Prominent Nigerian figures, including World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Ambassador to Belgium Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo, and Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Director-General Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, weighed in on the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.
Their reactions, captured during interviews with The Nation, reflected a range of perspectives on the policies’ global and local impacts.
Speaking at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Okonjo-Iweala called for restraint and a measured response to the executive orders.
“I’m concerned, but you can see my attitude and approach is to keep calm.
Let’s see what policies are actually enacted and implemented before we get overexcited,” she stated during a panel discussion.
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, NIIA Director-General, emphasized the sovereignty of the U.S. in implementing its laws, asserting that non-compliance has consequences.
“Anybody who wants to do business with the U.S. must adapt to their laws.
If anybody comes to Nigeria, they must also respect our laws or face the consequences,” he remarked.
Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo described the executive orders as domestic issues for the United States.
“Any American president can issue executive orders. If challenged and overruled by the courts, that’s it.
Another president may reverse them.
It’s their internal process and should not overly concern us as Nigerians,” he noted.
Akin Fayomi, former Nigerian Ambassador to France, suggested it was premature to evaluate Trump’s policies fully.
“I don’t care for Mr. Trump and his policies, but his decisions will face discussions, legal actions, and scrutiny.
It’s too early to assess his controversial policies,” he explained.
Fayomi also highlighted concerns about the principle of “jus soli” (right of the soil) in U.S. law, noting its potential impact on birthright citizenship policies.
Prof. Kayode Soremekun, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, noted that the birthright citizenship policy was not unprecedented.
“While Nigerians seeking to transfer citizenship to their children may dislike this policy, it could encourage better governance at home.
However, such policies could disrupt the U.S. economy, as many low-paying jobs are held by immigrants,” he stated.
Prof. Efem Ubi, Director of Studies at the NIIA, stressed that the policy on birthright citizenship is a U.S. internal matter with no significant impact on Nigeria.
“This policy primarily affects Nigerians planning to give birth in the U.S.
Remember, the U.K. adopted a similar stance years ago, and Nigerians adapted,” he said.
Ubi also criticized the potential deportation of individuals deemed “criminal aliens,” emphasizing that due process must be upheld.
The executive orders, particularly the controversial ones on birthright citizenship and deportation of undocumented immigrants, have sparked debates globally.
Nigerian experts are urging caution, adaptability, and respect for sovereign decisions while advocating for robust governance and reforms at home.
