Nigeria have had tremendous goodwill and presence in western Europe and United States since restoration of democracy in 1999. Successive United States presidents and western European leaders have accorded Nigerian presidents audience in the White House and same with other western European leaders in their capitals. Former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo secured debt forgiveness from western countries including United States under a consortium of creditors called The Paris Club to alleviate debt burden which was consuming 30-40 percent of Nigeria foreign earnings. The debt forgiveness was done to give Nigerian democracy a chance to survive. It was an outstanding achievement by former president Olusegun Obasanjo and his able Finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and sitting President, Barack Obama had in-debt knowledge of Nigeria and Africa in general and its geo-political and economic importance to Africa and the world since one in five Africans is a Nigerian. These presidents kept sharp eye on Nigeria through their embassy and regularly advise Nigerian presidents on the best way forward since 1999.
Well, I am sorry to relay to my Nigerian brethren that the long relationship Nigerian leaders have had with United States presidents will come to an end shortly. President elect, Donald Trump is a different person who knows little about Nigeria and Africa. He knows about north African countries because of his interest in the middle eastern unending wars and chaos. I am not even sure president elect Trump has been to South Africa where most westerners visit more than any other African countries. I know his kids goes to southern Africa for hunting. I do not think he has any property in any African country. Mr. Trump has a lot on his mind. His focus is on United States first and foremost, Europe and Asia. United States domestic concerns especially immigration and economy is at the top of his priority.
White House visit by President Buhari will not be happening anytime soon if at all. His interest in Nigeria will increase if Islamic state (ISIL) moves their operation to Nigeria or Boko Haram takes over Nigerian government. Those two scenarios are unlikely to happen. Nigerians will only see President Trump’s chartered commercial airplanes when they drop off deported Nigerians from United States at Murtala Muhammed airport in Lagos. Mr. Trump is unlikely to have any interest in Nigeria and Africa in general.
The good news is that these relationships and all the White House visits and audience Nigerian presidents have had with United State presidents have only had minimal benefit to Nigeria. United States use to import 4 to 7 percent of their oil consumption from Nigeria but that is no longer the case. United States are producing substantial part of their oil need and importing the rest from the middle east because they are less expensive than Nigeria higher quality Brent crude. So, Nigerians will not lose much in terms of tangible benefits during Trump presidency, thus one cannot lose what they do not have in the first place. The destiny of any nation is in the hand of their people so Nigerians should look inward and tackle their problems and quit looking for salvation from the outside. European leaders have a better understanding of Nigeria and their need so Nigeria relationship with Europe is likely to continue or get stronger.
I almost fell of my chair laughing when I heard that my Igbo brethren are jubilating that president Trump will support and help them breakaway from Nigeria and realize their long-standing dream of Biafra Republic. They are probably thinking that President Trump will support their cause because he supported United Kingdom’s exit from European Union. Stop wasting your time my Igbo brethren. It is very unlikely that president elect, Donald Trump knows anything about Biafra, let alone support their cause. Moreover, present elect Trump does not seem to support breakaway or disintegration of constituent parts of existing states especially developing countries whom he thinks will end up in wars, disaster and mismanagement. He was critical of Iraq war and appears to laments the demise of Saddam Hussein, not happy with the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and United States effort to overthrow president Assad of Syria. He appears to prefer strong men who will hold existing states together by force if necessary. He is likely to hold same or similar viewpoint when it comes to Nigeria.
So, my Nigerian brethren, president elect, Trump attention and concentration will be on United States, Europe and Asia which includes middle east. Nigeria and Africa should not expect much from Mr. Trump’s presidency. Some presidents are guided by their personal experiences and curiosity about different issues, ideas and Interest. Nigeria and Africa does not appear to be in orbit.