US pledges direct support to Nigeria, unveils new Africa strategy

The United States has unveiled a renewed Africa policy focused on national sovereignty, commercial partnerships and targeted support for Nigeria, as the Trump administration seeks to redefine its engagement with the continent.

 

Senior US officials said the new approach prioritises strategic interests, measurable outcomes and mutually beneficial partnerships over what they described as “moral lectures” in foreign policy.

 

Speaking at the Africa Day Forum in Washington, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs, Nick Setter Checker, said the administration is committed to building stronger ties with African nations through direct and honest engagement.

 

According to him, the new policy framework begins with restoring trust and respecting the sovereignty of African governments rather than imposing external political expectations.

 

Checker said the United States would pay renewed attention to security challenges in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, noting that Washington remains concerned about violence and instability affecting vulnerable communities.

 

He stated that the US would continue to address security threats in a consistent manner while avoiding selective or symbolic interventions.

 

The official explained that the strategy is guided by three principles: protecting US national interests, pursuing pragmatic diplomacy and rejecting what he termed “arrogant paternalism” in foreign relations.

 

On foreign assistance, Checker said future US aid would be tied to clearly defined objectives and measurable results, arguing that some previous security assistance programmes lacked accountability benchmarks.

 

He added that support would focus on addressing threats to US national security while encouraging African countries to take greater responsibility for their internal security challenges.

 

The administration is also placing greater emphasis on trade and investment, with a focus on critical minerals, infrastructure development and expanding commercial opportunities for American businesses across Africa.

 

According to Checker, US embassies and government agencies have supported more than 60 business deals worth over $25 billion since January 2025.

 

He further announced the establishment of a Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group with the African Union to improve trade corridors and promote industrial development across the continent.

 

Checker said the policy marks a shift away from development models that view African countries primarily as aid recipients, stressing that the US now seeks to engage Africa as an investment and strategic partner.