Donald Trump, the man who’s been the subject of more memes, late-night show monologues, and viral Twitter rants than anyone else in recent memory.
But, while the world has been laughing at his hair (and occasionally his policies), there’s a question that begs to be asked: How is Donald Trump “destroying” Nigeria?
It’s a bold claim, we know, and no, we’re not talking about a secret plot to send an army of golden toilets to Lagos.
However, his administration’s potential policies on immigration, trade, and diplomacy might just be more dangerous for Nigeria than a pothole-filled road in Lagos (and that’s saying something).
Let’s break it down, shall we? Buckle up, because this ride is going to be as wild as Trump’s Twitter feed.
1. The Great Deportation Drama: Nigerians in the Crossfire
Picture this: You’re chilling in your Lagos apartment, sipping on your chilled Zobo, minding your business. Suddenly, you hear the news: “Donald Trump’s administration is deporting thousands of Nigerians!”
Wait, what? Thousands? You might ask, “Why would the Donald even care about Nigerians living in the U.S.?” Well, dear reader, in 2017, Trump tried to limit immigration from certain countries (Nigeria included) through the infamous “travel ban,” and even though that was overturned in court, the idea still looms like a dark cloud.
Soon, Lagos will suddenly become the destination for thousands of freshly deported Nigerians who are now back in the land of their birth, but with a twist—they don’t quite know what to do with their new-found “free time.”
The deportation could spell disaster for families who have lived for generations in the U.S., sending them into an identity crisis that’s almost as confusing as figuring out Trump’s foreign policy.
Impact? Let’s just say, Nigeria might need a “Welcome Back Home” party with a few too many plane tickets and a whole lot of counseling.
2. Trade Wars
Let’s talk trade. The Trump administration’s “America First” policy is like inviting your neighbor over to a party, only for them to knock over the punch bowl, spill chips on the carpet, and then leave without saying goodbye.
This “America First” approach isn’t exactly a great fit for a country like Nigeria, which relies on trade with the U.S. for things like oil exports, agricultural goods, and, of course, sending their top-selling Nollywood movies to Netflix.
While Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods were mainly aimed at China, we cannot ignore the potential trickle-down effect on African economies, including Nigeria.
If Nigeria’s export economy is slapped with higher tariffs, the result could be fewer jobs, lower wages, and a severe reduction in the quality of life for millions of Nigerians who depend on trade with the U.S.
Oh, and let’s not forget how the oil prices fluctuated under Trump’s leadership—prices that Nigeria’s economy depends on like an espresso addict depends on a daily cup of coffee.
3. The Climate Change Denial
This one’s a bit of a stretch, but bear with us. While most of the world is over here having serious discussions about climate change (we’re talking real consequences), Trump is busy doing his best impersonation of a man who still thinks the Earth is flat.
The result? Trump rolled back environmental protections, pulled out of the Paris Agreement, and continued promoting fossil fuels as if they were the answer to all of life’s problems, well, sadly they’re not.
Why should this matter to Nigeria? Well, with climate change wreaking havoc on everything from agriculture to coastal flooding, the Trump administration’s reluctance to tackle climate change means less global cooperation on key issues that could help mitigate Nigeria’s environmental crises.
From the desertification of the north to the flooding in Lagos, Nigeria’s already struggling to maintain a balance between growth and environmental sustainability.
Impact? With fewer global initiatives focused on climate change, Nigeria could be left fighting environmental battles alone—while Trump tweets about how clean the air is in the U.S. (thanks to his “great” coal).
4. Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts
As you may know, Nigeria is among the many countries that benefit from U.S. foreign aid, which helps in sectors like health, education, and infrastructure development.
But what does Donald Trump think of foreign aid? Well, in a 2018 budget proposal, he made it clear that he wasn’t the biggest fan of giving money away.
That could mean a reduction in crucial programs that Nigerians depend on, including support for public health initiatives (think of the fight against diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS) and poverty alleviation programs.
Without the necessary funds, these sectors could suffer. The people of Nigeria, who already face numerous challenges, would feel the pinch—and let’s just say, no one wants to be in a financial struggle with less help from Uncle Sam.
5. The Trump Effect on Immigration and Diplomatic Relations
Let’s end with one final round of absurdity: diplomacy. Donald Trump’s approach to foreign relations has been like throwing a brick through the window of every friendly relationship America once had.
From calling African nations “shithole countries”, to seeking to isolate nations through tariffs and sanctions, the Trump administration hasn’t exactly won any popularity contests on the global stage.
Also Read: Trump Gives Schools 2 Weeks To Eliminate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs Or…
For Nigeria, this poses a risk in terms of future diplomatic cooperation on issues like terrorism, economic development, and regional peacekeeping.
If the U.S. keeps alienating allies with a “my way or the highway” attitude, Nigeria’s influence on the world stage could be diminished. And, let’s be real—Nigeria doesn’t need any more of that.
Is Trump Really “Destroying” Nigeria?
Look, we know Trump isn’t literally destroying Nigeria with a giant wrecking ball (though it sometimes feels like it).
But the potential fallout from his policies—on deportations, trade, climate, foreign aid, and diplomacy—could have some serious consequences for Nigeria’s future.
In the end, Nigeria’s fate is tied to the actions of global leaders, and while we can’t control Trump’s Twitter rants, we can only hope that the next few years bring a shift toward more cooperative, compassionate global leadership.
Until then, Nigeria might just need a good sense of humor (and a large supply of jollof rice) to survive the Trump era.
