5 Times Donald Trump Got Involved with Nigeria

Donald Trump’s time as U.S. President was anything but quiet and Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, was not left out of his global headlines. 

His interactions with the country swung between diplomacy and controversy, from friendly talks with President Muhammadu Buhari to heated remarks that caused outrage across Africa. 

Here’s a look at five moments when Trump’s relationship with Nigeria took center stage.

Trump’s First Call to Buhari on Terrorism

Not long after becoming president in 2017, Trump reached out to Muhammadu Buhari in a phone call centered on security cooperation. He promised that the United States would continue to support Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram and other extremist groups troubling the northeast.

The call reassured many that Washington still saw Nigeria as an important ally in Africa’s counter-terrorism efforts. It also laid the groundwork for stronger military collaboration and intelligence sharing between both nations.

Buhari’s Historic Visit to the White House

In April 2018, Buhari became the first sub-Saharan African leader to visit Trump at the White House. 

The visit was a major diplomatic win for Nigeria, showing the country’s importance on the global stage.

Both presidents discussed counter-terrorism, trade, and investment opportunities, with Trump praising Buhari’s anti-corruption stance while urging reforms to boost economic growth. The meeting marked one of the most visible moments of US–Nigeria engagement under Trump.

The “Shithole Countries” Controversy

Later that same year, Trump sparked outrage after reports claimed he referred to African countries including Nigeria as “shithole countries” during a closed-door immigration discussion.

Although the White House denied the exact words, the damage was done. The comment drew widespread condemnation from African leaders and the public. Many Nigerians saw it as proof that Trump’s administration looked down on Africa, damaging trust between both sides.

Nigeria Added to Trump’s 2019 Travel Ban

In 2019, Nigeria was added to Trump’s expanded travel ban list, a move that angered many Nigerians at home and abroad. The U.S. government said the decision was based on Nigeria’s failure to meet certain security and information-sharing standards.

The ban limited immigration and affected those seeking permanent residency in the U.S. For a country with a massive diaspora and deep family ties to America, it was a painful decision that strained diplomatic relations.

Trump’s 2025 Military Threat Over Religious Killings

Even after leaving office, Trump’s words continued to make waves. In 2025, he threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians. 

The statement drew strong reactions from Nigerian officials, who rejected any suggestion of foreign interference.

Analysts pointed out that religious violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims, and that Trump’s comments oversimplified a complex issue. 

The incident revived old questions about how much influence American politicians should have on African domestic affairs.