AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

 By Umar Ardo, Ph.D

Dear President Donald J. Trump,

Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on your return to the leadership of the United States of America. You have taken over the reins at a critical juncture in world politics, when the choices of your administration’s diplomacy will largely determine whether today’s global crises are resolved or further exacerbated. It is in this context that I write to express my considered view on how your administration should approach relations with Nigeria, particularly in light of the recent statement attributed to you placing Nigeria on the List of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC). 

*1. Recognizing Reality and Mutual Interests*

Mr. President, as you very well know, sound policy begins with an appreciation of reality. U.S.-Nigeria relations, like all international relations, must be grounded in mutual needs and interests, and on truth and reality. For America, the principal concerns are terrorism and global insecurity, the threat to its economic and technological preeminence and the challenge of managing these issues effectively. Nigeria, on her part, is beset by insecurity, corruption and severe economic hardship. Recognizing that these problems are mutually reinforcing, and that their resolution serves the interests of both nations, is the key to a successful partnership.

*2. The Global Context*

With the post-Cold War order and the decline of communism, the Western world under U.S. leadership entered a tense relationship with the Islamic world, particularly after 9/11. Meanwhile, globalization has shifted economic power eastward, with Asia and Europe increasingly challenging America’s dominance. In this emerging landscape, Africa – especially Nigeria – offers the United States its most viable opportunity for renewed strategic and economic engagement.

Africa’s vast population, abundant natural resources and moderate religious composition make it a region of immense promise. Nigeria, the continent’s largest democracy and economy, stands as its natural anchor. Its religious and ethnic diversity, though sometimes exploited politically, is largely tolerant and culturally grounded. The present crises of terrorism and banditry are exceptions born of poverty, misgovernance and failed policy – not of religion or ideology.

*3. Understanding Nigeria’s Internal Crisis*

Since 1999, successive Nigerian governments have promised prosperity, transparency and employment under democracy but have instead delivered widespread poverty, corruption and inequality. Less than 5% of Nigerians control over 95% of the nation’s wealth, while the vast majority struggle daily for survival. Disillusioned citizens, deprived of justice and opportunity, become easy recruits for insurgency and crime.

As criminologist Ted Gurr observed, “When expectations go up and realities go down, men rebel.” Nigeria’s insecurity, therefore, is a reaction to failed governance and broken promises, not a symptom of religious persecution or intolerance. The U.S. must resist the temptation to interpret Nigeria’s instability through a sectarian lens; it is a political and socio-economic crisis at its core.

*4. The Way Forward*

Rather than punitive measures such as the CPC designation, your administration should adopt a constructive engagement strategy built on the following pillars:

• Economic Cooperation: Encourage U.S. investments, technology transfer and initiatives to alleviate hunger, unemployment and inequality;

• Political Support: Strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law, and credible electoral processes to build trust between government and citizens; and 

• Strategic Partnership: Work with Nigeria as a central actor in counterterrorism, regional stability and global energy security.

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Nigeria’s size, resources, and influence in OPEC, the African Union, ECOWAS and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation uniquely position it to advance U.S. interests while stabilizing the African continent. A partnership with Nigeria, properly structured, can serve as America’s bridge to the Islamic world through the non-Arab Muslim societies of Africa and Asia, where pluralism and tolerance are stronger.

*5. Conclusion*

Mr. President, Nigeria is not Sudan or Libya. Any action that destabilizes this nation of over 230 million people risks collapsing the entire West African subcontinent, creating humanitarian, economic and geopolitical crises that would ultimately harm U.S. interests. The wiser course is partnership, not punishment; cooperation, not coercion.

I therefore urge your administration to reconsider Nigeria’s designation on the CPC list and adopt a forward-looking strategy anchored on mutual respect, economic partnership and shared security goals. Such an approach will promote peace and prosperity not only for our two nations but also for Africa and the world.

I must state to you at this juncture that the truth of Nigeria’s internal conflicts are complex socio-economic and security challenges as a result of failure of leadership, both at the national and subnational levels, not a case of state-sponsored religious persecution. Simplifying them into “Christians genocide” is intellectually dishonest and geopolitically dangerous. Under this situation, therefore, what Nigeria needs from the West and the rest of the world is strategic partnership, not intimidation; dialogue and development, not drone diplomacy.

I once again congratulate you, Mr. President; wishing you good luck and praying that your administration brings prosperity, stability and peace to the United States and Nigeria, to the African Continent and to the entire World. Thank you, sir.

Respectfully yours,

Umar Ardo, Ph.D