IRAA Faults Nextier Report on Nigeria’s Diplomatic Influence
The International Relations and Affairs Alliance (IRAA) has strongly criticized a recent report by policy research firm Nextier, which claims that Nigeria’s diplomatic influence is waning due to rising youth unemployment.
In a statement signed by the leader of the alliance, Mrs. Adewusi Bakare, IRAA dismissed the report as “misleading and reductionist,” arguing that it oversimplifies the factors that determine global diplomatic influence.
“The idea that youth unemployment alone is responsible for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing is not only flawed but also ignores the realities of international relations,” Bakare stated. “Diplomatic influence is driven by strategic alliances, economic contributions, military capabilities, and historical positioning—not just domestic employment statistics.”
IRAA emphasized that despite internal challenges, Nigeria remains a dominant force in African and global diplomacy. The alliance highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS, its role in regional security, and its influence in OPEC as clear indicators of its continued relevance on the world stage.
“The claim that Nigeria’s passivity is undermining Africa’s collective bargaining power is unfounded,” Bakare added. “Africa’s global influence is shaped by a coalition of nations, including South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. While Nigeria plays a crucial role, it is not the sole determinant of Africa’s standing.”
IRAA also dismissed Nextier’s argument that Nigeria’s ambition for a permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat is being threatened by domestic unemployment. The alliance pointed out that UNSC reform is primarily a political issue, controlled by the five permanent members who have historically resisted expansion, regardless of a country’s economic or social challenges.
“Even if Nigeria eliminated unemployment overnight, it would still face the same geopolitical hurdles in securing a permanent seat,” Bakare stated. “The real challenge lies in global power dynamics, not internal job markets.”
The alliance further noted that many leading global powers, including the United States, China, and France, grapple with significant domestic challenges, yet their diplomatic influence remains intact. According to IRAA, the expectation that Nigeria must resolve every internal issue before being considered a serious global player is both unrealistic and unfairly applied to African nations.
“The Nextier report does a disservice to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts by focusing on a narrow and incomplete narrative,” Bakare concluded. “Nigeria continues to be a formidable force in international affairs, and its influence should not be undermined by a simplistic analysis of its internal challenges.”
IRAA called for a more balanced assessment of Nigeria’s global standing, urging policymakers and analysts to recognize the complex factors that shape diplomatic power rather than reducing it to domestic economic struggles.
