Trump Snubs Nigeria, Excludes as US President Invites 5 African Leaders for White House Investment Talks

By: Manoah Kikekon 

U.S. President Donald Trump [Britannica]

In a surprising move, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has been excluded from an upcoming White House meeting where U.S. President Donald Trump will discuss trade and investment opportunities with five African leaders.  

Scheduled for July 9, the high-profile meeting will include the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal. 

According to a White House official, the discussion aims to strengthen U.S.-Africa commercial ties, with Trump emphasizing Africa’s "incredible opportunities" for mutual economic growth.  

The reason behind Nigeria’s omission remains unclear. Despite being Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria has seen limited engagement with the Trump administration since Tinubu took office in January. 

However, in April, Tinubu met with Massad Boulos, Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, in Paris, where they discussed economic and security partnerships.  

 

This exclusion comes amid Trump’s broader "America First" policies, which have led to cuts in U.S. foreign aid to Africa and a looming visa ban affecting 36 African countries, including Nigeria. 

The U.S. State Department has given these nations 60 days to meet new visa requirements or face restrictions.