Country of Particular Concern: The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nigeria Needs
Ik Ogbonna, fcai, anipr, MPhil
In a move that has sent ripples through international diplomacy, President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, citing ongoing allegations of religious persecution, particularly against Christians in the northern regions.
This designation, announced in early November 2025, marks a reversal of the Biden administration’s decision to remove Nigeria from the list and could trigger sanctions, restrictions on U.S. aid, and heightened scrutiny of bilateral relations. Nigerian officials have swiftly rejected the label, calling it based on “faulty data” and an overreach into sovereign affairs. Amid threats of potential U.S. military or humanitarian intervention floated by Trump himself, Nigeria faces a critical juncture in its foreign policy. Now more than ever, the West African giant needs a Minister of Foreign Affairs with unparalleled global reach, strategic acumen, and a network of influential contacts to navigate this storm and safeguard national interests.
The Imperative for Global Savvy in Nigerian Diplomacy
Nigeria’s designation as a CPC is not just a symbolic slap; it carries tangible risks. Potential sanctions could impact trade, security cooperation, and access to international financing, exacerbating economic challenges in a nation already grappling with inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment. Congressional resolutions in the U.S. have amplified calls for action against the persecution of Christians, urging international partners to pressure Abuja. In this high-stakes environment, a foreign minister must be more than a bureaucrat—they need to be a global operator capable of lobbying in Washington, Geneva, and beyond, while rallying African and Commonwealth allies.
Historically, Nigeria has produced foreign ministers who exemplified this blend of diplomacy and influence. Take late Major General Joe Garba, who served from 1975 to 1978 under military regimes. As a key architect of Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Garba championed anti-apartheid efforts and strengthened ties with the Non-Aligned Movement, using his military background and charisma to forge alliances across the Global South. Similarly, General Ike Nwachukwu (1990-1993) brought a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, navigating the post-Cold War era by enhancing Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS and peacekeeping missions, often leveraging personal networks from his time in the army and international postings.
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, minister from 1985 to 1987, stands out for his intellectual rigor and innovative diplomacy. He introduced the concept of a “Concert of Medium Powers” to amplify Nigeria’s voice on the world stage and was instrumental in anti-colonial advocacy.
Then there’s Emeka Anyaoku, who, while not a foreign minister per se, served as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN and later as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1990 to 2000. Anyaoku’s tenure exemplified the power of quiet diplomacy, mediating conflicts in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and building bridges with Western powers through his extensive contacts in London and beyond.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala served briefly as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from June to August 2006 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, becoming the first woman to hold the position and overseeing the country’s external relations during that period. Prior to that, as Finance Minister (2003-2006), she played a pivotal role in securing a landmark $18 billion debt relief package from the Paris Club creditors in 2005, reducing Nigeria’s external debt by about 60% through rigorous reforms, negotiations, and fiscal discipline. These figures demonstrate that effective Nigerian foreign ministers have historically combined domestic insight with international clout, turning potential crises into opportunities for leadership.
Tapping Nigeria’s Global Talent Pool
Today, Nigeria boasts a cadre of accomplished individuals who have ascended to the pinnacles of global institutions, amassing the kind of contacts and expertise that could prove invaluable in countering the CPC fallout. These leaders not only understand the intricacies of multilateralism but also maintain direct lines to decision-makers in the U.S., Europe, and international bodies—networks that could be mobilized to advocate for Nigeria’s position, negotiate exemptions, or highlight reforms.
Foremost among them is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As the first woman and first African in this role since 2021, with a reappointment in 2025, she has spearheaded reforms in global trade amid geopolitical tensions. Her prior stints as Nigeria’s Finance and Foreign Affairs Minister and Managing Director at the World Bank equipped her with deep ties to U.S. Treasury officials, European leaders, and emerging market economies. In the face of potential trade restrictions tied to the CPC label, Okonjo-Iweala’s influence could help mitigate economic blows, drawing on her experience in debt restructuring and advocacy for African interests.
Equally formidable is Amina J. Mohammed, serving as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General since 2017. With a focus on sustainable development and climate action, Mohammed has coordinated global efforts on the SDGs, interfacing with heads of state, including U.S. presidents. Her Nigerian roots—coupled with her British heritage—give her unique access to both African Union circles and Western capitals. As a former Nigerian Environment Minister, she understands domestic challenges like insecurity in the Sahel, which overlap with religious freedom concerns. Mohammed’s diplomatic finesse could be pivotal in engaging the UN Human Rights Council to balance the narrative around Nigeria’s CPC status.
Then there’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) since 2015, re-elected in 2020. Known for his “High 5s” agenda to transform Africa through agriculture, infrastructure, and industrialization, Adesina has secured billions in funding from donors, including the U.S. His background as Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister honed his ability to address root causes of conflict, such as economic inequality fueling religious tensions. With strong relationships in Washington—evidenced by his World Food Prize win—Adesina could lobby against aid cuts, positioning Nigeria as a partner in regional stability.
Other notables include Benedict Okey Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) since 2015, who drives intra-African trade and has ties to global financiers; and Obiageli Ezekwesili, ex-Vice President for Africa at the World Bank (2007-2012), bring anti-corruption credentials and advocacy networks that resonate in U.S. policy circles.
Tijani Muhammad-Bande: Currently Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (reappointed in 2021), he previously served as President of the 74th UN General Assembly (2019–2020). With a PhD in Political Science and prior roles as Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University and Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (2010–2016), he has deep expertise in multilateral diplomacy, sustainable development, and African affairs, positioning him well for high-stakes international lobbying.
A Call for Visionary Leadership
Drawing from the legacies of Garba, Nwachukwu, Akinyemi, and Anyaoku, Nigeria should look to appoint a foreign minister from this elite pool of global Nigerians. Such a leader could transform the CPC challenge into a catalyst for domestic reforms—enhancing religious freedoms, combating extremism, and bolstering transparency—while safeguarding economic ties. In an era where Trump-era policies emphasize “America First” with a focus on religious liberties, Nigeria cannot afford diplomatic complacency. The time is ripe for a minister who not only speaks the language of power but wields it effectively on the world stage.
Ik Ogbonna is a current affairs commentator, and a Journalist/PR practitioner. +2348037203559. ikogbonna@gmail.com