US troops: Security lifeline or sovereignty gamble?

There are concerns over the recent deployment of the United States’ personnel and equipment to Nigeria, as part of President Donald Trump administration’s purported resolve to double down on counter-terrorism operations.  Citizens and experts are sharply divided on the propriety or otherwise of the US intervention, in view of what the Trump administration described as […]

There are concerns over the recent deployment of the United States’ personnel and equipment to Nigeria, as part of President Donald Trump administration’s purported resolve to double down on counter-terrorism operations. 

Citizens and experts are sharply divided on the propriety or otherwise of the US intervention, in view of what the Trump administration described as a move to halt “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria.  Analysts have raised concern over the fact that the details of the arrangement between Nigeria and the United States are not fully known to citizens.

Recently, there were reports that about 200 United States soldiers had been deployed to Nigeria, and were in Borno and Bauchi states. Weekend Trust could not independently confirm where they were stationed in these states or the nature of their operation, even though the military has stated that they were in the country to provide technical support.  Also, some commanders in the Theatres of operation who spoke to this newspaper said the US soldiers were not with them in the battle fields.

It would be recalled that on December 7, 2025, a United States Congressional delegation arrived in Abuja and met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. It was said that both countries intensified diplomatic engagement on security cooperation and rising concerns in Washington over allegations of religious persecution.

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The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance. According to the NSA, the discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–US strategic security partnership.

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu said.

And not long after that meeting, there was a US strike in Sokoto State.

Furthermore, the recent advisory compiled by the US’ House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs and submitted to the White House, which among other recommendations called for the abolition of Sharia in Nigeria, has prompted some analysts to express concern over the US’ growing interest in the country.

Credible sources within the Nigerian security architecture told Weekend Trust that while on the surface the US might appear to be trying to help by deploying its resources to address security challenges here, there is more than meets the eye.

One of the sources said that the real reason is allegedly “transactional” and ultimately meant to reinvent the USA’s declining influence in Africa through Nigeria.

“From what I gathered, the United States wants to achieve some goals, including dismantling the Nigeria’s long held belief in non-alignment,” one of the sources said.

“Nigeria is a huge asset in terms of wealth, mineral resources and population. Having Nigeria on its side in terms of security pacts, arms procurement and other businesses will compensate for some of the setbacks the US suffered in other places,” the source said.

“And to achieve this, there must be a strong window through which it can get deeply entrenched in Nigeria, and considering that insecurity has persisted here, the US used the opportunity to get the by-in of the Nigeria government which is desperately looking for the way out,” the source alleged.

And beyond the gains for the US or a win-win scenario for the two countries, those in favour of the deployment of the US troops believe it is the right thing to do, considering that since 2009, the Nigerian security forces have been struggling to tackle the menace of terrorism which sprung in the North East through the activities of the Boko Haram.

Seventeen years after and despite spending trillions of naira on procurement of arms and logistics, the insecurity that was hitherto confined to the North East has spilled to the North Central, and North West, where thousands of people have been killed.

 

Drones in the sky

One of our sources said the US had already deployed drones that are carrying out surveillance operation across Nigeria.

“The surveillance control room is based in the FCT and only the US operatives have the access code to see the information being gathered by the drones,” he said.

The source who alleged that some of the US troops are in Kainji area of Niger State and others in Bauchi, lamented that intelligence sharing is extremely limited.

He said the US troops keep much of what they get to themselves.“Kainji and Bauchi are the two bases earmarked for them to train our troops. Their intention is to have a drone base either in Kainji or Bauchi. 

“But they have not participated in any operation and have not provided any direct supply to our troops so far,” the source said.

“It is more of a strategy to have a base in Nigeria after losing out in the Republic of Niger than anything else,” the source alleged.

 

Don’t view US troops’ presence in Nigeria as abnormal, military tells critics

But the military high command, on Friday, urged critics and some stakeholders not to view the presence of troops deployed from the United States as something abnormal.

It also said that the assistance being provided for the Nigerian military by the United States is at no cost to the country, insisting that the sovereignty of Nigeria remains intact.

