West Africa magazine2025-11-192025-11-191972-04-21https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/handle/20.500.14186/2346The Issue 2862 of West Africa Magazine (week ending 21st April 1972) serves up bold headlines and hard truths. Published in London and Nigeria, it spotlights Nigeria’s economic nationalism (commanding heights strategy under Shehu Shagari), global diplomacy (UNCTAD III in Santiago), and regional challenges. Plus: a Congo insider’s memoir reviewed, Liberia’s tough-love economic reforms, and Ghana’s brewing food crisis. Highlights include Nigeria’s push for control via Alhaji Shagari’s fiscal plans; UNCTAD III draws thousands to Chile, with Africa playing “angels” amid global tensions; and Books praises Thomas Kanza’s Conflict in the Congo for insider grit. Elsewhere: Liberia wins cautious praise for repaying debts (Steve’s medicine), while Ghana faces reprisals over looming food shortages (Dateline Africa). A heady mix of optimism, realism, and warnings think Cold War intrigue over coffee.■ Nigeria's commanding heights: Step-by-step the Nigerian government is ensuring that as the Federal Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Shehu Shagari ■ UNCTAD: African angels for Santiago-Di-Chile- Some 3,000 delegates from 140 countries and 40 international agencies were expected to attend the third U.M ■ Books and publications: The Kanza version- Conflict in the Congo by Thomas R. Kanza ■ Liberia:Steve's medicine-Though Liberia is still in serious financial trouble foreign creditors are impressed by her efforts to meet her obligations ■ Dateline Africa: Ghana-Food shortage warning- Some international financial organisations might take reprisals against GhanaenArticle