Trump in Africa: Nigeria's Bounded Agency and Structural Dependence Under US Pressure
Megatrends Policy Brief 50, 10 Seitendoi:10.18449/2026MTA-PB50
Since last October, the United States has been exerting coercive pressure on Nigeria. President Tinubu’s response is constrained by religious and ethnic coalition politics ahead of the 2027 election. Thus, Nigeria’s compliance reflects both external pressure and domestic political imperatives.

Nigeria's National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker during the inauguration of the Nigeria U.S. Joint Working Group to boost counterterrorism cooperation at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, Nigeria, January 22, 2026.
© picture alliance / REUTERS | Marvellous Durowaiye