Responding to our correspondent’s enquiry at the Defence Headquarters, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said Nigerians should focus more on the value the US troops will add.

Onoja, a Major-General, said, “The whole essence of that assistance is to make sure that Nigeria has an environment that is conducive for all the citizens to be able to live in peace, free from the threats of terrorism.

“As you know, the American government’s policy is to ensure that they pursue terrorists anywhere in the world in order to secure their own national interest and national security.

“So, what they are doing is coming to our aid, to assist us, and it should not be considered abnormal”, adding that the number of personnel deployed does not matter.

According to the senior military officer, the cooperation in the last two months has already yielded positive outcomes, with more results expected in the coming days.

Onoja said that US personnel in the country are primarily engaged in training programmes, similar to arrangements where Nigerian officers travel abroad for training.

“Now, on the number of personnel, I want to give you an example. Do you know the number of personnel in DHQ? We don’t know exactly.

“But our leaders in DHQ are proceeding as normal, isn’t it? So, I think we should not focus on the number. What we should focus on is the value they are going to add to us. And I can tell you, in the last two months, they have done that.

“So, I think on that note, we should appreciate them and we should not criticize. The number is not an issue. You just rest assured that Nigeria’s territorial integrity, our national security is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty.

“Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. On the issue of interaction with U.S. personnel who are offering us training, they are only coming to offer us training.

“So, I’m not sure there is any basis for any media interaction with them. However, if the cost of offering the training is indeed for that, I believe we will be informed about that. But it’s just a training programme.

“We go for training abroad all the time, there is no basis for concern. We go for training abroad all the time. This is simply a training programme.

“If I go to America for training, American journalists know that you want to come and interact with me. You understand? So please, let’s look at things from the best of perspectives.

“It will work out well for Nigeria. Don’t worry. Now, the cost to the federal government… If I told you that there is no cost, would you accept it? There is no cost. The American government is interested in combating terrorism,” he said.

He also assured that the military leadership, including theatre commanders and chief security officers in affected areas, remain on top of the security situation and are taking necessary steps to prevent further attacks.

Onoja called on the media to report security developments responsibly, noting that excessive publicity of terrorist activities could serve the interests of insurgents by spreading panic.

Before yesterday’s clarification by the military, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, had said that the deployment of the US troops was aimed at addressing clearly defined military training requirements as well as providing technical support and intelligence-sharing assistance.

Maj. Gen. Uba said the US personnel are not combat forces, but technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity, adding that all training activities would be conducted “under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

Meanwhile, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), a Sahel-focused Terrorism tracker and analyst, Brant Philip, with the user name @BrantPhilip_, gave an account of the US imminent operation in Nigeria with pictures, stating that six US helicopters landed in Ghana before proceeding to Nigeria.

“US Air Force C-17A (reg. 07-7187) heavy lifter landed in Accra, Ghana today (February 18), originally from Ramstein Air Base, it will almost certainly continue to Maiduguri NAF Airbase later on,” Philip wrote.

In an earlier post, he spoke about a heavy US military build-up in Nigeria “in preparation of a potential US-backed offensive against Islamic State affiliate ISWAP in northeast Nigeria.”

“Between February 6 and 14, six US Air Force cargo planes landed in West Africa, all of them stopping in Accra, Ghana first. Five of them landed later on in Nigerian Air Force bases, while the sixth aircraft only arrived today and will likely follow the route towards the northeast as well.

“-1x C-17A [plane] to Kainji Airbase, -1x C-130J-30 to Maiduguri Airbase, Borno, -3x C-17A to Maiduguri Airbase, Borno. All of them left the respective bases on the same day they landed. Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the primary base of operations for supporting the Nigerian Army against ISWAP. This is a critical location as the IS affiliate currently controls most of Borno State rural areas,” the analyst added. 

Philip further explained that the volume of the delivery and the type of aircraft used by the USAF indicated that very heavy equipment was being sent to Maiduguri Airbase, saying, “I suspect at least one or more MQ-9 Reaper drones, attack helicopters and of course a large number of US troops.”

