How Donald Trump’s Executive Orders Would Affect Nigeria

Upon his return to the White House, President Donald Trump wasted no time issuing a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. policies on immigration, health, trade, and foreign relations. While these directives primarily target domestic concerns, their effects are likely to be felt far beyond American borders, particularly in Africa and countries like Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation.

Below are five key executive orders issued by Trump and their potential impact on Nigeria:

1. Birthright Citizenship

Under the new executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship”, taking effect from February 20, Nigerians can no longer travel to the U.S. to give birth with the hope of automatically granting their child American citizenship.

Previously, children born in the U.S. to parents who were in the country illegally or were temporary visa holders could acquire American citizenship. However, under the new policy, children born in the U.S. will only be granted citizenship if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. This shift may affect Nigerian families planning to give birth in the U.S., as it eliminates a key pathway for acquiring U.S. citizenship for their children.

2. External Revenue Service

As part of his America First Trade Policy, Trump announced plans to establish an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs, duties, and other foreign trade-related revenues.

This move could disrupt global trade and complicate the international tax system, a concern highlighted by Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms chairman. According to Oyedele, the imposition of tariffs and taxes on foreign countries could present challenges for Nigerian exports and imports. He emphasized that Nigeria must continue reforming its tax system to better navigate these international trade dynamics. Such reforms could present both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria’s economy, depending on how the country adapts.

3. Deportation Policy

Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown is set to impact Nigerians living in the U.S., especially those who may not meet the stricter immigration policies that are expected to follow. Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency, tasking the U.S. military with border security and supporting the construction of the border wall.

U.S. authorities have already shut down President Joe Biden’s CBP One entry program, which allowed migrants to schedule legal entry appointments. As a result, many migrants are left uncertain about their futures. Though Obed Monago, Director of the African Diaspora Congress, has reassured Nigerians in the U.S. that mass deportations may not be imminent, the tightening of immigration laws could still make it harder for Nigerians who are dependent on family-based immigration or are overstaying their visas to remain in the country. Nigerians in the U.S. who are already vulnerable under these policies may face an increased risk of deportation.

4. Energy Emergency

Trump declared a national energy emergency, aimed at boosting U.S. energy production and reducing restrictions on fossil fuel drilling. This includes the reopening of oil drilling in Alaska and lifting the pause on gas exports.

According to Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), the restart of U.S. oil drilling and the drive for increased fossil fuel investments could impact global oil supply and, by extension, Nigeria’s crude oil revenue. A surge in U.S. oil production could lead to a reduction in global oil prices, negatively affecting Nigeria’s oil revenue. While lower energy prices could benefit local businesses and consumers by reducing the cost of energy, the overall impact on Nigeria’s economy could be detrimental due to the nation’s reliance on oil exports.

5. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Trump’s executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a definitive shift in his administration’s stance on global health. Trump previously criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with China. Withdrawing U.S. funding—historically the largest contribution—could have far-reaching consequences.

For Nigeria, the U.S.-WHO collaboration has been pivotal in managing public health crises, including outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg virus, and mpox. The U.S. has also been integral in providing vaccines and building health system capacity across Africa, including in Nigeria. The withdrawal could result in a funding shortfall for WHO-led emergency responses, potentially affecting health outcomes in Nigeria and other African countries. Additionally, organizations like the Africa CDC, which rely heavily on both U.S. and WHO support, could face resource constraints, impacting their ability to respond to future health emergencies.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s executive orders, though primarily focused on domestic issues, will have significant consequences for Nigeria, particularly in the realms of immigration, trade, energy, and global health. Nigeria’s ability to adapt to these changes will depend on ongoing domestic reforms and its diplomatic engagement with the U.S. as the global landscape continues to evolve under Trump’s policies.