By Amah Alphonsus Amaonye
The recent public ire from Donald Trump towards Nigeria — branding it a “country of concern” and raising the spectre of military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians — may mask a deeper geopolitical manoeuvre.
As Washington and China enter a renewed trade and strategic rivalry, Nigeria finds itself in the crosshairs of a global contest for minerals, influence and access to Africa’s largest economy.
Nigeria at the Centre of a China-US Tug-of-War
China’s economic footprint in Nigeria is vast and growing. Chinese companies are investing heavily in infrastructure, mining and extractive industries in Nigeria — including the burgeoning lithium, gold and rare-earth value chains.
For Beijing, Nigeria is not just a trading partner but a strategic resource hub and gateway to Africa’s future growth.
At the same time, the U.S., led by Trump’s second presidency, is intensifying pressure on nations it sees as falling short on human rights, religious freedom and anti-terror obligations.
Nigeria’s classification as a “country of particular concern” and threats of sanctions or force appear as part of this pattern.
Accusations from Nigeria’s Interior
Into this fraught context steps Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and now senator, who has publicly pointed fingers at foreign (likely Chinese) actors operating in Nigeria — alleging that illegal mining by some Chinese nationals (and their local collaborators) is not merely an economic issue but one tied to arms supply, racketeering and the funding of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. According to media reports, the claims involve Chinese exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral-rich forests and remote bushland — including the north-east’s Sambisa region, north-west, north-central and south-west zones — with illicit exports via private flights.
While direct evidence remains murky and the allegations strong, they resonate with broader documented patterns of foreign-led illegal mining operations in Nigeria and the way they feed local insecurity.
For instance, a 2024 investigation by the Associated Press found Chinese companies purchasing lithium from unlicensed mines in Nigeria, some of which were tied to child labour and conflict-zones.
Could Trump’s Targeting of Nigeria Be Indirectly Aimed at China?
If Nigeria is home to both China’s deepening extractive presence and mounting U.S. human‐rights and security concerns, then Trump’s dramatic language may serve a dual function: pressuring Nigeria to act — and signalling to China that its African footprint is under scrutiny. Analysts suggest that Washington could be using Nigeria as a “frontline” in its broader strategy against Beijing’s resource-for-access model.
Moreover, China’s sharp public reaction — through its foreign ministry in Beijing denouncing U.S. interference in Nigeria’s affairs — suggests that Beijing fears its interests in Nigeria may be under indirect pressure from Washington.
Nigeria’s Stakes
For Nigeria’s government, the diplomatic triangle is perilous. On one hand, Nigeria needs Chinese investment to grow its infrastructure and mining sectors; on the other, it needs favourable ties with the U.S. for security cooperation and global legitimacy.
Nigeria also needs the huge grants that the United States has been making to support security in the most populous black nation in the world. So, a mis-step risks losing access to either or both.
Meanwhile, the allegations of illegal mining and its links to insecurity add domestic fuel to the fire. If true, the regulatory gaps in Nigeria’s mining sector—and the linkages between extractive crime and terrorism—must be addressed before external pressure escalates.
The Way Forward
For Nigeria:
- A full audit and tightening of its mining regulatory regime, including oversight of foreign operators, is essential.
- Diplomatically, a balanced policy acknowledging China’s importance while maintaining strong ties to the U.S. is critical.
- Lastly, deeper transparency in security and human-rights reporting will reduce pretexts for external intervention.
For observers of U.S.–China rivalry:
Nigeria illustrates how resource-rich states can become arenas for power politics beyond simple trade or aid. The game is bigger than tariffs or bilateral deals—it’s about influence, access and alliance building in Africa.
In conclusion:
Whether Trump’s stern talk is truly about religious persecution, or a strategic move against China—or both—Nigeria stands at a crossroads of global power. As the country navigates its ties with Beijing and Washington, its domestic governance of mining and security will be the true test.
