Trump’s Renewed Focus on Nigeria Driven by Oil, Minerals, Tech — Bakare

Trump’s Renewed Focus on Nigeria Driven by Oil, Minerals, Tech — Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has said the renewed attention of the Donald Trump administration on Nigeria is largely motivated by strategic interests in the country’s oil wealth, mineral resources and role in emerging technologies.

Bakare made the assertion on Sunday while delivering a State of the Nation Address in Lagos, noting that Nigeria’s natural endowments align with what he described as President Donald Trump’s transactional leadership style.

His comments followed the United States’ redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom concerns, as well as recent remarks by Trump on violent attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

According to Bakare, shortly after Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election, he sensed what he termed a symbolic indication of Nigeria’s growing relevance in global geopolitics and the international economy.

READ ALSO:

• 2027 Presidency: APC Unveils South, North-Central Strategy to Secure Tinubu’s Re-election
• Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Thrash Antalyaspor, Shift Transfer Focus to Salah
• From Sneakers to Suits: Shettima Recalls NBA Dressing Saga at NIPSS Event

“Nigeria’s oil wealth and other mineral resources will be critical to the Trump presidency, as will our role in the value chain of emerging technologies,” Bakare said.

He warned that international pressure linked to religious fault lines could worsen internal tensions if poorly managed, urging the Federal Government to respond with a clear economic and security strategy rather than confrontation.

Describing Trump as a leader who uses pressure as a negotiating tool, Bakare said, “His threats are usually invitations to the negotiating table.”

The cleric lamented Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt, North-West and South-East, saying persistent attacks have deepened feelings of abandonment among affected communities.

He criticised the National Assembly and foreign affairs officials for what he described as reactive responses driven by political considerations instead of national security priorities.

Bakare called for a holistic approach to stabilising the country, combining decisive military action with reconciliation efforts, including the creation of a victims’ register and a national apology led by President Bola Tinubu.

Other recommendations he outlined include community-based policing under federal coordination, expanded deployment of veterans and paramilitary personnel, increased investment in surveillance technology, and deeper security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

Trump’s Renewed Focus on Nigeria Driven by Oil, Minerals, Tech — Bakare