The World Bank Presidency, Okonjo Iweala and the Nigerian Dream

As the World Bank prepares to choose its next president in a few days, the international media is inundated with updates of the interview process and the candidates. Somewhere in between the violence in Syria and the increasing woes of the economies in Europe, The world’s attention is without doubt drawn to debate as to who should lead the World Bank. The exceptionally qualified contenders Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister nominated by South- Africa (An interesting observation), Renowned economist Antonio  Ocampo and the Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim, a medical Doctor born in South Korea show that the world truly has changed and begins to question the informal agreements made between Europe and America.

Under an informal agreement, the US heads the World Bank while a European heads the IMF. While that has worked in the post World war II era, the realities of our changing world point to the fact that competence and not nationality should be the sole factor for choosing who leads the World bank. 

History has proven that a change in leadership, Staff and direction of the World Bank has the ability to impact greatly on the world. Can we quickly forget the change in policy direction of the bank between 1980 – 1989 when A. W. Clausen was president, the severe introduction of Structural Adjustment Policies lead to great suffering in the developing countries and as UNICEF put it, was responsible for "reduced health, nutritional and educational levels for tens of millions of children in Asia, Latin America, and Africa". I personally believe that Nigeria has not recovered from the blind implementation of this Policy.

The credibility and expertise of the candidates is not in doubt. Reflecting on her experiences living in the village, training in Harvard and being a world class economist, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala represents a formidable candidate that can truly lead the world bank, but the question is has she been successful with the handling of Nigeria’s economy. A plethora of government terms “NEEDS”, “7-Point Agenda”, “Vision 20-20” leave the citizens wondering when we can actually do away with media savvy acronyms and make policies that actually reflect the yearnings of millions of Nigerians, policies with that favor the masses. The reality is the Interests of western governments are all it seeks to protect in choosing the heads of the Breton-Woods institution and rightly so but my question always is, who protects Nigeria’s interest? What would we like to leave for our children and our grandchildren? When will these self seeking, greedy and myopic politicians see that you cannot provide jobs, enrich western countries and empower them with the stolen loot while millions of Nigerians are without food, clothing or work. With an external debt of $5.66 billion and a teeming population of 160 million, we can agree that the situation is indeed dire.

Would a Nigerian as the President of the World Bank make a difference to us? Maybe. Maybe not. The truth is, other than national pride, all we can do is hope that the policies of the bank become more global rather than western. The challenges we face in our country; Security, economic, developmental are enormous and ensuring we meet the goals of development is extremely important to our future. Development must not only be step by step but all things together. Dealing with corruption, solving the infrastructure challenges and the education and empowerment of Nigerians.

Some observers believe that the voting bloc may tow the line of the US in choosing the World Bank president. Perhaps there will be a deviation from the status quo. Whatever happens, there is not doubt that the face of our world and international policies has changed and that developing countries will ask, whose right it is to tell them when to develop, and how. The world is changing. It always is.

Still on Reciprocity.....

 The recent deportations of Nigerians by the South African government brings to the fore the multitude of inhuman treatment meted out to Nigerians in foreign countries. In the principle of reciprocity, I believe it is time the Federal Government review Nigeria's Foreign policy not only with South Africa but with all countries.
Kudos to Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa for making this case loud and clear. Her position has always been crystal clear. Nigerians should not be mistreated in other countries.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa

I do know for a fact that Africans in India staying for more than 180 days are mandated to take HIV test.This does not apply to other nationalities. Anyone who is HIV positive must leave India.

It is interesting to not that even Cote d' Ivoire our West African Neighbors also ask Nigerians to produce yellow fever card. I once heard stories of Nigerians quarantined and even deported in Mumbai, India even when they had the yellow card.

This among other policies show the uneven treatment to Nigerians and Africans by developed and developing countries alike. If we do not value ourselves, No country in the world will treat us with value.

If you would like to know how many foreigners come to Nigeria, Take a trip to our deprecating Airports (Story for another day). It would amaze you how many foreigners come here. And they are here as expatriates. Living in posh areas and forcing up the prices goods and services. They earn huge salaries, accommodation, feeding, transportation. The least we can get is to be treated fairly.

