Prince Adewole Adebayo, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has emphasised the critical importance of Nigeria enhancing its engagement in global trade. During the inauguration of the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment, hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Adebayo spoke to an audience that featured prominent personalities such as Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, the NIIA’s Director General, and B.A. Adeniyi serves as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service alongside former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.
He elaborated on the historical significance of Trade in the country, emphasising its pivotal role in national development. He called on all parties to recognise the changing global dynamics, which require an active approach to ensure the region remains relevant. Furthermore, he pointed out to the attendees that the country has consistently been connected to commercial activities. He mentioned past conflicts, including the British-Ijebu war, due to the region’s effective trading methods. This legacy, he argued, emphasises the country’s natural orientation toward business and highlights a pathway for future development.
Reliance on imports weakens currency and stalls economic growth.
Also, Adebayo emphasised the importance of the nation focusing on domestic production and exports in the context of today’s interconnected global market to ensure economic stability. He cautioned that overdependence on imports results in a declining currency value and economic stagnation, undermining national productivity. He pointed out that nations that Export more than they import benefit from solid economies, capitalising on job creation, wealth generation, and industrial growth. He emphasised that the heavy reliance on imports has resulted in a trend called Japa, where individuals seek better prospects abroad, similar to the vacant export containers departing from the nation’s ports.
Furthermore, he stressed that this challenge needs to be addressed to reverse economic decline and secure the future. Addressing the importance of local trade, he noted that thriving international business typically originates from a robust domestic market. Citing the United States as an example, he remarked that before World War II, America’s achievements were primarily a result of its thriving internal commercial system, which played a pivotal role in its economic success. Adebayo urged the government to adopt a comparable strategy emphasising enhancing domestic business to create a robust basis for its export sector. He noted that by reinforcing business activities, Nigeria would inherently establish itself as a competitor on the global stage.
Policymakers are urged to adapt to trends and advancing technologies.
In addition to physical products, Adebayo emphasised the expanding scopes of trade, pointing out that services, concepts, and digital resources are increasingly essential to international business. He noted that services have surpassed physical commodities in several developed nations in business volume, indicating a change in economic strategy. He encouraged policymakers to explore the opportunities presented by intangible goods and adapt to the shifting trends and technologies that define modern global markets. He emphasised that the country should recognise that every nation contributes valuable assets to the global marketplace. For Nigeria, this means identifying and investing in its unique strengths, moving beyond natural resources to harness other forms of capital.
Moving forward, he emphasised the need to carefully consider involvement in business agreements, particularly those managed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). He underscored that these agreements typically require concessions, with each country giving up something while obtaining various economic benefits in return. Therefore, as the country takes on a prominent leadership role in the WTO, he encouraged decision-makers to use this opportunity to promote business practices that benefit all parties involved, ensuring the country optimises its advantages while protecting its economic independence.
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Other prominent participants contributed to the roundtable event, including Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Prof. Anthony Kila. Their discussions further emphasised the central role of business in achieving economic goals. Meanwhile, the formal presidential candidate message is an essential reminder of business’s crucial role in strengthening economic resilience, particularly during challenging times. A robust commercial strategy might provide stability as the nation faces economic hardships, elevated Unemployment rates, and Security issues.