Page 19 - Nigeria one mag en-21

Economy: Nigeria, a leading model in Africa
Nigeria is the undisputed
giant of Africa. Both a gas
and oil country, Nigeria re-
mains the leading African
economy. As a member of
OPEC, Nigeria is multiply-
ing its continental offensi-
ves and has reliable allies
who covet it and even court
it internationally. The
country has successfully
taken its destiny in hand by
develo-ping a strategy ba-
sed on its private sector
while maintaining a strong
and influential state.
So we count a significant
number of Nigerian busi- financial district, Lagos, Nigeria
nessme who have become
billionaires (in dollars) and who are launching have opted for a strong national preference so-
themselves to the " conquering " of the continent metimes decried. We must choose our references
with an important figure like Mr. Dangote at their among ourselves and stop putting the interests of
head. Western countries ahead of our own.
The dynamism of Nigerian entrepreneurs is also African countries must lead a single and unique
due to the large domestic market of a total popu- fight centered on ourselves. It is much easier and
lation exceeding 200 million people. The dyna- more useful to find interests among ourselves
mism of the economy can be seen in every city than to import them outside our continent. Africa
on a daily basis. People get up very early and walk must be united and indivisible. The diversity of
the streets when the sun is barely visible. It is our cultures is in fact a wealth that must be con-
usual to receive calls from employees before se- sidered as an invaluable asset. By accepting our
ven in the morning. There is a fleet of private jets neighbor we become stronger than without him,
at the airport ready to take off at any time. All of by speaking with one voice we are more audible
this is evidence that the economy is booming and and stronger. We will not develop without each
that Nigeria can be a model for the rest of Africa. other. Let's unite around the most powerful ones
Africa must absolutely get rid of the perception in order to have easier access to a deserved bet-
that many of us have of Nigerians based on the terment. We are already benefiting from institu-
actions of a few "black sheep". tional platforms such as WAEMU and ECOWAS
At the national level, we experience the same rea- to implement this strategy. By turning these orga-
lities as all African countries in terms of ethnic, nizations into realities that reflect our common
security and social aspects. This may be more vi- interests, we can from tomorrow take resolutions
sible in Nigeria due to the size of the country. We that will enable us to move forward in this direc-
must be inspired by the strong determination of tion. What is true in West Africa is true in Cen-
the Nigerian people who never give up and who tral Africa, East Africa and South Africa.

Nigeria 19