Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), David Aworawo, has stated that Nigeria no longer possesses the same charisma and capacity it held in the early 2000s.

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Aworawo criticized Nigeria’s recent approach within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighting missed opportunities and missteps.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s threat of military action against Niger following a successful coup, saying: “We don’t have anything close to what we did in the early 2000s under Obasanjo’s leadership.”

Aworawo urged the Tinubu administration to engage Nigerians with the capacity to advance the country’s standing globally. “We need a clear strategy and the will to implement it. Optimism is possible if those in power understand what must be done,” he added.