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A renowned Nigerian professor has shed light on what he describes as the “real motives” behind recent verbal and diplomatic attacks by U.S. President Donald Trump against Nigeria. The academic, who spoke during a policy analysis session at the University of Lagos Centre for International Relations and Strategic Studies, argued that Trump’s repeated criticisms of Nigeria are deeply rooted in geopolitical strategy, resource competition, and migration politics, rather than purely humanitarian or religious concerns.
His remarks come after President Trump labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christians and recurring violence in the northern regions. The statement sparked outrage across Nigeria and drew reactions from political leaders, religious groups, and the diplomatic community, with many describing it as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s global reputation.
Background of Trump’s Criticism
Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has taken a renewed interest in Africa, though his policies continue to draw controversy. His administration has been particularly vocal about human rights, terrorism, and governance issues in Nigeria.
Recently, the U.S. President accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and threatened diplomatic sanctions unless urgent measures were taken. Trump’s statement followed reports of violent clashes between herders and farmers in parts of the Middle Belt and North-East, which have been described by some Western observers as religiously motivated.
However, Nigerian officials have consistently rejected this characterization, arguing that the conflicts are largely economic and environmental, not religious. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as “misleading and capable of fueling division.”
Professor Explains the Geopolitical Angle
According to Professor Adewale Oladipo, an international relations expert and former visiting scholar at Harvard University, Trump’s comments are part of a broader strategy to assert U.S. dominance in Africa, especially in regions where China and Russia have gained significant influence.
He explained that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, holds enormous strategic importance. “Any attempt to discredit Nigeria internationally weakens its influence in African diplomacy,” he said. “This makes it easier for the U.S. to push economic and security agendas that favor its interests.”
Professor Oladipo added that Trump’s comments often carry domestic political undertones, especially with the U.S. gearing up for another election cycle. “Religion and immigration are hot-button issues in American politics,” he noted. “By highlighting Christian persecution abroad, Trump appeals to the evangelical base that forms a significant part of his political support.”
Economic Competition and Oil Politics
Another major factor behind Trump’s criticism, according to the professor, is economic rivalry and energy security. Nigeria remains a key player in the global oil market, and its deepening economic ties with China, India, and Russia threaten traditional Western dominance in Africa’s resource sector.
“Over the last decade, Nigeria’s trade relations with non-Western powers have expanded dramatically,” Oladipo explained. “China has become one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, investing heavily in infrastructure, technology, and oil exploration. The U.S. sees this as a strategic loss.”
He asserted that Trump’s frequent moral and security criticisms often mask economic anxiety over losing influence in Nigeria’s lucrative markets. By framing Nigeria as unstable or unsafe, Western investors may hesitate to expand, giving the U.S. leverage to renegotiate trade and military cooperation agreements on its own terms.
Religious Narrative and Political Optics
The professor also warned against accepting the U.S. narrative at face value, calling it a “weaponized humanitarian agenda.” He explained that while religious freedom is important, the selective focus on Christian persecution in Nigeria distorts the complex realities of the country’s insecurity.
“Both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism and communal conflict,” he emphasized. “Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked mosques, markets, schools, and churches indiscriminately. Reducing it to a Christian persecution narrative ignores the broader humanitarian crisis.”
He added that by portraying the Nigerian government as failing to protect religious minorities, the Trump administration is positioning itself as a global defender of Christian rights, reinforcing a political message aimed at conservative American voters.
Diplomatic and Security Implications
Experts warn that Trump’s aggressive rhetoric could strain U.S.-Nigeria relations, especially in areas of security cooperation. The United States remains a key partner in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, providing intelligence support, training, and equipment.
However, the professor cautioned that diplomatic friction could hinder these collaborations if mutual respect is not maintained. “Nigeria is a sovereign state with its challenges,” he said. “Constructive partnership, not public condemnation, is what fosters stability and reform.”
The Nigerian government, on its part, has maintained a balanced tone, emphasizing that it values its relationship with the U.S. while rejecting narratives that misrepresent its internal challenges. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation reaffirmed that the government is committed to religious freedom, peacebuilding, and national unity.
Nigeria’s Response and Call for Balanced Engagement
In response to Trump’s remarks, several Nigerian scholars and civic leaders have urged the U.S. to adopt a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to its foreign policy toward Africa.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) welcomed international concern but insisted that Nigeria’s problems require collaboration, not condemnation. Muslim leaders, too, have called for unity and warned against external interference that could deepen domestic divisions.
Professor Oladipo concluded by stressing that while Nigeria must address internal governance and security lapses, it must also be vigilant against foreign manipulation disguised as moral advocacy.
“The real reason behind Trump’s constant attacks is not just about human rights—it’s about influence,” he stated. “Nigeria represents the heart of Africa. Whoever controls Nigeria’s narrative controls Africa’s image. That’s the real contest.”
A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria
The controversy has reignited discussions about Nigeria’s need to strengthen its foreign policy independence and media diplomacy. Analysts say the nation must do more to project accurate information about its challenges and successes to counter external distortions.
They argue that Nigeria should leverage platforms such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and UN agencies to assert its position on international issues rather than react defensively to Western criticism.
“Soft power is as important as military or economic strength,” Professor Oladipo said. “Nigeria must invest in public diplomacy, cultural exchange, and strategic communication to reclaim its global image.”
Conclusion
While President Trump’s attacks on Nigeria appear to stem from concerns about religious freedom and human rights, deeper analysis suggests they are intertwined with geopolitical strategy, economic rivalry, and domestic political motivations.
As Professor Oladipo and other experts have highlighted, Nigeria must respond not with anger but with strategic engagement—by strengthening governance, enhancing human rights protection, and asserting its rightful place as a regional power and global partner.