New York Times also reports that three planes were seen at the Maiduguri base on February 13, with equipment being offloaded from one. The newspaper cited a US Defense Department official who said a stream of C-17 (cargo) planes would be deployed in three main locations across Nigeria.

 

Previous US military support to Nigeria

Shortly after the abduction of about 300 Chibok schoolgirls in April 2014, the US pledged on-the-ground technical assistance and expanded intelligence sharing to the Nigerian government.

In May that year, the US dispatched a multi-disciplinary team to Nigeria to advise the government on how to secure the safe return of the victims, encourage a comprehensive approach to address insecurity and establish a capacity to respond more effectively in the future. 

The team comprised civilian and humanitarian experts, US military personnel, law enforcement advisors and investigators, as well experts in hostage negotiations, strategic communications, civilian security and intelligence.

Nigeria is a party to the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) set up by the US government to counter violent extremism, strengthen financial controls and build law enforcement and security sector capacity. In 2014, the State and Defense Departments of the US launched a $40 million Global Security Contingency Fund for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger to fight Boko Haram. 

The Office of the White House Press Secretary said in a statement that the programme would provide technical expertise, training and equipment to the four countries to develop institutional and tactical capabilities to enhance their respective efforts to counter Boko Harm terrorists and lay the groundwork for increased cross-border cooperation.

A 2025 report by the Department of States detailed military assistance the US had rendered to Nigeria in prosecuting the insurgency war. It revealed that the Department of State provided Nigeria with one of the highest International Military Education and Training (IMET) allocations in sub-Saharan Africa, with about $5 million committed from 2019 to 2023.

The report further showed that Nigeria, as a partner in the Africa Military Education Programme (AMEP) funded by the US, had received about $500,000 since 2016 to support instructor and curriculum development at Nigerian military schools. 

“From FY 2016 to FY 2020, $1.8 million was obligated for Nigeria in Foreign Military Financing to support maritime security, military professionalization, and counterterrorism efforts.  Nigeria is an active member of the TSCTP and has benefitted over $8 million worth of training, equipment and advisory support for counterterrorism efforts between FY 2019-FY 2023,” the report added.

It disclosed that the US has $590 million in active government-to-government sales cases with Nigeria under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system that facilitated sales of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft worth $497 million in 2017 to support Nigerian military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP. 

“The case included special training on International Humanitarian Law, including an Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) program designed to provide institutional and technical training to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to mitigate the risk of civilian harm incidents. In August of last year (2024), Nigeria delivered the first payment for 12 AH-1Z Attack Helicopters worth a total of $997 million. The FMS case includes an additional $25 million of funding allocated for Nigeria’s AGI program, which continues to train the AFN on developing targeting processes that are legally compliant with International Humanitarian Law,” the report stated.

Between 2018 and 2022, the US also authorised permanent transfer of over $53 million in defense articles to Nigeria via the Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) process. The top three categories of the deal were Fire Control, Laser, Imaging, and Guidance Equipment; Firearms and Related Articles; and Guns and Armament.

Under the Excess Defense Articles programme, Nigeria also received $15 million in defense articles, including 24 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and two Hamilton-class U.S. Coast Guard high endurance cutters – the USCGC Chase and USCGC Gallatin, which are among the largest ships in the US Coast Guard.

“In March 2017, the Department of Defense donated demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment to Nigeria and provides mine action training for Nigeria’s EOD teams at the Nigerian School of Military Engineering…Nigeria participates in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises with the United States, to include African Lion, Flintlock and Obangame Express,” it added.

 

Falana, Jibrin, Bugaje, others condemn US military presence in Nigeria

In a statement jointly signed by Femi Falana (SAN), Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Dr Dauda Garuba, Prof Massaud Omar, Prof Mohammed Kuna, Engr YZ Ya’u, and Dr Usman Bugaje, recently, they recalled Nigeria’s historical resistance to foreign military domination and warned against what they described as a creeping neo-colonial arrangement.