Our relationship with other countries must be on the basis of fairness, mutual respect and the economic growth of Nigeria. The simple truth is no one comes here because the love Nigeria. They are here for what they can get. Pure and Simple!

It is time to review on what basis we call ourselves friends. So we can decide who truly are our friends.

Nigerian Foreign Policy, Reciprocity and Lost Opportunities.

"Nigeria has no foreign policy" asserted a friend of mine who is a graduate of International Relations from one of the private universities in Nigeria. Although I vehemently refuted these claims based on my knowledge
of past roles in International Relations and the many often conflicting government policies, However, I often do ask myself, "Do you truly have what can be regarded has a worthwhile foreign policy?"  The answer I must admit does not come to me as easily as I would like.The foreign policies of developed countries are quite easy to understand.

 For the discerning observer of American or British politics, you can tell what line the government in power would likely tow. Democrats or Republican; Labor, Liberal Democrats or Conservatives, their foreign  policy or government thrust is often predictable by the party ideology 
and manifesto but in Nigeria, the ideologies, manifestos and leanings of governments and political parties are as murky as their growth they claim to bring.  No matter with American or British manifestos are, the 
unchanging policies of economic advancement, extension and expanse of the sphere of influence and the defense of their citizens well is a rock solid, unchangeable and unchallengeable part of them.

All over the world, Nigeria and Nigerians have been given all sorts of  names. Many of them uncomplimentary. Known for Scams of all forms, labeled as Corrupt, unstable and disjointed. Hardly is any news  article in a western media positive and it seems that only conflict, hunger and strife is the stories of Nigeria and Africans in general. Much of the reportage is true, and many more twisted out of proportion. I am not in doubt that to the average Nigerian citizen, The government is  insensitive, lackluster and corrupt but I believe with strong will and  enforcement, the solutions are possible. Slow yes, but possible.

Nigerians are murdered without actions being taken in different parts of  the world. Deported, Incarcerated, Mistreated in countries from Libya to  South Africa, China to Pakistan, America to Australia. While I accept 
that it is within the right of countries to deport illegal immigrants, My source of Ire is the harsh, callous and often unfair treatments of Nigeria and Nigerians and the greatest worry is the that the government 
seem to do NOTHING!

Even If we choose not implement any foreign policy, let the policy of reciprocity be a cardinal part of our government foreign policy. Reciprocity will let other Nations know that we are a serious country and that we value the life and well being of the citizens of the country. Recently House of Representative member, Rep. Abike Dabiri-Eruwa chairman for house committee on the diaspora advised the federal Government to implement this important policy.

Deportations, Incarcerations and unlawful murders of Nigerians in foreign countries should not be treated with levity by our government for even if we are trying to improve how we treat ourselves (Are we?) we should not allow other countries to treat us with disrespect.

Our foreign policy should have the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians at  heart.Its economic advancement, the improvement of our spheres of influence and the general well being of Nigerians. What General Ike Nwachukwu once described as 'Economic Diplomacy'
Recent events in the International community are clear indications that  should Nigeria can and should position herself to be a major player in the international politics and world events, it must be willing to tap into the opportunities created by the events occurring in today’s world.

Consider Turkey in its drive to become a major player in International politics especially in the Middle East (Despite its difficulty in joining the EU), Brazil expanding its sphere of influence through economic empowerment, increase in industries and its rising profile in world debates and China and its constant foray into developing countries and even offering free Chinese language courses in Nigeria. Let us not be deceive, the main concern of these countries is their Economic advancement and respect for the international community.

The face of the African landscape in international politics is changing.  Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa are taking the leading role, spearheading Africa's and African growth and the recognition of their growing influence in Agricultural expansion and extension, use of resources and military assistance. We must chart a newer and more beneficial course course and not play Ostrich.  Our resources, our population and the opportunities that exist make us  strategically located to take our place of pride in the African continent
and in the world.

Are we ready?