Professor Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigeria Political Scientists Association (NPSA), has outlined a comprehensive framework for President Bola Tinubu to address and mitigate the significant pressure arising from the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" under former President Donald Trump. Speaking from Ilorin, Kwara State, Saliu emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach, combining robust internal reforms with strategic diplomatic engagements to navigate the escalating tensions in Nigeria–USA relations.

At the forefront of Saliu's recommendations is a direct presidential directive to the Armed Forces, instructing them to actively target and neutralize groups instigating instability nationwide. This proactive security measure is seen as essential for restoring internal peace and demonstrating a firm stance against insurgency. Complementing this, President Tinubu is advised to convene a meeting with leading religious leaders to inform them of the severe consequences stemming from the actions of their followers, thereby promoting responsibility and cooperation in maintaining social harmony.

To strengthen the internal response, Saliu proposed the establishment of a high-powered committee tasked with investigating the claims made by the United States that led to the designation. He stressed that the committee’s findings should be transparently shared with the public to ensure accountability and credibility. In a decisive move against armed groups, the NPSA President urged President Tinubu to issue a clear ultimatum to insurgent factions, demanding the unconditional surrender of arms within a strict one-week timeframe. Additionally, Saliu emphasized the need to curb inflammatory rhetoric from public officials, advocating for restraint to prevent further polarization. To coordinate a coherent national response, he recommended the creation of a centralized information hub to manage all communications and actions related to this critical issue.

Beyond security and governance, Professor Saliu highlighted the importance of addressing fundamental socio-economic issues. He urged President Tinubu to prioritize policies aimed at alleviating the country’s economic hardship and to publicly disclose progress to enhance domestic stability and international perception. Another key recommendation involves engaging directly with nations whose citizens are implicated in illegal mining activities, as these operations exacerbate Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

On the diplomatic front, Saliu cautioned against relying solely on external solidarity, noting that such support may not always materialize when most needed. He recommended forming another high-powered committee, comprising influential Nigerians, to engage directly with Washington and clearly articulate Nigeria’s position and efforts. Crucially, he advised that President Tinubu should avoid sponsoring individuals or groups that disparage the United States, as this could complicate diplomatic efforts. He also stressed that presenting records of economic performance as a defense strategy would be misplaced, since the designation is not about economic achievements but about the “country of particular concern” status. Finally, Saliu underscored the importance of appointing highly competent ambassadors capable of effectively representing Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.

In conclusion, Professor Saliu affirmed that careful consideration and implementation of these comprehensive measures could significantly alleviate tensions between Nigeria and the United States. He noted that while Nigeria–USA relations have historically experienced periods of strain, the current situation presents a unique challenge requiring immediate and strategic intervention by the Nigerian presidency.