The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the United States, with renewed emphasis on trade, security, investment, and regional stability.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Monday while receiving the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Welcoming the U.S. delegation, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria attaches great importance to its longstanding bilateral relationship with the United States and expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen cooperation and inject fresh momentum into the partnership.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding collaboration in key areas, including trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional peace and security.
The Minister highlighted the progress recorded through the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group and disclosed that preparations are underway for the next round of bilateral talks scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
On security, Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government is addressing emerging threats through strengthened law enforcement, effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases, enhanced protection of vulnerable communities, and sustained operations to secure the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to engage constructively with the United States on migration and consular matters.
Addressing concerns over insecurity, the Minister cautioned against portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as religious persecution or genocide.
“The Government remains firmly committed to protecting all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, while continuing to strengthen the rule of law,” he said.
In his remarks, Garcia described Nigeria as “one of America’s most important strategic partners in Africa.”
He noted the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, healthcare, technology, maritime security, and counter-terrorism, in line with U.S. policy to expand commercial partnerships across Africa.
Garcia commended Nigeria’s leadership in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged its vital role in promoting regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He also praised Nigeria’s cooperation on migration and security matters, reaffirming U.S. support for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security institutions, promote stability, and expand economic opportunities.
Both officials agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including people-to-people exchanges.
They also pledged to address outstanding issues through constructive dialogue and further strengthen the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
The meeting was disclosed in a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in Abuja.
