American political commentator, Kim Iverson, has alleged that the United States’ recent threats of military intervention in Nigeria have little to do with protecting Christians or addressing religious persecution, but are instead rooted in geopolitical and economic rivalry with China.
In a viral statement shared on her program and social media platforms, Iverson argued that the real motive behind the U.S. posture is Nigeria’s deepening economic alliance with China, particularly through Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
According to Iverson, Nigeria became the largest recipient of Chinese construction financing in the first half of 2025, securing over $21 billion in new construction deals. She noted that in late October 2025, both countries sealed a $3.5 billion investment partnership aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
The agreement reportedly includes the construction of solar power plants, modernization of major railway lines, and the expansion of industrial parks across Nigeria projects Iverson described as “transformative for Nigeria’s economic independence.”
However, Iverson suggested that a potential U.S.-Nigeria conflict, framed as a humanitarian mission to “save Christians,” could disrupt China’s economic expansion in West Africa and undermine the Belt and Road projects.
If Nigeria descends into chaos under the guise of religious intervention, Beijing’s infrastructure dreams collapse with it. That’s the real game not religion, but global power,” Iverson stated.
