Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump to engage in strategic dialogue with Nigeria’s leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
to counterbalance China’s escalating economic influence in Africa.
Speaking on a national television broadcast, the lawmaker stressed that China has intensified its push to establish economic hegemony across the continent, a move that necessitates proactive engagement from the United States.
“Donald Trump has a significant opportunity to engage Tinubu, as a key African leader, and grasp the political dynamics at play here. China has already made considerable inroads into Africa’s economic landscape,” Ibrahim remarked.
China’s Expanding Grip on Africa Through BRICS+
Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South District in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, highlighted how BRICS+, a geopolitical alliance steered largely by China, has actively courted Nigeria. He revealed that the bloc has approached Tinubu
to explore economic realignment and trade partnerships denominated in the Chinese Yuan.
According to the senator, China’s strategic economic campaign includes financing massive infrastructure projects—airports, seaports, and roads—across Africa. However, Ibrahim raised concerns about Beijing’s underlying geopolitical
ambitions.
“China has systematically extended credit lines to multiple African nations for infrastructural expansion, but the underlying question remains: What is China truly after? It seeks to secure legitimacy and expand its sphere of influence
across the continent,” he asserted.
Despite China’s overtures, Ibrahim noted that Tinubu has adopted a measured stance.
“China approached Tinubu, proposing that Nigeria conduct trade transactions using the Yuan. However, Tinubu’s response was calculated: ‘Increase the volume of trade, maximize my benefits first, then we can negotiate.’ The ball is
now in China’s court,” he stated.
The senator underscored that Africa is emerging as a crucial arena in the U.S.-China geopolitical rivalry, with both superpowers keenly assessing the continent’s strategic value in the broader matrix of global hegemonic influence.
Why Tinubu and Trump Could Forge Stronger Ties
On the diplomatic front, Ibrahim expressed confidence that Tinubu and Trump would not face ideological friction, emphasizing that Nigeria’s president aligns with America’s liberal democratic ethos.
“Tinubu is a liberalist, not a hard realist. His governance philosophy mirrors America’s liberal democratic traditions, which eliminates the potential for major ideological rifts between both nations,” he explained.
According to him, while Trump embodies a more pragmatic, realist approach to governance, Tinubu leans toward cooperation and multilateralism. However, Ibrahim acknowledged that the real challenge lies in Trump’s combative foreign
policy stance.
“You cannot be simultaneously at odds with Russia, Britain, and China while ignoring Africa’s strategic importance. A recalibration of alliances is necessary,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Strategic Role in BRICS+
In January 2025, Nigeria formalized its partnership with BRICS+, expanding its economic collaborations with the bloc. Originally founded in 2006, BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—aimed to counterbalance
Western economic dominance.
The organization has since evolved into BRICS+, welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, and collectively accounting for approximately 37% of the global GDP.
Ibrahim cautioned that the U.S. risks ceding further ground to China unless it actively strengthens ties with key African economies like Nigeria.
“With Nigeria’s entry into BRICS+, Washington must rethink its strategy. Neglecting Africa in global diplomacy would be a grave miscalculation,” he concluded.
As the world’s superpowers vie for influence, Africa stands at the crossroads of a new economic and political order, with Nigeria positioned as a pivotal player in the unfolding geopolitical chessboard.
