Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Tinubu intends to visit Washington, D.C., and meet with U.S. leadership, “once the situation is right,” amid growing diplomatic tension following threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Calm Presidency Amid Tension
Speaking on a televised interview, Minister Idris emphasized that despite recent hostile rhetoric from Trump — including a redeclaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” — the bilateral relationship has not broken down. He said Nigeria and the U.S. continue to engage through diplomatic channels, even as they work to correct what the Nigerian government considers misperceptions about its security and religious landscape.
Timing Over Avoidance
Addressing why Tinubu has not yet made a high-profile visit to the White House, Idris said that it is not a matter of avoidance but of timing and prudence. He reminded viewers that Tinubu has visited the U.S before and underscored the importance of waiting for a diplomatic moment that aligns with Nigeria’s interests and current realities.
“We believe that he will go once the situation is right for him to go … but let’s not make a deal out of it,” the minister stated. He argued that recent high-level security concerns have not derailed, but rather reoriented, Nigeria’s foreign engagement priorities.
Engagement, Not Confrontation
Idris rejected the notion that Nigeria’s position is defensive. He affirmed that President Tinubu remains composed, focused, and deeply engaged in securing Nigeria’s place on the global stage.
- He said there is no breakdown in Nigeria–U.S. relations and pointed to multiple ongoing communication channels.
- He urged the international community to understand Nigeria’s internal security challenges, which he described as nuanced and complex, not solely framed around religious persecution.
- Idris noted that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu is in Washington leading a delegation tasked with clarifying security concerns raised by the U.S., following Trump’s designation.
A Call for National Solidarity
In urging calm, Idris asked Nigerians to resist divisive narratives. He affirmed that insecurity affects all citizens — Christians and Muslims alike — and pledged that Tinubu remains committed to securing the nation through robust policy measures and international cooperation.
Why This Matters
- Diplomatic Signal: The comment about a future White House visit suggests that Nigeria is not closing the door on dialogue, even during strained moments.
- Sovereignty in Focus: By emphasizing timing, Nigeria asserts its diplomatic agency rather than bowing to pressure.
- Security Framing: Idris’ remarks underscore Nigeria’s broader effort to reframe global discourse — from religious persecution to comprehensive counterterrorism.
- Domestic Reassurance: The minister’s tone seeks to assure Nigerians that their government is neither powerless nor reactive, but deliberately navigating a complex international relationship.
📚 References
- ICIR Nigeria – Trump’s threats: Tinubu will visit White House ‘once the situation Is right’ – Minister
- TheCable – Tinubu unshaken despite Trump’s threats, says Information Minister
- AllAfrica – Tinubu Calm Amid U.S. Threats, Says Information Minister
- Leadership Nigeria – Tinubu Calm Amid US Threats, Says Information Minister
- Independent Nigeria – Nigeria Responding to Genuine Concerns Raised by Trump – Minister
- THISDAY LIVE – Tinubu: Nigeria Will Come Out Of Religious Intolerance Allegations Bold, Stronger
