In a previous article, I discussed what Nigeria could learn from President Biden’s foreign policy approach. While Biden’s strategies offer important lessons for diplomacy and multilateral partnerships, understanding former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy can provide an entirely different set of insights. This matters because countries don’t succeed by following just one path. By looking at both sides, Nigeria can build a balanced approach that focuses on its own interests while navigating global politics effectively.
Have you ever wondered how some countries seem to get better deals than others? The way Trump handled foreign policy, while sometimes controversial, proved that putting your country’s interests first can pay off. Here’s what Nigeria could learn from Trump’s strategies and apply for a brighter future.
Trump’s biggest idea was to put America first, making deals and decisions that directly benefited the U.S. Nigeria could do the same by prioritizing agreements and partnerships that truly help its economy and security. Instead of just following global trends, Nigeria should focus on what truly benefits its people.
Trump was known for using trade deals to boost the U.S. economy. Nigeria can take a page from this playbook by using its strengths in oil and agriculture to negotiate better deals. As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Nigeria could make smart agreements with big consumers like the U.S. and China. A “naira-for-crude” deal—where oil is sold in Nigeria’s currency—might even boost the naira and reduce dependency on foreign currency. However, there’s a catch: if trading partners see the naira as unstable, they could demand stricter terms or look elsewhere.
Trump also knew the power of one-on-one partnerships. Instead of waiting for huge, complicated international agreements, he focused on direct relationships. Nigeria could benefit from doing the same with powerful countries like the U.S., China, and those in the European Union. These ties can lead to more investments, better technology, and stronger military support.
When it came to security, Trump was all about taking a firm stand. Nigeria, facing challenges like terrorism and insurgency, could take a similar approach. Boosting military investments and forming strong partnerships would help Nigeria deal with threats more effectively. While outside help is great, Nigeria should also build up its own military to be self-sufficient.
Energy independence was another one of Trump’s big priorities, and it’s something Nigeria should consider. With vast oil and gas reserves, investing in local energy production could make the economy more stable and create jobs.
Despite his tough image, Trump knew that soft power matters too. Nigeria has a rich culture and Nollywood is famous worldwide. Promoting Nigerian culture could build international goodwill and attract tourism, boosting the economy in unexpected ways.
But not all advice is created equal. Institutions like the IMF and World Bank have given Nigeria suggestions that didn’t always fit. During the 2016 recession, IMF-recommended spending cuts led to hardships for many Nigerians. The Tinubu administration is also getting advice from international organizations as it tackles current economic issues like subsidy removals. But Nigeria shouldn’t follow this advice blindly. Policies need to be adapted to what works for Nigerians first, not just what looks good on paper.
Finally, working more closely with West African neighbors could help tackle shared challenges. And let’s not forget the power of the Nigerian diaspora. Encouraging Nigerians abroad to invest in local projects could bring in new ideas, funding, and opportunities.
One thing that has grossly held Nigeria back, however, is slow government processes. When things move at a snail’s pace, it frustrates investors and slows down progress. Add bribery and corruption to the mix, and it’s no wonder foreign investors might look elsewhere. Cutting down on red tape and fighting corruption could make Nigeria more attractive to investors.
By focusing on what works—strong partnerships, smart policies, and tackling challenges head-on—Nigeria could follow Trump’s example and put its own people first. That’s how the country can secure a stronger, more prosperous future.
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