The future of USA-Nigeria relations post 2024 elections

As a global power, the United States of America significantly influences global affairs. Thus, as it approaches the November 2024 presidential elections, citizens and governments worldwide are keen on the outcome, as much as Americans. For instance, while the Nigerian government has never endorsed any US election presidential candidate, many Nigerians draw correlations between US political parties and theirs. Nigerians are thus divided between Kamala Harris (Democratic Party) and Donald Trump (Republican Party), as questions arise as to what the outcomes could mean for USA-Nigeria relations.

US-Nigeria relations have fluctuated over the years, since the ruling party and its ideology mostly dictate governance. Many Nigerians believe that Democrat presidents are accommodating of immigrants and supportive of Africa’s interests, much more than Republican presidents who are more supportive of trade and investment. Although lacking data, these perspectives are widely held. A historical analysis from 1981 helps to situate this argument.

Republican-led US-Nigerian relations were a mix of targeted engagement and interests. Under President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989), relations were cordial, although the administration focused more on global anti-communism than specific bilateral relations with Nigeria. President George Bush (1989-1993) increased engagement with Africa and supported Nigeria’s democratic transition. President George Bush (Jnr)’s(2001-2009) engagement with Africa, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), benefitted Nigeria’s health and development sectors. The administration increased the US’ aid to Africa by over 600%, of which a significant portion came to Nigeria. In 2003, he also became the first Republican President to visit Nigeria.

The Donald Trump (2017-2021) administration’s anti-immigration policies made him unpopular among Nigerians. His reference to Haiti and African countries as ‘shithole countries’ offended many. Nevertheless, Trump recognized Nigeria’s significance in Africa. His first conversation as President with an African leader was a telephone call to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017. Buhari was also the first African leader invited to the White House by Trump, but this was marred by Trump’s leaked reference to Buhari as ‘lifeless’. Although the USA tried, unsuccessfully, to deter the emergence of Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adeshina and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as President of the Africa Development Bank and Director-General of World Trade Organization, respectively, it alsoremoved Nigeria’s blockade to acquiring military hardware against insurgency. The Nigerian Government maintained a less combative relationship with the USA on human rights issues, as Trump’s administration either deliberately or coincidentally refrained from interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs despite negative reports. Also, the State Department and the USAID allocated $450 million in bilateral support for Nigeria in 2020.

Under Democrats, there were significant US-Nigeria engagements too. The Clinton administration (1993-2001) supported Nigeria’s transition to democracy but failed to defend it when the 1993 presidential election was annulled. Also, while the African Growth and Opportunity Act was established to promote preferential trade between the US and Africa, Nigeria barely felt the economic impact. Obama’s presidency (2009-2017), focussed on economic and security cooperation and promoting democratic governance in Africa. His Power Africa Initiative experienced limited success. Obama’s highlight was his approval to remove the Libyan leader, Muammar Gadhafi, and his visit to Ghana. Nigerians remember Obama for blocking Nigeria’s quest to purchase high-grade military hardware needed to stem insurgency under the pretext that the arms may be used against civilians.

The Biden administration has supported Nigeria,committing over $1.2 billion in economic development, humanitarian assistance, health, education, and social services in 2022. It also supports Nigeria’s security and climate efforts through military–security training and partnering to reduce carbon emissions.

What would the presidency of either Donald Trump or Kamal Harris mean for Nigeria?

Foreign relations during Trump’s first presidency were transactional, and Nigeria may benefit more from this at this point. If Nigeria aligns with the US’ economic interests, it could benefit from increased trade or investment in sectors like oil and gas. Also, Trump has a record ofproviding military and counterterrorism support to Nigeria, which, if prioritized, could further West Africa’s regional security.

Conversely, a Harris presidency, judging from her history,could prioritize democracy and human rights. This might mean putting conditions on military assistance to Nigeria under the guise of promoting human rights. Support toward anti-corruption, economic development, climate change, and global health may benefit Nigeria through increased development aid and trade partnerships. Harris’ balanced approach to immigration could positively impact the Nigerian Diaspora and youths seeking to study or work in the USA. However, the Democrats’ recent shift to the right on immigration may see Harris adopting a less-than-traditional immigration approach. Biden’s support for the bi-partisan immigration deal aimed at tightening border controls indicates that possibility.

In summary, a Harris presidency might foster long-term development and systemic change in Nigeria, while Trump may prioritize security and economic transactions. Theirimpacts depend on evolving global dynamics and how each integrates Nigeria into broader foreign policy priorities.

Oshodi, a political analyst, is senior special assistant protocol) to President Bola Tinubu.