By Onochie Anibeze, in Qatar

Donald Trump was speaking here in Qatar, but his message would resonate thousands of miles away in Nigeria.

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He appeared to be echoing what many Nigerians have long lamented about their leaders—those who, since independence, have steered the country down a path of unfulfilled potential and persistent underdevelopment.

Trump concluded his tour of Qatar with a visit to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Gulf region. There, he paid tribute to American troops, commending their sacrifice and announcing that Qatar would invest $10 billion in the facility. He beamed with pride as he addressed the soldiers, proudly informing them that his Gulf tour had yielded immense economic benefits for the United States.

Fresh from clinching a $400 billion defense deal in Saudi Arabia, Trump landed in Qatar, where the government—led by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani—rolled out the red carpet. Multiple deals in defense and aviation were signed, bolstering Trump’s ego and reinforcing his “America First” campaign rhetoric. According to U.S. officials, the total value of deals signed during the trip is projected to generate economic activity worth $1.2 trillion.

Buoyed by these achievements, Trump stood before the troops and proclaimed himself the best thing that ever happened to America, while hailing the U.S. military as the strongest and most capable force in the world.

However, he was not short on praise for his host, the Emir of Qatar, repeatedly lauding a relationship he said predated his presidency. Following the official welcome and trade agreement ceremonies at the stately Amiri Diwan—Qatar’s seat of government—the entourage proceeded to Lusail City, where Qatar hosted Trump and a gathering of global business leaders to a lavish dinner. Among the distinguished guests was Nigeria’s own Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.

It was during this dinner that Trump delivered a message with piercing relevance to Nigeria’s situation.

Qatar, a small yet wealthy country, has a population of just 2.6 million and a landmass of 11,581 square kilometers. In 2023, its GDP per capita stood at an impressive $80,195.87.

The world saw Qatar’s capabilities in full display during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, widely regarded as the best edition of the tournament ever hosted. The country has harnessed its oil and gas resources to transform its economy, develop world-class infrastructure, and position itself as a rising global power.

In contrast, Nigeria—with far greater natural and human resources—continues to struggle. Since discovering oil, the country has failed to maximize its potential. Poverty remains widespread, basic infrastructure is lacking, and corruption undermines governance. While Qatar soars, Nigeria sinks deeper into economic misery.

Trump’s words that night struck a nerve. “You can have the most beautiful land, the tallest towers, and the richest resources—but without great leadership, it all means very little,” he declared.

Did Nigerians hear that? Were we not once in the same development league as Qatar, Malaysia, and others in the 1960s and 1970s? What happened to our oil wealth? How did we end up as the poverty capital of the world?

Trump’s statement was not merely rhetorical—it was a stinging reminder that leadership, and leadership alone, can make or mar a nation.

In Nigeria, leaders are celebrated for paying salaries, constructing a few roads, or sinking boreholes—all with public funds. They are praised for doing the bare minimum. Even the media often joins the chorus of applause, normalizing mediocrity and lowering the bar of governance.
That’s the level Nigeria has sunk to. Sad.

Trump lauded Qatar’s rapid development and modernization, emphasizing the strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and Qatar.

One of the most notable agreements is Qatar’s planned purchase of up to 210 Boeing aircraft, a deal valued at $96 billion and expected to support approximately 154,000 U.S. jobs annually.

The US President also addressed regional security issues. He called on Qatar to use its diplomatic leverage to persuade Iran to scale back its nuclear ambitions and end its support for militant groups. He stressed the need for collective action to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.

Ultimately, what has elevated Qatar to global recognition is what Nigeria sorely lacks—visionary, committed, and effective leadership.

And that was the heart of Trump’s message. Whether Nigeria listens or not is another matter.