FG Trains 50 Senators, Reps on ‘How to Negotiate With US’ as Insecurity Worsens
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that, the Federal Government has commenced preparations for a two-day high-level policy training for 50 Senators and Members of the House of Representatives on navigating American foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, an initiative that has sparked widespread public outrage amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
OTN News further reports as gathered that, the programme was announced in an official circular from the Ministry of Finance, signed by Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The memo, dated November 17, 2025, confirmed that “all necessary arrangements have been concluded” for the training scheduled to take place on November 21 and 22 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The training, titled “American Foreign Policy Under the Trump Administration: New Realities for African Negotiators,” is designed to enhance lawmakers’ understanding of US congressional processes and strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with key American policymakers.
According to the circular, the programme aims to deepen knowledge of “the structures, processes, and operational culture of the American legislative system” while equipping lawmakers with negotiation skills for dealing with Washington under a revamped US foreign policy approach.
Lawmakers were directed to submit nominations for attendance so that logistical arrangements could be finalized.
However, the announcement immediately triggered public criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the timing and priority of the programme.
A critic, reacting to the circular, said: “These people aren’t serious. Instead of dealing with the insecurity issues, they are training senators… on how to negotiate with America.”
OTN News observes that, the training comes at a time when Nigeria is battling a resurgence of terror attacks in religious centres, schools, and rural communities across the country.
The rising wave of violence has drawn international attention, particularly following a series of controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement earlier this week, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, linked the spike in extremist propaganda to Trump’s recent public declarations.
OTN News had earlier reported that, on October 31, Trump had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide and warned of a possible deployment of US troops if killings continue.
He also claimed to have instructed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action.”
Akume argued that the remarks had inadvertently emboldened violent groups by giving them a fresh narrative to exploit.
“Recent pronouncements from the United States have emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and attack soft targets,” he said.
According to the SGF, insurgency networks had previously been degraded and reduced to “isolated banditry,” but the renewed attention gave extremist actors an opportunity to regain visibility.
He restated Nigeria’s position that it does not require foreign troops, insisting that the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP leadership structures.
Despite these claims, ongoing attacks in the North-East and fresh incidents in Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi continue to raise concerns about the government’s ability to curb insecurity.
Critics have argued that the administration’s responses, including blaming foreign rhetoric—reflect a lack of concrete strategies to restore safety.
OTN News, however, observes that as preparations continue for the training programme in the National Assembly, public debate intensifies over the government’s priorities at a time when many communities remain under siege from terror groups and bandit networks.
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