to present himself as a government official.Nigeria Investment Guide

The lawyers further rejected Adeyemi’s claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of a purported N27.4 billion take-off grant for the council, amounting to about N12.5 billion, or that he received N400 million through proxies connected to appointments within the organisation.

Other allegations dismissed in the letter included claims that the Chief of Staff intimidated individuals and media organisations, manipulated budget processes, attempted to misuse security agencies and performed official duties while under the influence of intoxicating substances.Trending News Feed

Gbajabiamila also denied ever having any relationship with Adeyemi.

“You have never at any time met, interacted with, communicated with, or had any form of personal or official dealing whatsoever with him,” the lawyers wrote, adding that the decision to “fabricate and publish allegations against a person with whom you have had absolutely no relationship or interaction underscores the reckless, baseless and malicious nature of your publication.”

The legal team also criticised the timing of the allegations, noting that they were made after criminal proceedings had already been instituted against Adeyemi.

“It is even more disturbing to our client that you resorted to defaming him through your press statements after a criminal Charge had been filed against you,” the letter stated.

It added, “Trial by media remains unknown to Nigerian law and cannot be a substitute for due process.”Nigeria Investment Guide

Gbajabiamila’s lawyers demanded that Adeyemi immediately stop making further defamatory statements, remove all related videos, recordings and transcripts from every platform, issue a full retraction and apology in at least five national newspapers and across all social media platforms used to circulate the claims, and provide a written undertaking that he would refrain from making further allegations.

The letter warned that failure to comply would result in both criminal defamation proceedings under the laws of the Federal Capital Territory and a civil lawsuit seeking N10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages. The damages, it said, would be donated to a charity chosen by Gbajabiamila. The legal action would also seek a perpetual injunction and a court order compelling the publication of an apology.

The controversy centres on the PFIPC, which was listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act under the title Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and received more than N1.3 billion in budgetary allocations, including about N803 million for personnel, N200 million for overhead and N300 million for capital expenditure.

Adeyemi had argued during his June 25 press conference that an agency included in a budget signed by the President could not be regarded as non-existent.

However, the Presidency insists the council is fraudulent and has no legal existence.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has argued that the Presidency lacks the constitutional authority to clear anyone involved in the dispute and has called for an independent investigation into the allegations against both Gbajabiamila and Adeyemi.

Adeyemi is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on July 27, 2026.

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