The dangers of being an import-dependent nation

BY OLUTIMI AYENI

A line from Rema’s recent album, “I’m not gonna take it easy on my haters…,” serves as a fitting metaphor for Israel’s actions towards the Palestinians and Hezbollah. Although I take no sides in the conflict and advocate for a peaceful resolution to end the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property.

I have seen harrowing footage of children with open scalps and lifeless bodies. It is, in every sense, gruesome.

This brings me to a pressing concern: the vulnerability of nations that are heavily reliant on imports. The recent explosion of pagers, portable devices, and even goats in Lebanon only deepens my fears.

Over the past week, I have read and watched various reports discussing the unconventional methods of warfare deployed against Hezbollah, reinforcing why Nigeria, along with other African nations, cannot afford to antagonise the West.

Previously, I wondered if there was an international mechanism or body that could prevent nations from poisoning others, particularly when we are so dependent on imports, even for something as vital as food. The answer, as one might expect, is an unequivocal “no.”

The pager explosions serve as a stark reminder that there are no global regulations to protect weaker nations from unconventional warfare tactics—anything goes during war.

This harsh reality underscores an urgent point: Nigeria, and by extension Africa, must intensify its efforts towards industrialisation, self-sufficiency, and value addition to the vast raw materials we possess. Only by doing so can we safeguard our future and the future of generations to come.

I am no supporter of President Buhari, but he was consistent with the ‘food security’ agenda throughout his tenure, and I believe its importance cannot be overstated. His vision, though often misunderstood, was rooted in the fundamental understanding that a nation unable to feed itself is perpetually vulnerable.

It is encouraging to see Nigeria’s recent progress, particularly with the operationalisation of the Dangote refinery, a bold step towards reducing our reliance on crude oil imports. However, we cannot stop there. This momentum must be expanded to other sectors, especially food production and the transformation of raw materials into finished goods. This is not just about economic security; it is about national survival.

Beyond the immediate benefits of job creation and economic diversification, such efforts will strengthen the value of our currency and enhance our bargaining power in the global arena.

Industrialisation is not a luxury but a necessity if Nigeria is to hold its own in an increasingly volatile world where alliances can shift, and supply chains can be weaponized as tools of geopolitical leverage.

In conclusion, the need for Africa to industrialise and achieve self-sufficiency in critical sectors, particularly food and energy, is not merely an aspiration; it is a strategic imperative. For far too long, African countries have been tethered to global supply chains that leave us at the mercy of external forces.

The recent events in Lebanon serve as a wake-up call—a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by import-dependent nations in times of conflict. We must act swiftly and decisively to build the infrastructure and industries necessary to secure our future.

Olutimi Ayeni wrote in from Lagos and can be reached via [email protected]