Interview with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria
Interviewer: As we gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, can you share your thoughts on the significance of this global alliance?
Tinubu: Absolutely. If we didn’t have this global alliance of primarily English-speaking nations based on common law principles, it would be vital to establish one. Our 56 members come together as friends and allies to engage in crucial discussions about free and fair trade, security, and climate action.
Interviewer: There seems to be ongoing debate about the relevance of the Commonwealth, especially with some members transitioning to republics. What’s your perspective?
Tinubu: There’s a common misconception that becoming a republic means leaving the Commonwealth—it’s quite the opposite. Since Nigeria achieved independence in 1960, the Commonwealth has actually expanded. When Nigeria joined, there were ten members, three of which were republics. Now, two-thirds of our 56 members are republics, which doesn’t destabilize the organization; rather, it reflects our evolving identity.
Interviewer: How do you see the Commonwealth’s role in the current global landscape?
Tinubu: The Commonwealth is more relevant now than it has been in decades. The world is increasingly moving towards global networks that prioritize shared interests, rather than just regional ones. Take the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or the Alliance for Small Island States (AOSIS). Both highlight how nations unite around common goals, just like the Commonwealth.
Interviewer: Given Nigeria’s position, what initiatives do you believe could strengthen intra-Commonwealth trade?
Tinubu: We definitely need to focus more on economic cooperation and mutual political support. For instance, Africa is home to twenty-one Commonwealth countries, all part of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). By establishing bilateral agreements with leading Commonwealth economies, we can create interlinked trade relationships that foster deeper integration.
Interviewer: What specific actions would you like to see from larger Commonwealth economies in this regard?
Tinubu: I urge larger Commonwealth nations to prioritize importing goods from African Commonwealth countries. For instance, we can offer African coffee or fresh produce to Western nations at preferential rates, which could lead to local processing industry investments. This not only benefits our economies but also provides affordable goods to nations like the UK—creating jobs in Africa and reducing migration pressures.
Interviewer: Speaking of global matters, what’s your view on Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council?
Tinubu: Africa is currently the only continent without a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the subject of a significant portion of its resolutions. We’re asking the Commonwealth to support Africa’s bid for permanent representation. This step would not only elevate Africa’s voice but also bolster the Commonwealth’s significance in global governance.
Interviewer: How do you see the future of the Commonwealth in that context?
Tinubu: The Commonwealth has only recently begun to operate as a cohesive group at the UN. Securing an African seat with the Commonwealth’s backing would undeniably enhance the relevance of our organization and silence any doubts about its future. The time for the Commonwealth is now, and we have the opportunity to step into a more prominent role on the world stage.
