By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

Under a potential second Trump presidency, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is likely to be shaped by Trump’s key policy priorities, which focus on trade, immigration, security, and reduced foreign aid. The relationship could experience both opportunities and challenges, depending on how policies align with Nigeria’s interests.

Predicted Positive Aspects

1. Economic and Trade Opportunities

Stronger Bilateral Trade Deals:
Trump’s preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral ones could lead to Nigeria negotiating better trade deals directly with the U.S., potentially boosting exports like oil, agricultural products,Security and textiles.

Oil and Gas Sector Collaboration:
Given Trump’s support for fossil fuels and Nigeria’s status as a major oil producer, there could be increased investment and technical collaboration in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Encouragement of Private Sector Investments:
Trump’s pro-business stance could encourage American companies to expand operations in Nigeria, particularly in tech, agriculture, and infrastructure.

African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA):
The U.S. may seek opportunities to benefit from Nigeria’s position within the AfCFTA, potentially leading to increased American business interests in the region.

2. Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Enhanced Military Support:
Trump prioritizes counterterrorism efforts, which could lead to increased military aid and intelligence-sharing to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies in Nigeria.

Sale of Military Equipment:
Nigeria may benefit from relaxed restrictions on the purchase of advanced U.S. military hardware, continuing previous deals on fighter jets and military training programs.

Stronger Diplomatic Engagement on Security:
Trump’s administration may prioritize security collaboration over human rights concerns, focusing more on combating terrorism rather than pressuring Nigeria on governance issues.

3. Reduced Pressure on Human Rights and Governance Issues

Unlike previous administrations, Trump’s foreign policy tends to focus more on national interests than human rights and democratic reforms. Nigeria might face less pressure on issues like corruption, press freedom, and governance reforms. This could allow Nigerian leaders greater flexibility in managing domestic affairs.

Predicted Challenges and Concerns

1. Stricter Immigration Policies

Visa Restrictions and Travel Bans:
Nigeria was previously included in the 2020 Trump-era travel ban, and a second Trump term may see stricter immigration policies affecting Nigerian students, tourists, and business travelers to the U.S.

Harsher Visa Conditions for Nigerians:
Work visas and student visas may become more difficult to obtain, impacting the large Nigerian diaspora and professionals seeking opportunities in the U.S.

Crackdown on Illegal Immigration:
The Trump administration could increase deportations of undocumented Nigerians living in the U.S., which could create diplomatic tensions.

2. Reduced Foreign Aid and Development Assistance

Trump’s “America First” policy often results in cuts to foreign aid. Nigeria could see reductions in funding for programs related to:

Healthcare (HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal health)

Education and youth empowerment programs

Climate change and environmental initiatives

Programs supported by USAID and international development bodies could face budget cuts, impacting Nigeria’s social development efforts.

3. Trade Protectionism and Economic Competition

Tariffs on Nigerian Exports:
Trump’s protectionist trade policies could impose tariffs or stricter conditions on Nigerian goods, making it harder for Nigerian businesses to compete in the U.S. market.

Energy Market Competition:
With Trump’s focus on boosting U.S. energy production, Nigeria’s oil exports to the U.S. may face stiffer competition from domestic shale production.

Loss of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) Benefits:
If Trump pushes to renegotiate trade agreements, Nigeria’s eligibility for tariff-free access to U.S. markets under AGOA could be affected.

4. Diplomatic Tensions Over LGBTQ+ and Religious Freedom Policies

Nigeria’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights might align with Trump’s domestic policies, reducing pressure on the Nigerian government to adopt progressive policies. However, this could further isolate Nigeria from other Western nations advocating for human rights.

Religious freedom policies promoted by the U.S. might put Nigeria under scrutiny regarding conflicts between Christian and Muslim communities, potentially leading to diplomatic challenges.

5. Potential Strategic Neglect of Africa

Trump’s foreign policy has historically placed little emphasis on Africa, focusing instead on China, Russia, and the Middle East.

Nigeria may struggle to gain significant diplomatic attention under a second Trump administration, leading to limited U.S. involvement in regional development and geopolitical challenges.

China could take advantage of reduced U.S. engagement by strengthening its influence in Nigeria through loans and infrastructure projects.

Summary: What Nigeria Should Expect Under Trump

Nigeria’s Possible Strategies Moving Forward

To navigate a Trump presidency effectively, Nigeria could:

1. Diversify Diplomatic Alliances: Strengthen ties with other global powers like the EU, China, and Russia to offset any potential neglect from the U.S.

2. Negotiate Bilateral Trade Deals: Seek favorable trade terms with the U.S. on specific industries such as agriculture, oil, and technology.

3. Strengthen Domestic Policies: Reduce reliance on U.S. aid by boosting internal economic development and governance reforms.

4. Enhance Diplomatic Engagement: Proactively engage with U.S. policymakers and lobby groups to advocate for favorable policies toward Nigeria.

Overall, the U.S.-Nigeria relationship under Trump 2.0 would likely be characterized by pragmatic engagement, focusing on security and economic cooperation, but with potential friction in areas such as immigration and development aid.

Banana Island, the epitome of luxury living in Africa, is facing a serious issue of illegal construction. Hon. Niyi Oyemade, a former lawmaker and commissioner for commerce and industry, has raised concerns about an unauthorized structure being built next to his family property. Despite multiple petitions to the authorities, the construction continues, compromising the structural integrity of his home and posing a danger to residents.

The former lawmaker, who represented the people of Ikeja at the State House of Assembly, claims that his house at 218 Close, Zone J, is directly affected by the construction. He has reported several violations and potential dangers associated with the building. This is aside from the fact that the new construction is encroaching on their property.

The ongoing construction has caused the collapse of his fence wall and instability in his home. Despite a stop-work order from an agency of the Lagos State Government, the building continues to rise. Environmental experts warn that the reclaimed land could pose future risks. The ex-lawmaker calls for urgent intervention to protect residents and maintain the island’s integrity.

The construction company involved, Attarhi Nigeria Limited, owned by Simeon Oladipo Adebo, Adedotun Rotimi Adeyemo, Obinna Anthony Chukwuneta, and Sower Sower And Messuarius Solicitors, has been reported for bypassing regulations. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities to maintain the safety and integrity of the community.

The prophetic hall of fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has called on the Mr . president to caution Kamal Yusuf (Assistant Special Duties) for trying to intimidate him and alleging that the police officers attached to him are fake.

Prophet Ikuru who was very furious at Kamal’s outburst insisted that he hasn’t done anything to warrant such treatment from Kamal because he  has always been a staunch supporter of Mr.president, even against all odds

“president Bola  Ahmed Tinubu need to come to my aid,I have done nothing to deserve this because i have always been for Mr president, just because a woman reported that i parked my car in front of a compound that nobody was living, when she complained ,i apologised and removed the cars ,kamal called me some hours later to threaten me that he will remove my police officers, that they are fake, please I’m appealing to the president to rescue me from the intimidation of Kamal,my police officers  are not fake as he alleged,he just want to use his federal power to oppress me”