Tinubu Govt Invites 50 Lawmakers To Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Training

The Federal Ministry of Finance has come under fire after issuing an official circular inviting 50 lawmakers to a two-day “High-Level Policy Training on American Foreign Policy Under the Donald Trump Administration.”

According to SaharaReporters, the invitation, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, immediately triggered widespread criticism after it was leaked to the media.

“These people aren’t serious. Instead of dealing with the insecurity issues, they are training senators on how to negotiate with America,” the media platform quoted one critic reacting to the circular.

Naija News reports that the memo, dated November 17, 2025, and marked Ref: FMF/HMS/CORRS/01/VOL.1/112, stated that “all necessary arrangements have been concluded” for the training slated for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex.

According to the ministry, the session aims to equip lawmakers with skills to navigate “American Foreign Policy Under the Trump Administration: New Realities for African Negotiators,” as well as strengthen engagement with members of the U.S. Congress.

The ministry urged Akpabio to confirm participating lawmakers, adding that nominations were needed so “the Secretariat can conclude the necessary logistics arrangements.”

The letter reads in part: “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.”

Naija News reports that the announcement comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a surge in terror attacks on religious centres and schools across several states, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kaduna and Kogi.

See a copy of the invitation to the training below.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said that recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump have increased violent networks across Nigeria.

Akume, in a statement on Wednesday, argued that Trump’s October 31 declaration, designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and threatening possible U.S. military intervention, created an external narrative that terror groups have now latched onto.

He said, “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.”

According to him, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded before Trump’s comments but extremists were now attempting to “gain visibility” by exploiting the tension.

Akume reiterated that Nigeria does not require foreign military deployment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations,” he said.

Akume, however, said Nigeria still needs targeted support from international partners in intelligence, technology and equipment.