Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on Nigeria to take a leading role in Africa’s economic integration, emphasizing the need for decisive leadership and concrete action. Speaking at an event hosted by the IBB Presidential Foundation in Abuja on Thursday, February 20, he highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s economic future.
“Nigeria, with its enormous economic and human potential, must lead the way in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory. We must move beyond rhetoric and translate our ambitions for integration into tangible actions,” Akufo-Addo stated.
He stressed that Nigeria’s vast resources and regional influence position it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation. He urged the country to champion self-sufficiency and reduce the continent’s dependence on foreign aid.
“Our generation must develop the tools to resolve tensions between governance, economic development, and social stability,” he noted.
Addressing governance, Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and cited Ghana’s successful democratic transitions over the past three decades. He praised former Nigerian military leader General Ibrahim Babangida for embracing democratic governance despite his military background.
“The fundamental question remains: who confers legitimacy on a government? Is it an enlightened elite, or is it the ordinary people expressing their will freely?” he asked.
Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in Africa’s democratic evolution and urged nations to strengthen their institutions while advancing economic self-reliance. He called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria as a cornerstone for Africa’s quest for economic independence and sustainable development.
