Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on Nigeria to take a leading role in driving Africa’s economic integration.

He emphasised the need for bold leadership and concrete action if Africa is to play an integral role in the comity of nations.

Speaking at an event hosted by the IBB Presidential Foundation in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, February 20, Akufo-Addo underscored Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa’s economic future.

“Nigeria, with its enormous economic and human potential, must play a leading role in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory. We must move beyond rhetoric and translate our ambitions for integration into tangible actions,” he stated.

The former ECOWAS Chair highlighted that Nigeria’s vast resources and regional influence position it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation stressing that if the continent is to break free from dependency on foreign aid to prioritise self-sufficiency, the West African giant must play an integral role.

“Our generation must develop the tools to resolve the tensions that exist between governance, economic development, and social stability,” he noted.

On governance, Nana Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his strong belief in democracy, citing Ghana’s track record of peaceful democratic transitions over the past three decades. He acknowledged former Nigerian military leader General Ibrahim Babangida for ultimately embracing democratic governance despite his military background.

“The fundamental question remains who confers legitimacy on a government? Is it an enlightened elite, or is it the ordinary people expressing their will freely?” he asked.

This, the former President expressed confidence in Africa’s democratic evolution, urging nations to strengthen their institutions while championing economic self-reliance.

He concluded by calling for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria as a cornerstone of Africa’s quest for economic independence and sustainable development.