EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Government Begins Training For 50 Senators, Rep Members On ‘How To Negotiate With US’ Amid Rising Insecurity

The Nigerian Ministry of Finance has stirred controversy after issuing an official circular inviting 50 lawmakers to a two-day “High-Level Policy Training on American Foreign Policy Under the Trump Administration.” The invitation—addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and signed by Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite—immediately drew public outrage, with critics accusing the government of prioritising foreign-policy workshops over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

According to the circular, dated November 17, 2025, the training aims to help lawmakers better navigate U.S. legislative structures and strengthen engagement with members of the U.S. Congress. It urged Akpabio to nominate participants so logistics could be finalised.

The development comes amid escalating terror attacks on schools, churches, and communities nationwide. This week, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump had “inadvertently emboldened” extremist groups in Nigeria. Trump had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” threatened military action, and warned he could suspend U.S. assistance if attacks on Christians continued.

Akume argued that terror networks—previously weakened—were now exploiting Trump’s rhetoric to amplify their activities. He insisted Nigeria does not need foreign troops but rather targeted support in intelligence, technology, and equipment. However, ongoing attacks across the North-East, Kaduna, Kwara and Kogi have led critics to say his remarks expose the government’s inability to contain insecurity.