“Nigeria’s history is replete with principled resistance to foreign military domination. At critical moments, our leaders—civilian and military alike—have asserted our sovereignty and rejected external interference. That legacy must not be abandoned,” the statement said.

They recalled the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact of 1960, which was abolished in 1962, following widespread public opposition. “Political independence without military sovereignty is incomplete,” the statement noted, stressing that Nigerians had always resisted external interference in military affairs.

The group also cited Nigeria’s role in rejecting American pressure during the 1976 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit on Angola.

“At the time, General Murtala Mohammed famously declared that “Africa has come of age and would no longer operate under the orbit of any extra-continental power”’, his words were not mere rhetoric but a declaration of continental dignity and sovereign equality.”

The signatories highlighted what they described as a troubling pattern of attempts to impose military agreements on Nigeria. “In 2001, a proposed Military Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Nigeria was withdrawn after strong opposition from Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence,” they recalled.

Similarly, in 2003, Nigeria signed a Bilateral Immunity Agreement (BIA) with the United States, shielding American citizens from surrender to the International Criminal Court. “By 2005, the Nigerian Senate nullified the agreement, citing constitutional violations and inconsistency with the Rome Statute,” the group said.

“These episodes demonstrate a consistent national principle: foreign military arrangements must comply with Nigeria’s Constitution and must never compromise our sovereignty,” they added.

They cited Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that no treaty between Nigeria and another country shall have the force of law unless enacted by the National Assembly.

They also rejected any suggestion that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are incapable of defending the country. “Nigeria’s Armed Forces have a distinguished record in international peacekeeping under the United Nations and the African Union,” it said, citing Nigeria’s leading role in ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“Rather than outsourcing our security, Nigeria should fully equip and modernise the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces, strengthen intelligence coordination, improve welfare and morale of troops, invest in domestic defence production, and address socio-economic drivers of insecurity.”

They warned that sovereignty is not a ceremonial concept but the foundation of statehood.

 

US intervention support without internal changes needless – Dr Adamu

Dr Kabiru Adamu, a security consultant and Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, said the deployment is a significant development that indicates expanded security and defense cooperation between Nigeria and the US and de-escalates the tension created in the wake of President Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

He, however, cautioned that the US military presence cannot stamp out terrorism in Nigeria, saying, “The responsibility of addressing insecurity challenges lies squarely with the Nigerian government.

“It cannot outsource that to a foreign country. As long as Nigeria does not address its own institutional and structural challenges, no foreign country can help it out of its challenges. The foreign country can support it, it can provide equipment, but it would only be cosmetic and in this instance what we hear is that the US military support is on training and intelligence sharing, so there is no conversation around addressing the root causes of insecurity: poverty, unemployment, climate change, the attitude of our political class and our own attitude as Nigerians,” he stated.

Dr. Adamu explained that Nigeria’s partnership with the US and other countries on counter-terrorism represents one leg of three pillars of the national security apparatus. He maintained that the US intervention would achieve little or no results if the government failed to strengthen its security organisations, the instruments that bind them and foster national unity.

“For example, how old is our national security strategy now? It was introduced in 2019. We are in 2026 and have not updated it. Our defence policy, I think, was introduced in 2017. As long as we don’t strengthen those components, there is no partnership that would get us out of this challenge that we are in.

“Added to that is our national powers. What recognises and strengthens our national powers is our own unity and cohesion. But if we don’t strengthen our unity and cohesion as a country, then we are just beating around the bush,” he said.

A former Chief of Training and Planning, General Ishola Williams (retd), agreed with Dr. Adamu. He noted that the US has always been helping Nigeria, especially with intelligence and sales of equipment worth millions of dollars, wondering what is novel about the current assistance.

He said, “Except, if they are going to join our troops in fighting, and if they are going to do that, it’s a shame on us. How long are they going to do that? Are they going to stay here forever? If for the past 15 years we cannot defeat Boko Haram and there is an increase in banditry, criminality and things like that, how long are they going to stay?

