As U.S. President Donald Trump reshapes America’s foreign policy with an “America First” agenda, Nigeria is positioning itself to navigate the evolving international order.
Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs, has highlighted Nigeria’s comparative advantages over other African nations in adapting to these shifts.
In an interview with Arise TV, Oshodi addressed key concerns, including the potential impact of Trump’s policies on U.S.-Nigeria relations, foreign aid reductions, security cooperation, and economic diplomacy.
Nigeria’s response to U.S. Aid cuts
One of the immediate challenges posed by Trump’s foreign policy is the reduction in U.S. aid, particularly in health interventions such as HIV programs.
However, according to Oshodi, the Nigerian government has proactively allocated N4.8 billion to mitigate the impact of these cuts.
Oshodi said: “It’s a shock to everybody, and the Nigerian government has not taken a clear position yet. But President Tinubu’s administration acted swiftly to ensure there are no gaps in critical areas like healthcare.
“Everybody’s still watching the space and seeing how things evolve. But I know the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu has come out with N4.8 billion now to make up for any loss that Nigeria is receiving from U.S. support especially the fight against HIV and other health interventions that Americans may have been funded. So that’s encouraging, at least we’re jumping ahead to ensure that there’s no lack.
“I must say it was very fast. A lot of Nigerians were surprised that it looks like our government is thinking way ahead of time. It was a very swift policy.
“All the African countries are looking and scrambling to see how to adjust. And again, this U.S. is a suspension, as you said, for 90 days.
“So, it could be reversed, things could be amended. I think Nigeria has a comparative advantage over other African countries. The West, America needs Nigeria.
“We need them for our leadership role in Africa, in West Africa particularly, against the Sahel. American national interest and security interest are affected by issues happening around the Sahel, as you well know. And also Nigeria is a huge energy provider, stabilizing the cost of America’s consumption of energy.
“They are the biggest consumers. Nigeria is also helping in the security around the Gulf of Guinea, piracy, and things like that. But America can use Nigeria, and they do use Nigeria as a projection, as an extension of their foreign policy.
“So, America may not be too obvious in their footsteps and footprints around West Africa or Africa. And they need the leadership of countries like Nigeria to say, look, you know what, Nigeria, help us navigate this issue in West Africa, let us look at what’s happening there, help us check the Chinese counterweight. I mean like the Gulf of Guinea, which you just talked about, our navy is super strong.”
He emphasised that this rapid response demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to think ahead, setting an example for other African nations grappling with similar aid reductions.
Oshodi said the U.S.-led order, the rules-based order or the liberal international order, has been replaced with undiluted national interest, or the America First doctrine.
Nigeria’s strategic importance to the U.S.
Despite Trump’s shift from multilateralism, Oshodi emphasized that Nigeria remains a vital U.S. partner, especially in security and energy cooperation.
“America needs Nigeria. Our leadership role in Africa, our influence in West Africa, and our contributions to regional stability make us indispensable to their national security interests,” he explained.
“Nigeria plays a significant role in securing the Gulf of Guinea, combatting piracy, and stabilizing energy markets”, he said.
Diplomatic engagement and immigration policy
When asked about the Nigerian government’s engagement with Trump’s administration, Oshodi acknowledged that it is still in the early stages.
He pointed to historical precedent, noting that during Trump’s first term, his first African guest at the White House was former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
“America does not play with Nigeria. We are a major market, a security ally, and a democratic partner. I expect that the relationship between Trump and President Tinubu will develop in a positive direction,” Oshodi stated.
He said the recent US immigration issue on deportation is a domestic policy
“The issues of Nigerians in the diaspora living in the United States, that’s a different matter. You know, I’m not sure how it’s going to, l think it would affect any illegal immigrant or anybody seeking residency in America. It affects all nationalities. That has nothing to do with America’s or Nigeria’s foreign policy or Nigeria’s role in Africa”, he said.
Speaking on the Nigerian government’s relationship with President Trump, the presidential aide noted: “I think everybody is still watching. This is less than a month since the American president has been in charge.
“And I don’t think there’s anything unusual about that. But I can say again that America does not play with Nigeria. Nigeria’s interest, their interest aligns a lot with us.”
On the issue of a substantive ambassador in the U.S., Oshodi stated: “The issue of the presidency and the ambassador is very important. I can’t underplay that, but it is something the president is looking into. They have approved over 54 billion for the renovation and upkeep of the missions. We have diplomats and chargé d’affaires sent there, as well as consul generals, acting as a prelude to the ambassadors. So, I believe the ambassadors are coming very soon.”
“He added, “I’m quite sure about that. However, they’re waiting for the House to pass the budget. That’s not in the president’s hands. We must recognize the separation of powers between the presidency and the legislature House.”
On the issue of deportations, Oshodi clarified that U.S. immigration policy is a domestic matter and does not directly impact U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
However, he expressed concern over the treatment of deportees and called for humane procedures.
“It’s the way the Americans handle things,” he said. “We knew this was common with the Trump presidency. I’m pretty sure the Nigerians, Africans, and other immigrants living in America saw this coming. They voted for this president and this party, and now the policies they promised are being enacted.”
African unity and economic diplomacy
Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and South Africa over trade policies, there have been calls for African nations to take a unified stance.
When asked whether Nigeria would join South Africa in restricting mineral exports to the U.S., Oshodi dismissed the idea of severing trade ties but supported greater African coordination.
“Nigeria must focus on its national interest. We need to leverage what the West, China, and other powers require from us to maximize our economic and geopolitical gains,” he said.
Oshodi highlighted Tinubu’s strong push for economic diplomacy, citing his international engagements aimed at attracting investment and solidifying Nigeria’s global standing.
He said President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms are positioning Nigeria as an economic powerhouse from fiscal policies to foreign investments, these reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger global partnerships.
Looking ahead: Nigeria’s role in the new world order
As Trump’s administration moves away from traditional liberal foreign policies, Oshodi argued that Nigeria must adapt by emphasizing its strengths.
He said: “America needs a secure and stable energy supply. They need Nigeria for security cooperation in West Africa. They prefer African-led solutions to regional conflicts rather than deploying U.S. troops.
“Nigeria also plays a key role in global economic realignments, balancing relationships between the West, China, and emerging powers like India and Brazil. With a youthful population and vast natural resources, Nigeria is positioned to be a pivotal player in shaping Africa’s response to the new international order.
Oshodi also expressed confidence that Nigeria will navigate these changes strategically, ensuring its interests are protected in an era of shifting alliances and geopolitical recalibrations.
