History Warns Nigeria: America’s Help Often Comes with Hidden Chains By Gbenga Onabamiro
It may seem worthwhile if the United States offers to assist Nigeria in times of crisis, but history warns us to proceed with great caution. The U.S. government’s record in countries it once promised to help — such as Iraq, Libya, and Sudan — reveals a pattern of destruction disguised as intervention. These nations were promised freedom, democracy, and development, yet what followed were wars, broken institutions, and economic ruin.
Nigeria must not reject cooperation outright, but any engagement with foreign powers must be rooted in national interest, sovereignty, and strategic balance. We must accept help only on our terms — not as dependents, but as equals. True partnership should strengthen, not weaken, our independence. History has already shown what happens when nations trust blindly. Nigeria must not make the same mistake again.
Onabamiro is a professor of psychology
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