Nigeria and other African countries can leverage Trump’s policies to accelerate their development, but it requires a strategic approach.
The United States government has historically provided aid to African countries, but it’s essential to recognize that this aid often comes with strings attached, benefiting American interests as much as African ones.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies, for instance, have led to the deportation of millions of Nigerians living in the United States illegally. This presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reassess its approach to diaspora engagement and encourage those returning to contribute to the country’s development.
Key Areas for Growth:
Diaspora Engagement: The Nigerian government, particularly the Diaspora Commission under the leadership of Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, should develop programs to support returning citizens, providing them with resources and opportunities to integrate into the economy and contribute to national development.
Medical Research and Development: Nigeria should invest in medical research institutions, encouraging the development of indigenous treatments and drugs. This would reduce reliance on foreign medications and promote self-sufficiency most especially when some drugs being subsidized presently by United States government will not attract such again thereby making it more expensive and unaffordable to many citizens of this country which eventually may lead to death of many.
Internal Development: Focus on developing internal sectors such as:
Automobiles: Encourage local manufacturing and assembly of vehicles and other automobiles.
Agriculture: Invest in agricultural research, infrastructure, and technology to boost productivity and food security.
Education: Develop programs to improve education quality, accessibility, and affordability.
Infrastructure: Invest in transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure to support economic growth.
Information Communication Technology (ICT): Develop the ICT sector to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Home-Grown Governance: Nigeria should strive to develop a governance system that reflects its unique cultural, historical, and social context, rather than relying on imported models.
By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can transform the challenges posed by Trump’s policies into opportunities for growth, development, and self-sufficiency.
By Bola Babarinde, a Chieftain of All Progress Congress in South Africa
