Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria as a “failing state” and warned American investors to “stay away” due to corruption and insecurity.
Speaking during a policy forum at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Shettima called Trump’s statement “unfortunate, misleading, and disrespectful to a sovereign nation that remains one of Africa’s most vibrant democracies.”
According to Channels TV (Nov. 2025), the Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s economy has shown resilience amid global instability, citing rising non-oil exports, digital innovation, and renewed foreign direct investment.
“Nigeria is not a failed state. We are a nation in transition — reforming our economy, rebuilding our institutions, and restoring investor confidence,” Shettima said.
The Guardian Nigeria (Nov. 2025) reported that the remarks came after Trump’s controversial comments during a political rally in Florida, where he accused several African nations — including Nigeria — of “mismanaging democracy” and “draining U.S. resources through aid and migration.”
In response, Shettima stated that such rhetoric “belongs to a bygone era of condescension,” urging the U.S. to engage Africa through “mutual respect and strategic partnership, not insults.”
Reuters (Nov. 2025) noted that the Nigerian government has not issued a formal diplomatic protest but has communicated “concerns through official channels.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement emphasizing that Nigeria remains a trusted ally of the United States, especially in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
BBC News (Nov. 2025) added that public reaction in Nigeria has been mixed, with some social media users defending the Vice President’s remarks as “measured and patriotic,” while others urged the government to focus on “substance over outrage.”
Al Jazeera (Nov. 2025) observed that the diplomatic friction comes amid broader U.S.–Africa tensions over trade policies and the role of Chinese and Russian investments on the continent.
“Trump’s declaration is less about Nigeria’s internal politics and more about his attempt to revive isolationist narratives,” said Dr. Femi Oke, a political analyst at the University of Lagos.
Sources
Channels TV – VP Shettima responds to Trump’s comments, defends Nigeria’s economy (Nov 2025)
The Guardian Nigeria – Shettima slams Trump’s remarks on Nigeria, calls for respect (Nov 2025)
Reuters – Nigeria pushes back against Trump’s “failed state” label (Nov 2025)
BBC News – Nigeria reacts to Trump’s latest comments on Africa (Nov 2025)
Al Jazeera – Nigeria defends sovereignty after Trump criticism (Nov 2025)
