Pastor Tunde Bakare has alleged that United States President Donald Trump’s renewed pressure on Nigeria stems from strategic interest in the country’s oil and mineral resources. He made the claim during his State of the Nation Address in Lagos on Sunday.
Bakare said Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and his comments on Christian persecution were linked to broader economic and geopolitical motives. According to him, Washington views Nigeria’s oil, real estate market and position in emerging technologies as critical to its long-term agenda.
He recalled receiving a symbolic “vision” after Trump’s 2024 election victory, which he interpreted as a sign of heightened American involvement in Nigeria. He warned that Trump’s approach, including religious undertones, could trigger tension if not carefully managed.
The cleric described Trump as a “transactional leader” and urged the Nigerian government to respond strategically by proposing mutually beneficial economic deals rather than adopting a defensive posture.
Bakare criticised the Federal Government for what he described as years of weak responses to insecurity, stressing that the Middle Belt, North-West and South-East were grappling with violence, communal mistrust and terror networks. He said Nigeria must negotiate from a position of clarity and national interest.
He also faulted the National Assembly for reacting slowly to insecurity, accusing lawmakers of prioritising politics ahead of governance. He urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt bold structural reforms, including expanded policing systems, national reconciliation and intelligence-driven security operations.
Bakare insisted that only sweeping reforms would address the roots of Nigeria’s instability and reposition the country for peace and development.
