Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon Ahmed Satomi, has called on African nations to shift away from dependency on Western aid and instead harness the continent’s abundant resources to drive sustainable development and self-reliance.

Speaking during the 8th Conference of the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Committees in Abuja on Saturday, Satomi emphasized the urgent need for Africa to take ownership of its future.

“Africa must delete the mindset that we cannot progress without Western influence. We are blessed with immense human and natural resources. There is no justifiable reason for poverty to thrive on our continent,” the Borno lawmaker stated.

Calls for African Unity and Stronger Legislative Action

Satomi, who was also elected as the President of the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Committees for a two-year tenure, pledged to foster stronger collaboration among African nations to address the continent’s pressing issues, particularly security, youth unemployment, food insecurity, and weak industrial capacity.

• “With your support, we will reposition this network to reflect the voice and interests of the entire African continent,” he said. “Africa must rise as one and build a continent driven by its own values and strategic interests.”

The conference was organized in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation and the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, drawing lawmakers and security experts from across Africa.

Africa’s Untapped Economic and Demographic Potential

Highlighting the continent’s economic prospects, Satomi said Africa’s GDP is projected to grow by 4.1%, with Sub-Saharan Africa expected to expand by 3.5% in 2025 and 4.3% in 2027. He also described Africa’s booming youth population as both a challenge and an opportunity.

• “Every year, about 12 million young Africans enter the labour market, but only 3 million new formal jobs are created. This widening gap must be urgently addressed through homegrown policies and investments,” he noted.

Security and Development Are Interconnected

Satomi stressed the inseparable link between peace and prosperity, stating, “Without security, there is no peace. Without peace, there is no development. What Africa needs now is development.”

He criticized Africa’s dependence on imported goods, noting that over 90% of items used on the continent are made in Europe, Asia, or other foreign regions, describing it as a remnant of colonial influence.

Satomi Vows to Promote African Solutions and Integration

As president of the network, Satomi vowed to champion information sharing, regional cooperation, and strategic communication among member countries. He also pledged to support the implementation of policies that reflect Africa’s collective interests.

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• “We must use legislative influence to send strong, diplomatic messages about the direction we want our continent to go. Let us build laws that work for Africa—laws that support African industry, security, and identity,” he said.

Citing Libya’s collapse as an example of foreign interference, Satomi warned African nations to take lessons from past experiences and embrace unity.

• “Africa is expected to be the second-fastest-growing region globally. East Africa will lead this growth, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers us a historic opportunity to unlock prosperity through intra-African trade and economic integration.”

In closing, he urged African lawmakers and leaders to rise above political differences and stand together in shaping a bold, sovereign, and secure future for the continent.

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