Uncategorized

OPINION: NIGERIA’S ASSUMED ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE TO THE U.S: THE FACTS, FIGURES, AND THE NEED FOR NEW PRAGMATISM

Published

9 months ago

December 10, 2025

BY: A G Abubakar

Teaser: With a GDP smaller than the budgets of several U.S. states, and an oil export share under 3% Nigeria’s economic weight in Washington remains minimal. In 2024, total U.S. oil imports were valued at about $1.3 trillion, while Nigeria’s crude exports to the U.S. stood at $4.5 billion—barely 3%. The U.S. was not even among the top seven importers of Nigerian crude, which generated ₦45.1 trillion (about $32 b) for Nigeria. Switzerland, Spain, France, Germany, and the UK, led the list (NNPC, 2024). Oil remains Nigeria’s primary foreign exchange earner; others like solid minerals, agriculture, and gas exist largely at the level of potential.

The question, therefore, arises: within the context of the current U.S.–Nigeria relationship, does Nigeria mean much to the United States? Is the perceived “hostile” attitude toward Nigeria driven by economic interest? The answer is both yes and no — yes, perhaps in terms of potential, but no in terms of empirical indicators. Understanding this distinction between reality and potential is crucial for Nigeria to cultivate smarter global engagements and to manage diplomatic frictions such as those experienced in recent times with the United States.

It is true that Nigerians excel globally, but the Nigerian state itself remains a developing country struggling with stability and growth. It stays trapped in a neoliberal global economic structure that divides the world between commodity producers and consumers of finished goods. Occasional low-tech industrial processes — packaging, bottling, assembly, refining — create the illusion of transformation but do not alter the underlying dependency structure. This system, shaped by colonial history, imperial influence, and racialised global hierarchies, continues to function without malice on the part of those who benefit from it.

Industrialised nations negotiate toughly and expect counteroffers; those who fail to negotiate simply get swept aside. In this “global jungle,” survival depends on strategy, not sentiment — and certainly not on boasting about dormant potential. It is the optimal utilisation of productive factors within a given context that engenders economic growth and not potential. A nation’s production possibilities frontier or curve (PPC, PPF), which is a “simplistic” representation of its growth can only shift outward on account of a well tailored economic development framework which is pursued on sustained basis. Nigeria hasn’t been that lucky in this regard for years

Much of the Nigerian public discourse tends to sentimentally assume that the West’s preoccupation with Nigeria is its wealth. This is a misconception. Nigeria is indeed endowed with natural resources, but endowment is not wealth. Wealth is the ability to convert resources into power, productivity, and prosperity — and Nigeria has not done so at scale. It remains a nation full of deprivations.

Nigeria’s potentials are vast: over 200 million people, a landmass of 923,768 square kilometres of which 36.8 million hectares are arable, and enormous mineral wealth including oil, gas, lithium, tin, coal, nickel, cobalt, copper, graphite, rare earth elements, and bitumen worth an estimated $700 billion. Nigeria has 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 210 trillion cubic feet of gas. In agriculture, it leads the world in cassava, yam, and sorghum production and ranks among the top producers of cocoa, cashew, sesame, and shea butter. Its coastline stretches 853 kilometres, hosting vital maritime trade routes and significant offshore oil deposits. Above all is a youthful labour force of 87 million people — a potential demographic dividend.

Yet these remain unrealised. Poverty, insecurity, and weak policy implementation continue to overshadow the country’s prospects. Nigeria’s GDP fluctuates between $188 billion and $250 billion, with the IMF’s 2025 outlook placing it at $188.27 billion — behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria The national budget remains below $40 billion, a figure woefully inadequate for a country of more than 200 million people. Daily oil production hovers around 1.5 million barrels, insignificant on the global stage.

Given these realities, the idea that Nigeria holds significant economic relevance for the United States collapses under scrutiny. The U.S. has 55 billion barrels of proven oil, 198 billion technically recoverable barrels, and 322 trillion cubic feet of gas. It produces 13 million barrels of oil daily. Its GDP reached $20 trillion in 2024, and its federal budget stood at $6.8 trillion, with a deficit of $1.8 trillion. Nigeria’s GDP is smaller than the budgets of individual U.S. states such as California, New York, and Texas. Astonishingly, it is also smaller than the personal fortunes of Elon Musk ($342b), Mark Zuckerberg ($216b), and Jeff Bezos ($215b) U.S. corporations like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Nvidia, Amazon, and Tesla, each boast market capitalisations exceeding $1 trillion.

