The Nigerian Presidency has reaffirmed that discussions are still ongoing for a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and U.S. President Donald Trump, as both leaders seek to strengthen diplomatic and security relations between their countries.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, disclosed this on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, expressing confidence that the long-anticipated meeting would take place soon — either at the White House or Aso Rock Villa.
“It could happen at any time. In diplomacy, protocol is key. When you’re building something, it must be preserved and protected,” Bwala noted, adding that the government would not be pressured into revealing details of the discussions.
The confirmation follows heightened diplomatic tension after President Trump reportedly designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” accompanied by threats of possible military intervention.
Bwala had earlier emphasised that both leaders share common ground in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
“Both President Tinubu and President Trump have shared interests in the fight against insurgency and terrorism against humanity,” he stated.
He also commended Trump’s previous support for Nigeria’s military, particularly his approval for the sale of arms to aid counterterrorism operations — a policy President Tinubu has “effectively built upon” with notable results.
Addressing potential disagreements between both governments, Bwala said any differences — including those concerning the religious dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria — would be resolved during the bilateral engagement.
“Whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or all faiths, those differences will be discussed and resolved when the two leaders meet,” he explained.
President Tinubu, in a related statement, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, stressing that his administration continues to engage with both Christian and Muslim leaders to address national security challenges.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu affirmed, rejecting claims that the country is intolerant of any faith.
The planned meeting comes after Tinubu’s earlier trip to the U.S. — scheduled to include talks with Vice President JD Vance — was postponed. The Nigerian leader is now expected to meet Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
The Presidency maintains that the engagement will “further consolidate Nigeria–U.S. relations” and foster continued collaboration on counterterrorism and global peace efforts
