ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN UNITED STATES –NIGERIA RELATIONS; A DIPLOMATIC APPRAISAL

Abstract

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Nigeria are extensive by regional standards, encompassing a U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission and other bilateral engagements, significant commercial linkages, and strong people-to-people ties. However, U.S. concerns over human rights conditions in Nigeria have periodically strained relations and impeded security cooperation. Members of the United States Congress have expressed particular concern about military abuses against civilians, as well as deteriorating press and religious freedoms. The U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development allocated over $450 million in bilateral foreign assistance to Nigeria in FY2020, supporting programs focused on health, agricultural development, law enforcement, and the justice sector. This figure does not include substantial emergency assistance provided in response to the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, nor funds administered by other U.S. federal departments, such as the Departments of Defense, Justice, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security. In recent years, congressional attention on Nigeria has centered on terrorist threats, elections, governance issues, and, notably, concerns about religious violence. This paper, using a qualitative historical approach, examines the critical issues and emerging challenges in U.S.–Nigeria relations, as well as patterns of U.S. interventionism. It draws on relevant policy documents, diplomatic reports, and scholarly literature. The analysis is organized thematically in line with the adopted methodological approach.