Lagos: A Professor of History and International Studies at Lagos State University (LASU), Abolade Adeniji, has said that the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict will have far-reaching implications on Nigeria and the entire Africa. He warned of potential economic and socio-political consequences.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeniji delivered a lecture organised by the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS), LASU, entitled: ‘USA-Israel-Iran Conflict: Implications for Africa and Nigeria in Particular’. He discussed how global perceptions of Iran are shaped by Western media narratives, which often do not fully reflect the country’s social and religious diversity.
Adeniji explained that Iran, historically known as Persia, was an ancient civilisation that contributed significantly to global development before Western dominance driven by scientific and technological advancement. He traced the origins of current hostilities between Iran and the U.S. back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of Shah Reza Pahlavi and established a theocratic government under Ayatollah Khomeini, transforming Iran’s relationship with the West.
The professor highlighted Iran’s support for groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which has deepened tensions with the U.S. and its allies, who view these actions as terrorism sponsorship. He also recounted the 1979 hostage crisis when American embassy staff were held in Tehran, further entrenching hostility between the two nations.
Adeniji further noted that U.S. economic sanctions have severely impacted Iran’s economy, leading to internal unrest. Attempts at diplomatic engagement, notably during former U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration, were reversed under Donald Trump, exacerbating tensions. He expressed concern over Africa’s lack of a unified stance on the conflict, with countries divided along ideological lines.
On Nigeria, Adeniji pointed out both economic benefits and challenges arising from the conflict, with rising oil prices boosting national revenue but also fueling inflation. He urged Nigeria to avoid actions that could exploit religious sentiments and strengthen military capacity to ensure transparency in managing increased oil revenues. Adeniji emphasized the need for governments to invest economic gains into public welfare.
Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, another speaker at the event, outlined the broader economic implications of the conflict, citing disruptions causing over 50 billion dollars in oil production losses and a surge in crude oil prices. He mentioned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had intensified inflationary pressures worldwide and led to significant human and economic losses.
Bakare noted the conflict’s impact on the U.S. economy, Israel’s infrastructure, and Iran’s economic stability. He warned that African countries face worsening inflation, weakened currencies, and increased import costs, with many experiencing food shortages and energy challenges.
Bakare urged prudent economic management to mitigate the conflict’s long-term effects on Nigeria and Africa, recommending investment in infrastructure to strengthen economic resilience. He highlighted Nigeria’s past failures to translate oil windfalls into sustainable development and cautioned against repeating such mistakes.
Prof. M.O.B Mohammed, Director of CGNS, LASU, in his welcome address, stressed the need for critical engagement on global conflicts and their implications for Africa and Nigeria. He noted the interconnectedness of the world and the far-reaching consequences of distant conflicts on global stability, energy markets, and diplomacy.
The event featured a multidisciplinary analysis of the conflict, with scholars examining its historical, geopolitical, and economic perspectives. Prof. Mohammed commended the guest speakers for their insights and thanked the LASU Vice-Chancellor for supporting initiatives that encourage critical thinking.