“What we need to ask our armed forces is this: For the periods US, France, UK and others have come here, is it that our armed forces did not learn anything from them for us to be able to be on our own with the equipment we are buying from them? The point is that we are not serious people. We need to sit down and ask what our weaknesses are, politically and militarily and how do we devise our own solutions.”

The ex-General wondered what the military had been doing with budgetary allocations running into trillions of naira and multi-million dollar equipment bought from the US over the years. 

This paper had reported that Nigeria allocated N12.6 trillion to the Ministry of Defence from 2009 to 2025.

“For this year, N5.6 trillion was budgeted for defense over education and health of the people. So, any serious-thinking Nigerian will ask you what wonder you want the US troops to perform? We have been buying equipment worth millions of dollars, including Tucano and others. So if we have not used them to be able to win an insurgency, what equipment are they (the US) going to bring?

“Let’s even say that they succeed, won’t they withdraw one day? Something is wrong with us and we are not trying to find solutions to our own problems. Politically, the politicians are looking for a quick solution,” he added.

General Williams explained that a political solution to insecurity is true federalism, which shifts power from the centre and enables the states to control their resources.

“Instead, the federal government is looking for a way to get more money from the states to share. Why do we need someone to share the money? Why can’t people keep their own money and then contribute to the centre? Do that for Nigeria and there will be no problem.

“When it comes to killings, we need the state and community policing. If the community policing system is working, the intelligence system too will be strengthened because the community will provide intelligence for their own community police and for the state police,” he concluded.

But a fellow of the Institute of Security Nigeria, Mr. Chigozie Ubani, said Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups are too complex for the Nigerian military to handle due to what he called an inefficient intelligence system. 

He expressed confidence that the deployment of the US equipment and personnel would rally intelligence to fish out those sabotaging the efforts of the federal government in quelling terrorism.  

“Intelligence fails the moment you have soldiers who are determined to quell insurgency or terrorism and there is sabotage from within. It is long overdue to bring in foreign intervention. So, their coming is welcome, whether they have come to train or they have come to fight. Whatever they have come to do, let these terrorists understand that other countries can join forces with Nigeria.

“When you are overwhelmed, you become helpless. That is what has been happening. Let them stay here a while, join the forces, hit these guys, minimise and deflate them and then help us with intelligence. We need to know who is sabotaging the Nigerian military. We need to know who is involved.

“Once your intelligence is flawed, you are going to fumble. But, if your intelligence is right and it is properly managed, believe me your operations will come with precision. So, a lot of difference will be made if we allow them to operate here for a while,” Ubani said.

 

US military presence must be well managed — Prof Akinterinwa

A former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIS), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, welcomed the US presence because it has the backing of the Nigerian government to help tackle insecurity in the country. He, however, warned of stronger resistance from terrorists if the counter-terrorism operations were not effectively managed.  

“Order and counter-order always amount to disorder. When there is an order, it is by one party and the other side gives a counter-order. Order and counter-order must first amount to an encounter. But when you do not manage the encounter very well, it turns into disorder. So, in this case, America’s presence in coming to train Nigerians to fight is a pointer to disorderliness in the future because the Americans want to help maintain national unity, whereas the people they are fighting are not interested in national unity, which is the counter-order and they will be fighting back.

“So, the Nigerian and American orders battle the counter-order of the terrorists. The outcome cannot but be a disorder. The American soldiers coming in to help is an expression of encounter. Order and counter order  amount to an encounter. But when you are not able to competently and professionally manage the encounter, then the outcome cannot but be a disorder,” he said.

 

Plans to dismantle Nigeria’s non-alignment stand

Other sources told the Weekend Trust that the US also wants to dislodge China and Russia in terms of strategic partnership with Nigeria.

The source said, “For many years, Nigeria has maintained a non-aligned policy to ensure independence in foreign affairs, refusing to join military blocs and maintaining diplomatic ties with both Eastern and Western nations but this is being dismantled by the actions and utterances of the US which our government is swallowing bit –by-bit.”

Findings revealed that the non-aligned movement was founded during the Cold War to avoid siding with the USA or the Soviet Union, as it focuses on issues like anti-colonialism, development, and non-interference.

