Nigeria’s Silence on Venezuela - A Contrast of Past and Present?

Nigeria’s Silence on Venezuela - A Contrast of Past and Present?

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Legacy

Nigeria has historically stood tall as a principled voice in international diplomacy. From the era of Jaja Wachuku, Nigeria’s first Foreign Minister, to Joseph Garba, who boldly represented the country at the United Nations, Nigeria consistently projected itself as a nation unafraid to take clear positions on global crises. These leaders embodied a tradition of courage and conviction, ensuring that Nigeria was not only seen as the “giant of Africa” but also respected as a moral compass in West Africa and beyond. Nigeria’s interventions in apartheid South Africa, its leadership in peacekeeping missions across Liberia and Sierra Leone, and its vocal stance on issues of sovereignty and justice cemented its reputation as a nation willing to defend principles even when politically inconvenient.

The Venezuelan Crisis and Global Reactions

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve, a sweeping military campaign in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation involved coordinated airstrikes and raids across Caracas and other states, culminating in their transfer to New York where they were indicted on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro pleaded not guilty, calling himself a “prisoner of war.” The global response was swift: the United Nations, China, Russia, Mexico, and Spain condemned the intervention as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Protests erupted worldwide, underscoring the gravity of the crisis and its implications for the global order.

Nigeria’s Silence Under Scrutiny

Against this backdrop, Nigeria’s failure to issue an official statement has drawn sharp criticism. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, described the silence as “embarrassing” and “unbefitting” of a nation that once prided itself on leadership. Abdullahi argued that Nigeria’s voice is conspicuously absent at a time when even smaller West African nations have taken positions. He linked this silence to Nigeria’s earlier controversial decision in December 2025 to invite U.S. forces to conduct military operations within its borders, suggesting that such actions compromised Nigeria’s confidence and moral authority.

A Diminished Role in Global Affairs

The contrast between Nigeria’s past and present is seemingly stark. Where once the country stood as a beacon of African leadership, today it appears seemingly hesitant, vulnerable, and diminished. Abdullahi’s remarks highlight a troubling erosion of Nigeria’s diplomatic stature, raising questions about whether the current administration has the courage to reclaim its role as Africa’s voice in global affairs. The silence on Venezuela is not merely a missed opportunity; it symbolizes a deeper retreat from the values that once defined Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Let’s Take A Break

Nigeria’s silence on Venezuela is more than a diplomatic oversight, it is a reflection of a broader decline in confidence and leadership. The ADC’s rebuke underscores the urgency for Nigeria to rediscover its voice, to once again stand boldly on the world stage, and to reaffirm its role as Africa’s leader. Without such action, the legacy of Wachuku and Garba risks being overshadowed by an era of hesitation and retreat, leaving Nigeria adrift at a time when the continent and the world need its leadership most.