Nigeria has urged African nations to revisit their collective approach to global trade, stressing that no country on the continent can thrive in isolation amid evolving economic pressures. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the need for a united trade strategy during the 2nd African Cassava Conference in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event themed “Building Sustainable & Quality Driven Cassava Industries in Africa,” Bagudu noted that while Nigeria invests in grassroots economic growth, Africa must confront the realities of global trade and ensure fair participation for all nations. He emphasised that collaboration remains key for sustainable development, saying, “Africa cannot succeed alone in international trade; we want a shared conception of development where everyone is supported wherever they live.”
The Minister also outlined Nigeria’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, designed to unlock revenue for all levels of government and enhance local competitiveness. These reforms are central to the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, a nationwide initiative mapping economic opportunities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. Bagudu described the plan as “revolutionary,” aimed at generating resources to support citizens while strengthening the country’s broader economic foundations.
The call for collective action in trade aligns with Africa’s broader goal of creating a fair trading ecosystem globally, ensuring that all nations benefit and grow together rather than in isolation.