Nigeria US relations experts urge careful engagement, stressing national interest in security collaborations over dependence on foreign aid
Experts in international relations and political science at a roundtable on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos urged the Federal Government to exercise caution in seeking US assistance in combating terrorism.
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The session, themed “Nigeria–USA Relations: Matters Arising,” featured Prof Femi Otubanjo, Prof Hassan Saliu, Prof Funke Okoome, Prof Jibo Ibrahim, Prof Dapo Thomas, Magnus Onyibe, Prof Adele Jinadu and Prof Eghosa Osaghae.
The scholars stressed that while engagement with the United States is necessary, it should be guided by Nigeria’s strategic interests.
Prof Funke Okoome argued that US support is often transactional, with Washington pursuing its own business and geopolitical objectives.
She noted the government’s reliance on external pressure to act on security matters and called for Nigeria to proactively address terrorism and prosecute its sponsors.
Prof Dapo Thomas highlighted the absence of a permanent committee on Nigeria–US relations, noting that the current ad hoc arrangement led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was triggered only after President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Thomas warned that Nigeria lacks the capacity to counter a potential US strike and must therefore engage prudently.
Chairing the event, Prof Otubanjo pointed to a breakdown in government-to-government communication, forcing the US to seek information directly from citizens.
He emphasised that foreign assistance should not be assumed philanthropic and urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.
NIIA Director-General Prof Eghosa Osaghae supported continued engagement with the US while stressing that the government must demonstrate stronger resolve in addressing insecurity.
Magnus Onyibe also criticised the Tinubu administration for prioritising economic reforms over security and foreign relations until prompted by US intervention.
Prof Hassan Saliu described Nigeria–US relations as historically volatile, while Prof Jibo Ibrahim and Prof Adele Jinadu warned that Nigeria’s foreign policy focus on Africa was diminishing in favour of closer ties with France.
They called for stronger domestic leadership and a reassessment of national priorities in international diplomacy.
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The roundtable concluded with a consensus that Nigeria must navigate its relationship with the US carefully, ensuring that national interest and sovereignty remain central in all security collaborations.
