A meeting is being planned between Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, as both leaders prepare to discuss security cooperation and clear up recent misunderstandings surrounding Nigeria’s internal challenges.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made this known in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that Nigeria’s current security problems should not be misrepresented as religious persecution or genocide.
> “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding of President Donald Trump’s recent remarks. When the leaders eventually meet, I am confident they will have the opportunity to clarify these issues,” Bwala said. “There is no genocide taking place in Nigeria; rather, the nation faces serious security challenges that have affected people across all faiths, including Christians.”
He noted that Trump’s first administration played a crucial role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
> “During President Trump’s first administration, his executive action facilitated the sale of arms to Nigeria to strengthen our fight against insurgency,” he added.
Bwala also underlined that while Nigeria welcomes collaboration from international partners, the country’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.
> “Nigeria remains a sovereign nation, and while collaboration with international partners in addressing insecurity is welcome, any form of intervention must respect our sovereignty. It would not be diplomatically appropriate for the United States to take unilateral action without engagement and consent from the Nigerian government,” he said.
According to him, both leaders share a commitment to fighting global terrorism and have built on previous cooperation in that regard.
> “Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said. “President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorizing the sale of arms to Nigeria and President Tinubu has adequately utilized the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it.”
Bwala further indicated that any differences in perception regarding the religious targeting of victims in Nigeria’s conflict zones would be addressed directly when the two leaders meet.
> “As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or in fact all faiths and no faiths, the differences if they exist would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House,” he added.
The statement from the Tinubu administration’s spokesman comes after Trump’s reported comments on violence in Nigeria sparked online debate and diplomatic discussions. Bwala’s remarks suggest a measured approach from Abuja — seeking clarity, dialogue, and continued partnership with Washington, but without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.
If the meeting goes ahead, it could mark a significant moment in Nigeria-U.S. relations, especially as both men share a reputation for direct, unfiltered political styles and a strong emphasis on national interest.