Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria's democratic trajectory and economic transformation took centre stage in Berlin on Tuesday as the European Council on Foreign Relations hosted a high-level roundtable titled "Nigeria in 2027 and Beyond," featuring the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders, representatives of international organisations, and members of the global media. The invitation-only engagement, held at the ECFR office in Berlin, provided a strategic platform for discussions on Nigeria's future beyond the 2027 general elections, with participants examining how the nation can deepen international partnerships to accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.
Obi, who shared details of the roundtable in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday, said the discussions centred on Nigeria's democratic journey, development cooperation, international relations, and the urgent need to strengthen bilateral partnerships that can drive sustainable development. A key focus of the engagement was how Nigeria can deepen collaboration with international partners to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, which participants recognised as the backbone of every productive economy and indispensable to job creation, innovation, wealth creation, and sustainable national development. The roundtable also explored ways to strengthen democratic institutions, expand trade and investment opportunities, promote regional stability, improve governance, and create an enabling environment that inspires confidence among citizens, investors, and Nigeria's international partners.
The presence of senior representatives from the German Federal Government, development agencies, business associations, policy institutes, foundations, international organisations, and respected global media organisations underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria on the international stage and the shared desire to see the nation realise its enormous potential. Obi said he was encouraged by the thoughtful contributions and genuine interest demonstrated by participants in Nigeria's future, describing the exchange as frank, engaging, and constructive. During the discussions, the former Anambra State governor reiterated his unwavering belief that Nigeria possesses all the human and natural resources required to become a prosperous, secure, and globally competitive nation.
What is required, Obi argued, is competent, accountable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises investment in people, education, healthcare, productive enterprise, the rule of law, and strong institutions over what he described as "politics of consumption". "Nigeria's future is bright, but only if we make the deliberate choices that will move our country from consumption to production, from poverty to prosperity, and from division to unity," Obi wrote. "By embracing good governance, fiscal responsibility, and productive partnerships with the international community, we can build an economy that works for all Nigerians and restores our nation's standing among the comity of nations".
The Berlin roundtable comes amid a series of high-level international engagements by Obi, who has increasingly positioned himself as a voice for Nigeria's transformation on the global stage. Earlier this year, he held a breakfast meeting in Abuja with the British High Commissioner and diplomats from the European Union, Germany, Canada, and France. In June 2026, he met with Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at the ECFR, in London, where he reiterated the need for Africa and Nigeria to play a more prominent role in global affairs and be treated as equal partners in shaping the future world order.
The ECFR roundtable also provided an opportunity for Obi to showcase his vision for a "productive and prosperous Nigeria," which includes sweeping reforms in education, healthcare, and industrialisation. As the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Obi has continued to build international alliances and amplify his message of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and productive partnerships. His engagement with the ECFR, one of Europe's most influential think tanks, signals a deliberate strategy to cultivate international support and position Nigeria's upcoming elections within the broader context of global democratic and economic development.
The discussions in Berlin also touched on the critical role of SMEs in driving economic growth, a theme that has been central to Obi's policy proposals. Participants examined how international partners can support Nigeria's private sector development, improve access to finance for small businesses, and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. The roundtable further explored ways to strengthen Nigeria's democratic institutions, enhance governance, and promote regional stability, recognising that these factors are essential for attracting foreign investment and fostering sustainable development.
Obi expressed gratitude to the European Council on Foreign Relations for the invitation and to all participants for what he described as a constructive exchange of ideas. "Conversations such as these remain vital in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening international cooperation, and building enduring partnerships for the benefit of Nigeria, Africa, and the global community," he said. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration, with participants acknowledging that Nigeria's success is not only a national priority but also a matter of strategic importance for the international community.
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