Tinubu Government Draws Criticism After Approving US Negotiation Training for 50 Lawmakers

By Diafa Doubra, Warri.

The Nigerian government has come under scrutiny after approving a two-day foreign policy training for 50 members of the National Assembly on how to “negotiate with the United States” under the Trump administration. The programme, facilitated by the Ministry of Finance and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, is reportedly aimed at helping lawmakers understand shifting diplomatic expectations as Washington reshapes its global engagement strategy.

However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, economic strain, and rising public frustration over governance priorities. Critics argue that spending public resources on what they describe as a vague and elite-focused training is poorly timed. Supporters, on the other hand, say Nigeria must reposition itself diplomatically to protect its interests in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate.