Introduction
The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical transition. The early twenty-first century’s largely unipolar system, dominated by the United States, is steadily giving way to a multipolar arrangement shaped by China, Russia, India, the European Union, the Gulf states, and an increasingly assertive group of regional powers. This evolving landscape is transforming global governance, economic partnerships, security structures, and ideological narratives.
As the world shifts from a unipolar to a multipolar order, we are reminded of the Hausa proverb, “Komai nisan jifa, ƙasa zai dawo” – no matter how far a thrown object flies, it will eventually return to the ground. Similarly, the Fulfulde saying, “Ko fowru ndiyam ndiyam, mo wi’i mo woni” – even if the river changes course, it still reaches its destination, underscores the inevitability of change and the need to navigate transitions wisely.
Africa is no longer a passive observer. The continent has become a key arena of strategic competition, with external powers seeking influence over energy resources, critical minerals, markets, maritime routes, information systems, and political direction. Among African states, Nigeria, with its large population, growing economy, and regional influence, is a central focus.
These global pressures intersect with domestic challenges. Governance crises, inadequate infrastructure, persistent insecurity, economic stagnation, and rising identity tensions complicate efforts to respond effectively. In Nigeria, religious and ethnic divisions increasingly intersect with geopolitical manoeuvres and information manipulation, creating a complex environment for policymakers and citizens alike.
Global Multipolar Competition
The defining feature of the current international order is the diffusion of power. China has expanded its global presence through economic strength, advanced manufacturing, digital capabilities, and investments in ports, railways, and mining industries, establishing a firm foothold in Africa. Russia continues to exert influence through military partnerships, energy diplomacy, and strategic alliances, particularly in countries experiencing political transitions or security challenges.
The United States and the European Union remain major actors, yet they now operate in a more competitive environment, where technology security, defence partnerships, and supply-chain resilience dominate policy considerations. Meanwhile, middle powers such as Iran, Pakistan, India, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil pursue assertive foreign policies, often navigating between competing blocs to advance their own interests. The result is a fluid world of overlapping alliances, competing ideologies, and unpredictable strategic manoeuvres.
Africa: The New Centre of Global Competition
Africa’s strategic significance has grown rapidly due to its demographic expansion, abundant natural resources, emerging markets, and geographic location. The continent holds significant reserves of cobalt, lithium, manganese, and other minerals essential for renewable energy and technological industries, attracting global attention.
Foreign actors are increasingly involved in constructing ports, railways, pipelines, and digital infrastructure. The control of data centres, fibre networks, and telecommunications has become a tool of influence, shaping political and economic decisions. Security partnerships have proliferated, with governments often balancing multiple foreign actors depending on shifting priorities. Coups, institutional weaknesses, and regional conflicts, particularly in the Sahel, create both development opportunities and risks of dependency on external powers.
Nigeria: Strategic Importance and Vulnerability
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, plays a pivotal role in regional diplomacy, trade, and security. Its oil and gas resources, combined with a youthful population and growing influence, make it a key focus for foreign engagement.
Yet the country faces layered security challenges. Insurgency and terrorism in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, ethno-religious violence in the Middle Belt, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and cybercrime all threaten stability and development. These challenges attract foreign military and technological partnerships, which present opportunities but also heighten geopolitical sensitivities.
Economic pressures, including inadequate infrastructure, fluctuating revenues, high unemployment, and rapid population growth, make strategic decision-making critical. As a country, Nigeria must navigate partnerships carefully to avoid dependency and to maximise the benefits of global engagement.
Religion, Identity and Ideological Contestation
Religion remains a central pillar of social identity across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where Islam and Christianity dominate. Faith communities provide resilience and cohesion, yet they are increasingly entwined with external influences. Religious networks, funding, education, and media are sometimes leveraged to advance geopolitical objectives, while online platforms amplify hate ideologies, misinformation, and sectarian narratives.
The intersection of religious, ethnic, and regional identity often intensifies political and economic competition. When combined with widespread economic hardship, these tensions create fertile ground for polarisation and conflict, which can be exploited by both domestic and foreign actors.
The Crisis of Youth Behaviour
Africa’s youth, representing the continent’s greatest potential asset, are increasingly confronting a crisis of direction and discipline. Millions of young people lack foresight and engagement with constructive activities. Instead, many become involved in substance abuse, petty crime, thuggery, and the use of abusive language online. This behaviour undermines both personal development and the broader future of their communities.
Drug abuse, particularly of synthetic substances and prescription medications, has risen sharply, fuelling crime, violence, and social instability. Unemployment, poverty, and the absence of mentorship have pushed some youths into cybercrime, cultism, and other illicit activities. Social media has amplified abusive discourse, toxic behaviour, and short-term thinking, discouraging responsibility and critical reflection.
If today’s youth are consumed by hopelessness and indiscipline, what kind of generation will they raise tomorrow? The values, behaviours, and priorities of young people today will shape the leaders, parents, and citizens of the next generation. Addressing this crisis requires strengthening families and communities, investing in education and skills development, implementing mentorship programmes, tackling substance abuse, creating meaningful economic opportunities, and promoting responsible social media engagement. Without deliberate intervention, Africa risks raising generations that inherit instability rather than prosperity.
Implication for the coming years
The multipolar world brings both challenges and opportunities for Africa. Global governance is fracturing as competing powers contest norms and influence. African states face pressure to choose sides, which may compromise strategic autonomy. Nigeria’s security environment may worsen if external actors exploit domestic divisions, while religious and ethnic polarisation could deepen under economic stress. New economic partnerships may emerge, but they require careful negotiation, and the risk of proxy conflicts increases as geopolitical tensions rise.
Conclusion
Africa and Nigeria face immense pressures, and many citizens understandably feel weary. Years of inadequate infrastructure, governance failures, persistent insecurity, and economic hardship have eroded public confidence. Yet this is not a moment for surrender.
The changing international order presents an opportunity to redefine Africa’s place, rebuild institutions, and reposition for prosperity. Nigeria, with its population, resources, and intellectual capital, is central to this endeavour. Folding our arms in the face of these challenges is not an option.
The continent must demand accountable governance, invest in human capital, rebuild infrastructure as a national duty, and confront insecurity through courage, regional cooperation, and technological innovation. Most importantly, Africans must refuse to lose hope. Hope is not naivety; it is a strategy. It is the belief that tomorrow can be better if we act with unity, responsibility, and purpose.
Africa is tired but not defeated, and Nigerians are frustrated but not finished. Our roads may be broken, our institutions strained, and insecurity deliberately intensified by internal and external forces. Yet no nation has ever risen by succumbing to despair. The global powers competing for influence on African soil make one thing clear: Africa matters. Now, it must matter to itself.
We cannot remain passive while our future is negotiated by others. We cannot be silent as our children inherit uncertainty. We cannot wait for foreign powers to resolve challenges only we can address. Our responsibility is to demand good governance, build our economies, protect our nations and identities from manipulation, and unite rather than divide. Above all, we must maintain hope – grounded in action, strengthened by unity, and persistent even in the face of adversity.
Nigeria and Africa will rise, not by the mercy of great powers, but through the determination of ‘we the people’.
©2025
Email: ahmadeesir214@gmail.com
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