The Federal Ministry of Finance has come under sharp criticism after issuing an official circular inviting 50 Nigerian lawmakers to a two-day “High-Level Policy Training on American Foreign Policy Under the Donald Trump Administration.”
The letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, surfaced on Thursday and immediately sparked outrage.
Critics questioned the timing and relevance of the programme as the country battles a surge in terror attacks across religious centres and schools.
One respondent said: “These people aren’t serious. Instead of dealing with the insecurity issues, they are training senators on how to negotiate with America.”
The circular, dated 17 November and marked Ref: FMF/HMS/CORRS/01/VOL.1/112, stated that “all necessary arrangements have been concluded” for the training, scheduled for 21 and 22 November at the National Assembly Complex.
According to the ministry, the programme is aimed at helping senators and members of the House of Representatives navigate “American Foreign Policy Under the Trump Administration: New Realities for African Negotiators.”
It added that the sessions would deepen lawmakers’ understanding of the structures and operational culture of the US Congress.
The ministry urged Akpabio to confirm participation and submit nominations to enable the Secretariat conclude logistics for the 50 nominated participants.
Part of the letter read: “This training 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 development comes amid heightened security fears nationwide.
Notably, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Wednesday linked recent spikes in propaganda and attacks to public comments by US President Donald Trump.
Akume said Trump’s statements, including his 31 October designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide, had emboldened extremist elements.
Trump had warned he might deploy American troops to Nigeria and had directed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the violence persist.
Akume claimed that insurgent groups, previously weakened and reduced to isolated banditry, had seized upon Trump’s comments to amplify their activities.
“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,” he said.
While the SGF insisted Nigeria does not require foreign troops, he called for more targeted international support in intelligence, technology and equipment, stressing that the military had reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures.
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