By Kanma-Okafor Chisom Chidinma

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. His inauguration marks a big change for U.S. policies, and it’s going to have effects that reach far beyond the U.S. From Manhattan’s towering buildings to the busy streets of Lagos, Trump’s new presidency is getting people talking, sparking hope, and causing some worry.

But what does this mean for Nigeria? A country that’s tied to the global economy, depending on oil exports, and full of crypto fans who are already excited about Bitcoin reaching new highs. Trump’s policies will definitely shake things up for Nigeria, from trade and immigration to the strange mix of crypto and geopolitics. So grab your popcorn, because when it comes to politics, Nigerians and Americans know how to make it feel like a reality show.

Why Nigerians Are Paying Attention

In Nigeria, there are two types of people paying attention to the U.S. inauguration. First, there are those who have a real interest, like political analysts, traders, and anyone trying to figure out how shifts in global policy might mess with the price of fuel, rice, or tomatoes. Then, there’s the second group: the people who just want to know the gossip.

While Americans are debating if Trump’s presidency is a step forward or backward, Nigerians are watching closely for any effects that could trickle down. After all, when the U.S. sneezes, Nigeria catches a cold, or more like a full-on fever that messes with everything from oil revenue to tech plans.

A History Lesson

Let’s rewind to Trump’s first presidency. His “America First” policies hit developing countries, including Nigeria, like an unexpected power outage. Trade wars with China messed up global supply chains, and Nigeria, already struggling, faced even more economic pressure.

“America First” meant focusing on U.S. interests, with tougher trade rules, deals that benefit the U.S. more, and stricter immigration. For Nigeria, this meant selling less oil to the U.S., fewer remittances from Nigerians living there, and tougher trading with America. Basically, the plan was to make the U.S. richer, even if it hurt other countries.

Then there was the travel ban that included Nigeria in 2020. It made it even harder for Nigerians to chase the “American Dream,” and visa applications became a nightmare. It wasn’t just about vacations, it was about families, students, and professionals looking for better opportunities. Now, with Trump back in charge, many are worried about a repeat of this, or worse, a new and even crazier chapter.

The Nigerian Ripple Effects

Trump’s “America First” policies are going to affect Nigeria big time. With him back at the helm, he’s likely to double down on tariffs and rewrite trade deals that work in America’s favor. For Nigeria, that means trouble. Our oil exports could take a hit if the U.S. decides to ramp up its own oil production and cut out others. In short, Nigeria’s oil might become the last thing anyone wants at the global trade table.

And global trade wars? They could totally mess up our already fragile supply chains. You might end up paying more for things like gadgets and imported goods. Plus, Trump will probably push for trade deals that put America first, leaving countries like Nigeria stuck in tough negotiations. It’s like being forced to haggle for something you’ve already paid for, frustrating and unnecessary.

Crypto: The Silver Lining

But hey, Nigerians know how to find opportunities in the chaos. Trump’s support for crypto has already sent Bitcoin to record highs, and Nigeria, one of the biggest crypto markets in the world, is buzzing.

With plans to stockpile crypto, Trump is making the U.S. a major player in the crypto game. For Nigerian traders, this means more chances to invest and profit. Since crypto is decentralized, it could also help protect against any economic trouble caused by trade wars. When the economy goes crazy, Bitcoin could be the steady option.

More Deportations?

Trump’s tough stance on immigration is likely to continue, which could mean more deportations for Nigerians living in the U.S. without papers, and stricter visa rules for those trying to go. This could be hard for families that rely on remittances, but it might also reduce brain drain. If fewer Nigerians leave, it could encourage more skilled workers to stay and invest in Nigeria. However, that depends on the Nigerian government stepping up and creating more opportunities, something that’s been a challenge for years.

The Political Divide: Conservatives vs. Liberals

In Nigeria, conservatives see Trump’s tough policies on China as a chance for Nigeria to become a stronger trade partner. They think Nigeria can step in to fill gaps in global trade, especially if U.S.-China tensions keep rising. They see this as an opportunity to make Nigeria’s presence stronger on the global stage and build better ties with other countries.

Liberals, on the other hand, are more cautious. They’re worried that stricter U.S. policies could mess with the global markets Nigeria relies on, and fewer Nigerian immigrants in the U.S. could reduce remittances. Plus, every liberal shift in U.S. policies seems to have a global social or environmental impact, which can affect Nigeria too. But no matter where they stand, both sides agree that what happens in America always affects Nigeria’s economy and global position.

What Can Nigeria Do?

To deal with the challenges of Trump’s presidency, Nigeria needs to be smart. First, we should reduce our dependence on the U.S. by building stronger trade relationships with countries like China, the EU, and other emerging markets. Second, we need to focus on trading more within Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to make our economy more self-sufficient. Lastly, any extra money from oil should go into fixing our roads, improving electricity, and boosting tech development.

With Trump back in power, Nigeria faces a critical moment. There are chances for growth and new opportunities, but only if we make the right moves. For now, we’ll keep watching the drama unfold, trading Bitcoin, and hoping things don’t get too expensive. After all, Nigerians know how to adapt, whether it’s social, economic, or political change. We’ve been through it before.