Obasanjo: US informed Nigeria before taking any action in Africa when I was president

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo says the late US President Jimmy Carter did not take any action in Africa without informing Nigeria during his time as head of state.

Obasanjo spoke on Monday during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The programme was organised by the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

His comments come amid ongoing discussions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting possible US military intervention in Nigeria over killings linked to extremist groups.

On October 31, Trump tagged Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and accused the government of turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians.

Obasanjo did not mention Trump directly, but recalled Nigeria’s diplomatic standing during his time in office.

He said Nigeria was regarded as Africa’s leader shortly after independence, adding that the country regained global respect under the Muritala-Obasanjo military regime.

He said Carter held Nigeria in high esteem and consistently notified the Nigerian government before making any major move on the continent.

“They were not taking permission from us, but they would tell us that they were doing this,” he said.

Obasanjo said the US regarded Nigeria as a strategic partner during the period, adding that three American presidents visited Nigeria when he was head of state.

He said young military leaders of his era were driven by national interest rather than personal gain.

“We were young, we were idealistic, and we knew what we wanted for Nigeria. It was not about money. We were all under 40, probably a bit naïve, but our ambition was not money,” he said.

Obasanjo urged youths to position themselves to take more leadership roles across Africa.

He said many African leaders hold on to office for too long, citing the recent election in Cameroon, where 92-year-old Paul Biya was re-elected.

He said young people must be “positively disruptive” to claim their place in governance.

“You are leaders of today because if you leave tomorrow in the hands of leaders who are there today, they will destroy it,” he said.

Obasanjo said youths must use their numerical strength for political advantage.

He, however, expressed concern that some youths currently serving in government have not demonstrated strong leadership qualities.

Since Obasanjo left office in 2007, no sitting US president has visited Nigeria.