Although Nigeria adopted a policy of non-alignment upon its independence in 1960, its formal, active engagement and participation in the movement’s summits began with the 2nd Summit held in Cairo, Egypt, from October 5–10, 1964.

“But what the US wants now is to ensure that it gets Nigeria 100 per cent on its side by distancing it away especially from China,” the source said.

He cited the recent new bill in the US House of Representatives that seeks to have the US Secretary of State collaborate with Nigeria to counter what lawmakers describe as the destabilising impact of illegal Chinese mining operations in the country.

The “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” was introduced by five Republican lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The sponsors allege that some Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have been paying protection money to Fulani militias, fuelling local violence and insecurity.”

A historian, who does not want his mentioned also, alleged that some of the things that the US wants Nigeria to do are part of the grand plan to balkanise Nigeria.

“We are in a trying moment, honestly,” he said.

“Since the time of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the US and United Kingdom wanted to have their bases in Nigeria but they were denied.

“It is unfortunate that we are inching towards that now and the ultimate goal will not be good for both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria,” he said.

Part of what the US lawmakers wants President Trump to do is to call for repeal of Sharia codes and blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states.

They urged the Trump’s administration to leverage its position to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, potentially by blocking beef exports to countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Senegal.

To counter the influence of extremist groups, the lawmakers called on the government to allow farmers engage in legitimate self-defence and also implement programmes to disrupt terrorist financing networks.

Additionally, the Congress recommended divesting from Russian military equipment for American military equipment and countering Chinese influence in Nigeria, especially “their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

They further recommended that the US should require a “GAO audit report” on the effectiveness of aid to Nigeria to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

The lawmakers urged the US government to withhold certain U.S. funds, pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to stop violence against Christians, while working with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to end the atrocities against Christians.

The historian opined that once implemented, the recommendations taken to the Trump by the lawmakers will lead to chaos.

“When some people are allowed to legitimately carry arms, everyone will also carry arms and war will break among Muslims and Christians which will lead to the end of Nigeria.

“The US has lost out at the international economic level and they want to recover the lost ground here in Nigeria. All these are being done without the approval of the National Assembly,” he alleged.

Weekend Trust reports that as of late 2025 and early 2026, bilateral trade between China and Nigeria had surpassed $22 billion, with some reports putting the figure between $21.9 billion and $22.3 billion, making China Nigeria’s largest trading partner.

During the same period, direct investment from China to Nigeria rose by about 130 per cent, with major inflows directed at infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and, more recently, industrial and mineral development.

In the area of infrastructure, Chinese firms have maintained extensive involvement in railway projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri and Kano-Ibadan lines. They are also participating in the development of deep-sea ports such as Lekki, as well as airport terminals and major road construction projects across the country.

In industrial development and manufacturing, Chinese investments have supported the establishment of factories and Free Trade Zones aimed at promoting local production and boosting exports.

The energy and power sector has also attracted significant Chinese investment, particularly in power generation projects, including the Zungeru hydroelectric project and renewable energy initiatives.

In addition, China has shown increasing interest in Nigeria’s mining sector, with targeted investments in the extraction and processing of minerals such as iron ore and bauxite.

Cooperation between the two countries has further expanded into the digital economy, with partnerships in digital communication and ICT infrastructure development.

In contrast, the volume of bilateral trade between Nigeria and the United States is significantly smaller than the trade between Nigeria and China.

In 2024, total trade (goods and services) between the United States and Nigeria was estimated at about $13 billion, with U.S. goods and services trade alone around $13.0 billion.

On the other hand, the business and trade relationship between Nigeria and Russia is much smaller than Nigeria’s trade with the United States and especially China.

Latest available data show that Nigeria’s total exports to Russia were only about $1.5 million in 2024, while imports from Russia were around $676 million in the same year, mostly in mineral fuels, cereals and fertilisers, bringing the total trade value well below $1 billion. But despite that, Russia is said to be gradually making inroads in Nigeria.