Vice President Kashim Shettima should refuse to leave New York until the UN adopts Nigeria’s Vision 2050 programme setting new African development goals that look like this

Ayo Akinfe

[1] By 2050, Nigeria is predicted to become the world’s third most populous nation after China and India. We owe it to humanity to also become the world’s third largest manufacturer by then. To avert a global catastrophe, Africa needs to account for at least 20% of global manufacturing by 2050

[2] By 2050, Africa must account for at least 20% of all electric cars manufactured worldwide. Once more, the continent is being left behind, so automobile companies need to be compelled by law to open African plants

[3] By 2050, Africa’s must account for the production of at least 20% of all pharmaceuticals worldwide. How can Africa be importing drugs for tropical diseases like malaria for heaven’s sake?

[4] Merging of African states must be encouraged as too many of these countries are weak and unviable. For instance, by 2050, Nigeria must have completed a merger with Niger Republic and converted its Sahara Desert into the world’s largest solar farm accounting for at least 30% of the world’s clean energy. I would like to see Cameroon and Benin Republic join this new Republic of Songhai

[5] Africa must by 2050, account for at least 50% of global tropical fruit production. This should make the country the major producer of crops like pineapples, papaya, mangoes, bananas, oranges, etc

[6] By 2050, Nigeria must be home to the world’s four largest cattle ranches, making her among the top three biggest beef producers globally. Nigeria must also become the world’s leading manufacturer of leather goods like belts, bags, sofas, conveyor belts, etc made from cattle hide. Global multinationals must be compelled to invest in Nigeria

[7] Africa by 2050 must account for at least 20% of global aircraft production. We cannot just be canon fodder and eternal consumers

[8] By 2050, Africa must account for at least 25% of global ship manufacturing. People forget that our continent is actually bang in the middle of the world and is the ideal location for such facilities

[9] By 2050, Africa must account for about 30% of global rail carriage manufacturing. There is very little international rail travel across Africa. We need to change this narrative with a major industrial plan

[10] Given our penchant for fashion, it is a crime against humanity that Nigeria is not the largest manufacturer of luxury goods. By 2050, we need to make one Nigerian city the new Milan of the world! Maybe Aba.

Ayoakinfe@gmail.com