The federal government has come under fire after the Ministry of Finance invited 50 lawmakers to a two-day “High-Level Policy Training on American Foreign Policy Under the Donald Trump Administration.”
The circular,
dated November 17, 2025 (Ref: FMF/HMS/CORRS/01/VOL.1/112) and signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, was addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The training is scheduled to hold from November 21 to 22 at the National Assembly Complex.
According to the ministry, the programme will help lawmakers understand U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, strengthen engagement with members of the U.S. Congress, and provide insight into the operational culture of the American legislative system. The Senate President was asked to confirm attendance and submit nominations to enable final logistical planning.
However, the announcement has triggered widespread criticism. Many Nigerians have questioned the relevance of such training at a time when the country is grappling with escalating insecurity including multiple school kidnappings and coordinated terrorist attacks across several states.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, linked the recent spike in terrorist activities to Trump’s October 31 comments describing Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” while hinting at possible U.S. military involvement. Akume said extremist groups, previously weakened, are now using Trump’s remarks as propaganda to justify renewed violence.
He insisted that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, emphasizing that the Armed Forces remain capable and have recorded successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Instead, he called for targeted foreign assistance in intelligence gathering, advanced technology, and military equipment.
Despite these assurances, persistent attacks in the North-East, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi continue to raise serious doubts about the Tinubu administration’s ability to effectively restore security nationwide.
