The Federal Ministry of Finance has sparked outrage after inviting 50 lawmakers to a two-day training on American foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, even as Nigeria battles a devastating wave of terrorist attacks on schools and communities.
The invitation, signed by Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was leaked to the media and immediately drew sharp criticism from Nigerians questioning the government’s priorities.
“These people aren’t serious. Instead of dealing with the insecurity issues, they are training senators on how to negotiate with America,” one critic told SaharaReporters.
The memo, dated November 17, 2025, and marked Ref: FMF/HMS/CORRS/01/VOL.1/112, confirmed that arrangements had been finalized for the “High-Level Policy Training” scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex.
According to the ministry, the training aims to equip legislators with skills to navigate “American Foreign Policy Under the Trump Administration: New Realities for African Negotiators” and strengthen engagement with U.S. Congress members. The letter stated that the session is “designed to support 50 Members of the National Assembly in navigating emerging global dynamics, strengthening engagement and collaboration with Members of the United States Congress and American Government at large, and deepening their understanding of the structures, processes and operational culture of the American legislative system.”
The ministry requested Akpabio to confirm participating lawmakers so “the Secretariat can conclude the necessary logistics arrangements.”
The timing of the training has proven particularly controversial, coming amid a surge in terror attacks targeting religious centers and schools across Kebbi, Kwara, Kaduna, Kogi, and Niger states. Just Friday morning, terrorists abducted students and staff from St. Mary’s School in Niger State, the latest in a series of school kidnappings that have paralyzed education in northern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume has blamed recent remarks by President Trump for emboldening violent groups in Nigeria. In a Wednesday statement, Akume argued that Trump’s October 31 declaration designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and threatening possible U.S. military intervention has created a narrative that terror groups are exploiting.
“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” Akume said.
He claimed that insurgency structures had been significantly degraded before Trump’s comments, but extremists are now attempting to “gain visibility” by capitalizing on the diplomatic tension.
Akume insisted that Nigeria does not require foreign military deployment, stating: “The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations.”
However, he acknowledged that Nigeria still needs targeted support from international partners in intelligence, technology, and equipment to effectively combat terrorism.
