Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC on Monday, becoming the first African president to meet with the US president since he took office.

Gaberiel Idahosa, an economist, who is based in Lagos, weighed in on the discussion about President Buhari's US visit, highlighting the important role Nigeria plays in US counterterrorism operations and the necessity to strengthen economic cooperation.

Idahosa pointed out that Trump invited Buhari to the White House in an effort to improve relations with African nations. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and has the highest population, making it one of the most influential countries on the continent. Furthermore, strong ties with Nigeria will help the US in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and offer a chance to benefit from investment in Nigeria.

Idahosa said security might have been one of the major issues discussed between Buhari and Trump. "Nigeria already enjoys significant support from America in the fight against terrorism. As always, you want to get more support where you can find it,” Idahosa told CGTN, adding that the Nigerian president may have sought such support during the meeting. However, Nigeria will have to “wait and see what level of commitment President Trump is ready to make beyond what they are doing at this time," Idahosa said.

US counterterrorism operations in West Africa also align with Nigeria's national interests. Terrorism poses a threat to Nigeria's national security and will have a negative effect on its economy. Modern-day terrorism crosses national borders and regions, which requires a joint effort to tackle it. Idahosa said many terrorist groups may train in Nigeria, but carry out attacks in neighboring countries, meaning the problem needs to be addressed by more than one government. Without a joint effort between multiple countries, eradicating terrorism will be impossible. Idahosa expects the cooperation to continue because it’s in the common interest of both nations. “Both countries have an interest to fight terrorism across West and Central Africa because Nigeria is in the middle of that region," Idahosa added.

Apart from counterterrorism, the economy is also an area needing US-Nigeria cooperation. As the largest economy in Africa, the US recognizes Nigeria's economic value. Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investors to enhance the national economy, and the US is willing to fill that role to reap the benefits as Nigeria continues to develop. "Nigeria, in the last two years, has done significant work to improve the ease of doing business," Idahosa said, ensuring the American investment community that efforts will continue.

While investors from the US tend to spend capital on natural resources such as oil and gas, Nigeria hopes to steer them toward agriculture and local manufacturing. "Nigeria is now much more interested in agricultural and local manufacturing of basic items, including rice, small equipment, farming equipment, small vehicles – things that can easily be produced in Nigeria,” Idahosa said. “Nigeria will want to see America invest more in that kind of manufacturing and improve agriculture. Significant investment in agriculture is top priority."