Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni has raised concerns about Nigeria’s relationship with the United States following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th US president.
Olukanni, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Austria, noted that Nigeria currently lacks ambassadors in key countries, including the US, UK, France, and Russia.
Credit: Kashmir Observer
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, he questioned how Nigeria could engage effectively with the Trump administration without an ambassador in Washington.
“And unfortunately, the Trump administration came in yesterday, and we have no ambassador in Washington, New York, or other major capitals. How do we want to engage them without representation?” he asked.
Olukanni also expressed scepticism about Trump’s interest in Africa and his ability to deliver on global peace initiatives, particularly in the Middle East.
Reflecting on Trump’s inaugural speech, he said, “It felt like he was still campaigning, saying, ‘I will end wars,’ and ‘I will bring peace.’ But where are the practical solutions? What are the details?”
Drawing on his experience serving at the UN and in Tel Aviv, Olukanni emphasised the significance of resolving the Gaza conflict.
“If Trump can bring an end to the war in Gaza, it would mark a historic achievement with far-reaching implications,” he remarked.
He concluded by stressing the importance of Nigeria strengthening its diplomatic presence to navigate global challenges effectively.
