Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has recalled a time when Nigeria’s influence on the global stage was so strong that late U.S. President Jimmy Carter would not take any action in Africa without notifying Abuja.
Speaking yesterday at the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo highlighted Nigeria’s past diplomatic clout, drawing attention to how the country once shaped decisions on the continent.
“When I was Head of State, Carter never moved in Africa without informing us. They weren’t asking for permission, but they recognised our importance,” Obasanjo said, reflecting on Nigeria’s international stature during his tenure.
The revelation comes against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent outbursts in which he condemned ongoing killings in Nigeria and hinted at possible American military intervention if the Federal Government fails to check jihadist attacks.
Obasanjo, however, did not directly reference Trump in his remarks.
He said Nigeria’s global standing had briefly declined after independence but was restored during the Murtala-Obasanjo administration.
“From independence, the world saw Nigeria as Africa’s leader. That confidence dipped but was brought back when we took office,” he added.
At the youth-focused event themed “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East,” Obasanjo urged young Africans to take active leadership roles and challenge entrenched political systems.
“You are leaders of today, not tomorrow,” he told participants. “If you leave tomorrow in the hands of those who refuse to yield, your future is at risk. Be positively disruptive and claim your space.”
Citing the example of Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya and Nigeria’s own NotTooYoungToRun law, Obasanjo emphasised that youth empowerment must go beyond legislation and translate into action.
He warned that some young leaders already in government had not yet demonstrated the responsibility needed to be trusted with power, stressing that population alone does not equate to influence.
“Numbers are power, but numbers unused achieve nothing,” he said. “You must leverage your strength to shape leadership on the continent.”
Obasanjo’s reflections show a sharp contrast between Nigeria’s former diplomatic influence and the current security challenges, as calls for stronger international cooperation intensify.
Since Obasanjo left office, no sitting U.S. president has visited Nigeria, a development analysts say reflects a shift in Nigeria–U.S. engagement.
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