The Impact of Trump’s Executive Order on DEI Programs and Implications for U.S. Contractors in Nigeria

On 20th and 21st January 2025, the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, signed two significant executive orders aimed at reshaping workplace policies across federal agencies and potentially beyond. These orders Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing (EO1)’and Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (E02) respectively, mark a dramatic shift in the treatment of Di-versity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They revoke a series of previous executive actions that sought to promote DEl principles within the federal workforce and society at large While the orders are primarily directed at federal agencies, their extraterritorial impact is likely to ripple through international markets, including Nigeria, where American businesses and contractors operate.

The executive orders reflect a firm stance against DEl programmes that the Trump administration perceives to conflict with federal anti-discrimination laws. They also signal an effort to prioritise equality over equity by eliminating policies that offer preferential treatment based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. For U.S. contractors operating overseas, including in Nigeria, the orders necessitate significant changes to ensure compliance with federal requirements while navigating local expectations.