Domestic crises will challenge US-Nigeria relations

Significance

Distracted by a spiralling pandemic and crisis in its political institutions, the incoming US government will struggle to establish new initiatives both in Nigeria and across West Africa.

Impacts

• Trump’s popularity among many Nigerians is unlikely to be replicated by Biden, despite probable greater engagement.
• The reputational damage from probably soon-to-be relaxed restrictive US immigration and visa policies will endure.
• Opportunities for deepened economic engagement exist but will depend on encouraging increased US private-sector investment.