In foreign engagements alone, the U.S. spend amounts that dwarf Nigeria’s entire economy. Over two decades, it has averaged about $400 billion annually on wars and military operations, spent more than $2 trillion in Afghanistan and Pakistan, $3 trillion in Iraq and Syria (2003–2023), $350 billion in support of Ukraine, and $21 billion on Israel’s war in Gaza. It disburses nearly $100 billion every year in foreign aid and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

It is thus unrealistic to claim that the United States is driven by economic considerations or resource desperation toward Nigeria. The purchasing power of Nigerians is weak, and Nigeria’s contribution to global value chains is marginal. The country must accept this reality when shaping foreign policy. The time for playing the victim is over. Nations grow not by proclaiming potential but by converting that potential into economic power and using it to negotiate interest-based alliances.

No economic or ideological system is pure. They do share certain features. China’s “socialist market economy” under Deng Xiaoping embraced foreign investment and private enterprise, propelling China into the world’s second-largest economy. Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost introduced elements of market liberalisation in the USSR. The market-oriented reform has made the two former socialist economies more resilient and productive. The United States, the acclaimed global symbol of capitalism, equally operates a substantial welfare system — TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, disability support, and more. Ideologically, these schemes fall more to the socialist system.

Great powers also drop allies when interests shift: the USSR’s lukewarm support to Egypt during the 1973 Yom Kippur War; the West’s abandonment of the Shah of Iran; Ghana’s ideological swing from East to West after Nkrumah; Malaysia and Indonesia’s transformation from anti-communist hardliners to deep economic partners of China; and Vietnam’s journey from bitter U.S. enemy to a comprehensive strategic partner with over $150 billion in trade. Maybe to the chagrin of China, its pillar of support throughout the war years.

In the same vein, during the Cold War period, Malaysia under Mahathir Mohamad and Indonesia under Suharto were considered anti communist governments, but today, both maintain robust diplomatic and economic relations with China. By 2024, China was Malaysia’s largest trading partner, while the volume of Indonesia’s trade with China surged to $135 billion. Pragmatism dictates that nations subordinate their ideological inclinations under the goals of national interests – security and development.

Within the same liberal democratic settings, too, the interests/idiosyncrasies of the individual leaders could impact situations. For instance, the same US government that provided massive military support to the Ukraine in war with Russia has seemingly fallen out of favour with Trump, who had since cut it down. A move that has impacted Ukraine’s war campaigns negatived. Trump has equally armtwisted Ukraine to pay back the earlier US support under a mineral-mining rights agreement. The same superpower politics could be a kettle of paradox and irony.

The US and the EU that have been campaigning for sanctions against Russia and “threatening penalty” nations that failed to tow still patronise it. For instance, while the US slaps India with high tariffs for its relationship with Russia, the US still imports Russia’s nuclear fuel. It is also estimated that the UE still imports up to $130 billion worth of natural gas in 2024. That’s how marcky, fluid, and self-serving national interests and global politics could be. The development should also serve as a lesson to Nigeria and other lesser developed nations.

Nigeria must, therefore, widen its focus beyond the myth and fixation of being economically indispensable to the U.S. and indeed any power and rethink the relationship through the broader lens of national interest — particularly security and stability — in an evolving multipolar world. The rise of China and the re-emergence of India and Russia have reshaped global power into a polycentric order. Choices and alliances must be pragmatic, deliberate, and strategic to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Cold War era, when many developing nations merely exchanged one hegemon for another.

Today, the United States remains inclined toward militarised foreign policy, while China is primarily focused on global economic expansion. India and Russia operate on smaller but still consequential scales. By understanding these distinctions and leveraging new platforms such as BRICS+, Nigeria can position itself intelligently in the post-Trump global landscape.

The emerging order is moving toward a post-Western system, where traditional East–West ideological contests give way to new geopolitical realities driven by national interests. Nigeria’s path forward lies in recognising its true position, converting its potential into real economic power, and engaging the world with strategy rather than sentiment.

Nigeria must stop anchoring its foreign relations on assumptions of economic relevance and start negotiating from a clear understanding of its true strengths and vulnerabilities. In a world tilting towards multipolar competition, sentiment is a luxury. Strategy, is survival. Nations rise by reading the global room correctly – and also acting decisively. Powers respect capacity, not potential; results are not rhetoric.

If Nigeria, the 6th populous nation in the world, wants a seat at the global table, it must earn it through smart policies, disciplined execution, and a partnership rooted in sound and realistic vision. A national vision forged in justice, equity, accountability, and sense of proportion in governance. So far these critical elements have been in short supply. Nigeria should therefore wake up and get its act together if it wants to earn respect and relevance in the unfolding new polycentric world order. So far, there’s not a single nation on the planet Earth with over 220 million people that has reduced itself to global ridicule and disrespect like Nigeria. All, on account of decades of bad governance. Things got to change.
A. G. Abubakar
agbarewa@gmail.com

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

Uncategorized

FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

Uncategorized

2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.