A director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Professor Sam Amadi, has called for careful scrutiny by Nigeria when engaging with international bodies and other actors capable of external influence.
He says this will ensure that their interests aligns with Nigeria’s core values and development goals.
Amadi spoke during a stakeholder dialogue convened by Dataphyte Foundation, to address the complex nature of foreign influence and chart a course towards safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
He said, “It is essential to engage with international bodies but with caution. We must carefully scrutinize, filter, and transform external influences, ensuring they align with our values. Ultimately, we must develop our own identity and align with those who share common developmental goals. By setting our own agenda, we can shape the culture and norms that define us.
“This is not about whether they are bad or good people, it is that they come with an idea of democracy and they push that idea.
“So, conceptually, every funding for democracy is a projection of ideas for those who are funding it and it is an influence.
“The question is, is it legitimate or illegitimate? In many cases, it is legitimate interest influenced by changes in line with their Constitution or in line with the so-called international human rights provisions.
“In some cases, it is actually negative. It undermines political interests, but the solution is not to outlaw foreign funding, but to create capacity at home to also fund what they (donors) don’t fund”.
Director of Programmes, Dataphyte Foundation, Femi Amele, said the organization has worked extensively in documenting and doing researches around influences with their partners.
He said in an era of heightened global interconnectedness, Nigeria faces many challenges and opportunities stemming from foreign influence on its democratic values and institutions.
Some of the recommendations from the dialogue include recognition of the imperative to diversify economic partnerships to mitigate dependency risks while capitalizing on investment opportunities.
