Nigerian journalist and publisher of Africa China Economy Magazine, Ikenna Emewu at the maiden Lagos Forum 2024 presented a paper challenging Nigeria to a different policy approach towards China.
Emewu, scholar and researcher on Nigeria/Africa-China relations made the call that even beyond China, Nigeria needs policy rejig with the Global South that is fast becoming a form to reckon with in global alignment.
He made allusions to a tardy international relations approach on many fronts including its absence at the G20 membership whereas South Africa, Africa’s third-largest economy is a member.
In the same vein, he questioned the lack of interest of Nigeria to join the BRICS that today holds 29 percent of global GDP and a volume of USD30 trillion, with a rallying of the global south countries under a new order that benefits the members more than what they ever gained through the existing allegiance to the Global North.
He also tasked Nigeria to meaningly utilise its 10 percent stakeholding dominance of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and woo China more stakes, away from its 1.3 percent 19th position whereas the USA has 7.5 percent stakes and the second largest followed by five other Global North countries.
He took a wider look at the challenges Nigeria should face and turn around its policy approach in international engagement for a better result and impact on the world.
LAGOS-FORUM-2024-THESIS
