National War College Nigeria Briefing
On Thursday, March 15, 2018, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted a private briefing on Nigeria and U.S.-Nigeria relations for senior and mid-level U.S. Government officials currently studying at the National War College. Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Director of the Wilson Center Africa Program, offered welcome remarks and speaker introductions, followed by a National War College introduction and statement of purpose by Lieutenant Colonel James Moyes.
This broad but in-depth discussion centered around Nigeria’s political, economic, and security landscape and the current state of and prospects for U.S.-Nigeria relations. Some topics covered included the current strategies for countering Boko Haram in Nigeria, including the impediments to and shortcomings of these strategies; context on the complex and rich history of U.S.-Nigeria relations; the current political climate of Nigeria and its historical bases; the scope and significance of China’s involvement in Nigeria; and, the opportunities for continuing to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and mobile youth and diaspora populations.
Recommendations for ways forward on the U.S.-Nigeria relationship, addressing governance challenges in Nigeria, and countering the spread of Boko Haram were made to help brief the National War College colleagues as they prepare for a trip to the region. Some recommendations from speakers included broadening and strengthening the cohesion and coordination of the responses to Boko Haram; helping to facilitate the integration of the northern and southern Nigerian economies and linking more remote areas with the center; and, overall, recognizing areas where the U.S. can help further good governance and security while acknowledging the agencies and capacities of this large and complex state.
Overall, this was a forward-leaning and important discussion about the largest economy on the continent that plays a significant role on the African and global stages.
This event was held under Chatham House non-attribution rules.
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Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more