My Opinion: Why President Tinubu Should Not Avoid Donald Trump (And Why the World Still Needs "The Art of the Deal")

So, I came across a headline on Arise News that read, "Akinyemi Tells Tinubu to Avoid Trump," and I thought to myself, "Why avoid someone who thrives on deals, leverage, and numbers? Isn’t that what Nigeria needs right now?" I even went the extra mile to double-check my opinion with multiple AI-intuitions (yes, I did!), and the consensus is clear: not all of Donald Trump’s policies are harmful. In fact, quite a number of them are rational, dare I say, even logical if you see the world through the lens of a U.S. citizen.

Let’s break this down.

Donald Trump: The Empathic "Art of the Deal" Guy

Here’s the thing about Trump: while he may come across as brash and polarizing, he’s also a guy who understands leverage and negotiation better than most. He’s a numbers guy, a give-and-take guy, and, yes, the ultimate "Art of the Deal" guy. He fights for what he believes will benefit his country, which is exactly why Iranians (yes, Iranians!) spotted an opening to negotiate with him. They saw the opportunity to use his deal-making instincts to their advantage. If Iran can, why can’t Nigeria?

And let’s not forget—Trump’s policies are often misunderstood because of his unconventional communication style. Beneath the tweets and media drama, there’s a rational, interest-driven approach. Immigration, trade, and border security may seem harsh on the surface, but from a U.S. citizen’s perspective, these policies are about protecting national interests. The real question is: Can Nigeria align its interests with his vision to create mutual benefits? I believe we can.

The Nigerian Context

Now, let’s talk about us Nigerians. It’s no secret that Nigerians have a mixed reputation abroad. On one hand, we’re celebrated for our resilience, intelligence, and creativity (Wakanda Forever vibes, anyone?). On the other hand, some of our brothers and sisters have not done us proud with scams and fraudulent activities. This dual narrative makes it essential for the Nigerian government to take proactive steps to clear our national identity of long-term stigmatization.

Here’s where engaging directly with Trump’s administration comes in. Instead of avoiding the U.S. government, Nigeria needs to step forward, take responsibility for its citizens’ actions, and propose tangible reforms. Imagine a scenario where Nigeria actively promotes a culture of integrity and accountability. Not only would this improve our global image, but it would also make countries more welcoming to Nigerians who genuinely want to contribute positively.

Why Nigerians Need the U.S. (And Why the U.S. Needs Nigerians)

It’s an open secret: Nigerians immigrate to the U.S., U.K., Canada, and other Western countries in droves. Why? Because these nations offer better opportunities for a brighter future. Even with our history as a British colony surrounded by French-speaking neighbors, the U.S. dollar somehow remains the unofficial benchmark for the Nigerian naira. The reality is, Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. isn’t just about politics—it’s about cultural and economic ties, immigration, and shared aspirations.

But here’s the catch: If we want the world to see us differently, we must show them a different Nigeria. A Nigeria that values integrity, hard work, and mutual respect. A Nigeria that can strike a deal with Trump not as a subordinate but as an equal partner.

What Nigeria Can Learn from Trump’s Policies

Donald Trump’s policies may seem harsh at times, but they are deeply rooted in rationality. As Nigerians, we must learn to approach global issues with the same pragmatism:

1. Immigration: Trump wants merit-based immigration. Why not position Nigerians as skilled, educated, and law-abiding immigrants who contribute positively to their host countries?
2. Trade and Investment: Nigeria can leverage its resources (oil, gas, and human capital) to negotiate better trade deals with the U.S., ensuring mutual benefits.
3. Mutual Respect: Trump values leaders who stand their ground and act in their country’s best interests. Nigeria needs to engage the U.S. directly, bypassing middlemen who often dilute or misrepresent our interests.

Final Thoughts

Donald Trump is a good man—controversial, yes—but good. His policies are not meant to harm but to prioritize his country’s interests, just as any leader should. If Nigeria approaches him with rationality and a clear agenda, I believe we can build a relationship that benefits both nations.

And let’s not forget: Americans are great people. They are empathetic, resilient, and value integrity. They understand that not all Nigerians fit the negative stereotype. The onus is on us to showcase the best of who we are, both at home and abroad.

So, my humble advice to President Tinubu is this: Don’t avoid Trump. Engage him. Leverage his deal-making instincts to secure a better future for Nigerians, both at home and abroad. After all, diplomacy is about building bridges, not burning them. Let’s make this work—Wakanda Forever and all.

Aderogba Otunla, Ph.D.