Venezuela: NIIA, Foreign Policy Experts Condemn US Strike, Capture of Maduro

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and several Nigerian foreign policy experts have strongly criticised the recent United States invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, warning that the action threatens global stability and signals a dangerous resurgence of imperialism.

The condemnation was expressed during a special NIIA roundtable discussion titled “Matters Arising from US Interventions in Venezuela”, where scholars and diplomats faulted former US President Donald Trump’s role in the operation.

Participants at the forum included the Director-General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae; NIIA Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Prof. Adele Jinadu of the Centre for Democracy and Development; Prof. Femi Otubanjo of NIIA; former ECOWAS Director of Political Affairs, Remi Ajibewa; ex-Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi; Dr. Rita Agu of NIIA; international policy expert Femi Ojumu; columnist and foreign policy analyst Kayode Komolafe; and public policy analyst Magnus Onyibe.

The experts warned that the US action promotes the philosophy of “might is right” and could encourage other global powers such as China, Russia and North Korea to adopt similar approaches, undermining international law and the rules-based global order.

They stressed the need to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, while noting that the development serves as a lesson for African countries to strengthen governance, prioritise citizens’ welfare and safeguard their sovereignty.

‘We’re all endangered’ — Osaghae

Leading the discussion, Prof. Osaghae questioned whether the US intervention marked a new phase of imperialism, warning that countries in the Global South, including those in Africa, are vulnerable.

“What is happening is sending shockwaves around the world and people are asking questions. Is it a new form of imperialism?” he asked, dismissing the notion that Africa’s distance from Venezuela offers any protection.

‘Trump jeopardising world order’ — Keshi

Ambassador Joe Keshi accused the US of double standards, arguing that it now violates international laws it helped create.

“The truth remains that as of today, nobody can stop the United States, except all countries of the world decide that they are going to quietly build up their capacity and capability so that collectively, they can deter the operations of the United States,” he said.

‘Arrogance of power’ — Jinadu

Prof. Adele Jinadu described the action as an “arrogance of power” and called on Third World countries to deepen solidarity. He advocated strengthening BRICS and reviving the idea of a Concert of Medium Powers to balance global power dynamics.

‘Collapse of rationality’ — Otubanjo

Prof. Otubanjo criticised US foreign policy under Trump, describing it as irrational and driven by domestic political considerations. He also highlighted oil as a major factor, arguing that the US sought to reassert control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

‘Dangerous precedent’ — Ojumu

Femi Ojumu said the US action violated international law and echoed previous interventions such as the 2003 Iraq invasion and drone strikes in Yemen and Somalia. He called for reforms of the UN Security Council and a rejection of hegemonic foreign policy approaches.

‘Driven by resource control’ — Komolafe

Kayode Komolafe argued that capitalism and imperial ambition were at the heart of the US move, warning that such actions could destabilise the global order if other nations follow the same path.

On the legal implications, Dr. Rita Agu stated:
“US invasion of Venezuela or arrest of its sitting president and first lady by the United States is unlawful. The only sustainable solution lies in strict adherence to the UN Charter, respect for immunity and sovereignty, multilateralism and peaceful dispute settlement.”

She stressed that respecting international law is essential to protecting both Venezuela and the integrity of the global legal system.

Opinion Nigeria News