Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Accra, Ghana — The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on African nations to reshape their approach to international relations by prioritizing professionalism, integrity, and strategic foresight in all global engagements.
Speaking at the 2025 African Bar Association (AFBA) Conference in Accra, Ghana, themed “Foreign Interest in Africa: Exploitation or Investment,” Osigwe said Africa’s sovereignty and progress depend heavily on the quality of representation it brings to international decision-making platforms.
The NBA President emphasized that African nations must take responsibility for the outcomes of their global partnerships. “African countries will not be exploited if we do not allow it,” he said, urging governments across the continent to send competent and ethical professionals to represent their interests at institutions like the United Nations and other global bodies.
Osigwe observed that weak institutions, self-serving negotiations, and short-term political goals have historically undermined Africa’s position in international agreements. He called for a shift toward transparent diplomacy, guided by strong legal frameworks and driven by experts who understand the long-term impact of foreign partnerships.
“The interdependence of today’s global economy makes cross-border relations inevitable,” he said. “But the nature of the agreements we enter into will determine whether we continue in dependency or rise as truly independent nations.”
He further charged African leaders and legal professionals to seize the AFBA platform to commit to a collective vision — one that ensures Africa’s vast human and natural resources are harnessed to lift the continent from the margins of global development to a position of influence and prosperity.
According to him, true investment must empower citizens, strengthen governance, and foster sustainable growth — not deepen dependency or foreign control.
In his closing remarks, Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s dedication to advancing equitable partnerships and the rule of law, stating that Africa’s transformation will only begin “when Africans decide to take full ownership of their destiny.”
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