In the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, which saw the return of former President Donald Trump, two prominent scholars have urged President Bola Tinubu to swiftly appoint a substantive Nigerian ambassador to Washington, D.C. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV, Professor Aminu Gusau, Visiting Scholar at the University of Kansas, and Professor Nimi Wariboko, Director of the African Studies Centre at Boston University, emphasized the importance of strong diplomatic representation to navigate the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Nigeria relations.
Professor Wariboko expressed concerns at Nigeria’s current lack of an ambassador in Washington. “It’s surprising that we still don’t have an ambassador in the United States. This needs to be addressed immediately, especially with the African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) set to expire next year. Trump previously indicated his intention to let AGOA expire, which could have severe economic consequences for African exporters, including Nigeria. We need an ambassador who can effectively lobby for its renewal,” he explained.
Wariboko also emphasized the need for Nigeria to leverage its diaspora in the U.S. as a strategic asset. “One of the ways Nigeria can deepen relations with the U.S. is by tapping into the vast Nigerian diaspora that has made significant strides in academia, technology, business, and politics. Our government needs to broaden its approach, engaging not only in government-to-government relations but also in people-to-people diplomacy,” he argued.
Professor Gusau reflected on Trump’s unexpected political comeback, stating, “No one could have anticipated that a previously impeached and convicted individual would return as President of the United States. Yet, the American people spoke and demanded change.” He noted that Trump’s re-emergence could have significant implications for Nigeria, depending on whether he adopts a different perspective from his previous term. “If it’s the same Trump we had from 2017 to 2020, there may be little hope,” Gusau remarked, expressing concerns about potential isolationist policies that could hinder bilateral trade and investment.
Discussing Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. under Trump, Professor Wariboko pointed out that while Trump’s transactional nature could present opportunities for collaboration, there are inherent risks. “Nigeria has a chance to recalibrate its relationship with the U.S. government. However, Trump’s focus is primarily on economically strong countries, which may leave Nigeria at a disadvantage. We may want him, but the real question is, does he want us?” Wariboko stated.
Both experts highlighted areas of concern and opportunity for Nigeria’s foreign policy. Professor Gusau recalled Trump’s previous support for Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, including the approval of military hardware sales. However, he cautioned about the potential economic impacts if Trump resumes his aggressive stance on immigration, as remittances from the Nigerian diaspora could decline sharply.
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Gusau called for a strategic shift in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, underscoring the need for strong and transformational leadership. “The world is evolving rapidly, and so must our approach. The Trump we see now may have developed a newfound emotional intelligence, as hinted in his recent speeches. We cannot remain passive; we need dynamic leaders who prioritize national interests over personal gains,” Gusau concluded.
Both experts were in agreement that Nigeria’s immediate priority should be appointing a capable and proactive ambassador to the U.S. to safeguard and advance the country’s interests in the face of an unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
