Nigerian Government Begins Training: 50 lawmakers to study Trump’s policy while insecurity worsens
By: Abudu Olalekan
Exclusive: Finance Ministry invites 50 Nigerian senators and reps for Trump-era US policy training, as terror attacks rise. Critics call it a misstep in crisis times.
It started with a quiet memo. Slipped into the halls of power. From the Ministry of Finance. Dated November 17, 2025. Fancy reference: FMF/HMS/CORRS/01/VOL.1/112. Addressed straight to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Signed by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State. Inviting 50 lawmakers—senators, House reps—to a two-day gig. “High-Level Policy Training on American Foreign Policy Under the Donald Trump Administration.” Arrangements? All set. Happening Friday, November 21, right through Saturday the 22nd. At the National Assembly Complex, no less. But Nigeria? It’s on fire. Terror ripping through schools. Churches under siege. And this? Training on chatting up the US? Outrage hit like thunder. Reportersroom snagged the invite. Folks lost it.
“They’re joking, right?” one critic grumbled on a call. Voice sharp. “Insecurity’s everywhere. Bandits. Terrorists. And senators learning to negotiate with America? Priorities, man.” Yeah. Spot on. The letter’s all business. “Further to our earlier discussion,” it begins smooth. “Pleased to inform… arrangements concluded.” Attached curriculum. Detailed. Aimed at navigating “New Realities for African Negotiators.” Strengthen ties with US Congress. Dive into America’s legislative world—structures, processes, that whole operational vibe. For exactly 50 folks. Akpabio’s to nominate. Confirm attendance. So secretariat can handle logistics. Formal. Calculated. But in the real world? Feels disconnected.
Timing’s everything. And it’s awful. Nigeria’s drowning in attacks. Religious spots targeted. Schools empty from fear. North-East boiling. Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi—not safe. Secretary to the Government, George Akume, dropped a statement Wednesday. Pointing fingers at US President Donald Trump. Says his words are pumping up the violent crews. Giving extremists a shiny new story to spin. Justify hits on soft communities. Trump’s October 31 blast? Labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” Over supposed Christian genocide. Threatened US troops if killings go on. Directed the “Department of War” to gear up for action. Aid suspension? On the table if Tinubu doesn’t stop the “persecution.”
Akume calls it unintended. But damaging. Trump’s stance? A signal. Rallying cry for legitimacy-seekers. Lets bad actors amp up the chaos with outside ammo. Propaganda’s spiking. Terror cells. Bandits. Extremists. All buzzing. “Recent pronouncements from the United States,” Akume’s note reads, “inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups. Exploiting narratives. Hitting soft targets.” Before this? Insurgencies were crumbling. Down to lone bandit runs. Boko Haram, ISWAP—leadership gutted. Territories back in Nigerian hands. Forces running pro ops across theaters.
He pushes hard: No foreign soldiers needed. Nigerian military’s solid. Capable. Pro. “Reclaimed vast territories. Degraded structures. Successful multi-theatre operations.” What they want? Smart aid. Intel. Tech. Gear. “Collaboration—not public labeling.” Key for progress. But attacks don’t pause. North-East flares. More in those border states. Akume’s talk? To many, it screams gaps. Tinubu’s team fumbling. No solid blueprint to crush insecurity. Just words.
Why the training now? Trump’s back. Policies flipping. Africa feels the shift. Lawmakers gotta play the game. Engage Congress. Grasp the system. Useful, sure. Long game. But critics see fluff. Cash for sessions while kids hide from guns? One insider leaked: “We’re bleeding out. US how-tos won’t plug the wounds.” Social media’s raging. Tweets fly. “Fix home first!” Senate’s mum. Nominations brewing. Dates closing in.
Picture the scene. Lawmakers in suits. Trainers from abroad? Discussing dynamics. Global shifts. While outside, families mourn. Displaced. Trump’s threats echo. Extremists grin. Government’s between rocks. Akume defends the troops. Insists on partnerships. But the ground tells different. Attacks fresh. Fear thick.
Reportersroom’s exclusive shines light. Invite’s legit. Fury’s real. Hashtags trend. Demands grow. Will the 50 go? Learn tricks to wheel-deal? Help Nigeria? Or just another spend in storm? Trump’s eyeing. Bad guys too. Clock’s ticking. November 21. Sessions start. But insecurity? It waits for no one.
In the end, it’s about balance. Train smart. But secure first. Nigeria’s fight is here. Not just in DC talks. Akume’s got a point on collab. Make it count. Or the surge wins.
