The rapid escalation between Israel and Iran in the past 48 hours has reignited global fears of a wider regional war—with ripple effects already shaking oil markets, shipping routes, and diplomatic fault lines. At this critical moment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s leadership must not remain on the sidelines.

As the leader of Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Tinubu is uniquely positioned to shape a decisive African response that blends security, economic foresight, and diplomacy.

Security risks are real. As conflict intensifies in the Middle East, extremist elements across the Sahel and West Africa may exploit the vacuum to escalate regional insurgencies. Increased Houthi and Red Sea militant activity could also disrupt ECOWAS trade corridors. Nigeria must boost its intelligence coordination, maritime security, and work with Gulf and African navies to secure critical shipping routes.

On the economic front, global oil prices spiked by over 9%—which may benefit Nigeria’s oil revenues but simultaneously threatens domestic inflation. Tinubu should fast-track energy subsidy reforms, build strategic petroleum reserves, and deepen fiscal-monetary synergy to shield the Naira from global shocks.

But it is on the diplomatic stage where President Tinubu can truly step into a continental leadership role. TRAZ Intelligence and Security Solutions Ltd. recommends three urgent diplomatic actions:

1. Propose a “Global Energy and Conflict Response Fund” at the upcoming G7 Summit, aimed at insulating vulnerable economies from geopolitical energy disruptions.

2. Advocate for Africa’s inclusion in strategic global dialogues—especially on energy and security. The G7 must work with the African Union to co-create sustainable peace strategies.

3. Host an ECOWAS emergency virtual summit, offering Abuja as a neutral venue for a Middle East peace dialogue under the proposed African Peace Corridor Initiative. Nigeria can serve as a bridge between the Global South and conflict actors.

In times of chaos, leadership must not only react—it must anticipate and propose new frameworks for global peace and resilience. Africa is no longer a spectator. With Tinubu at the helm, Nigeria has an opportunity to anchor a new era of African diplomacy.

The world is watching. It’s time for Africa to lead.

Temitope Olodo is the CEO of TRAZ Intelligence and Security Solutions Limited