Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing strategic partnership, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation in security, trade, investment and regional stability.
The commitment was reiterated on Monday during a meeting between the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, His Excellency Frank Garcia, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Welcoming the United States delegation, Ambassador Enikanolaiye stressed the importance Nigeria attaches to its bilateral relationship with the United States, expressing confidence that the visit would further strengthen collaboration across key sectors and advance the growing partnership between the two countries.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional peace and security.
He highlighted the progress achieved through the Nigeria-United States Joint Working Group and disclosed that preparations are underway for the next bilateral engagement scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
Enikanolaiye also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling security challenges through strengthened law enforcement, effective prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improved protection of vulnerable communities, and sustained efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
On migration and consular matters, the minister said Nigeria remains committed to constructive engagement with the United States on issues of mutual interest.
He also maintained that while Nigeria continues to confront security challenges, such issues should not be interpreted as a policy of religious persecution or genocide, stressing that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity while upholding the rule of law.
In his remarks, Assistant Secretary Garcia described Nigeria as one of the United States’ most important strategic partners in Africa, commending the strength of the bilateral relationship and the growing momentum in cooperation between both countries.
He noted that expanding collaboration in trade, investment, healthcare, technology, maritime security and counter-terrorism aligns with the United States’ broader policy of strengthening commercial partnerships across Africa.
Garcia also praised Nigeria’s leadership in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged the country’s growing contribution to regional peace and stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued cooperation on migration and security matters and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its security institutions, promote regional stability and expand economic opportunities.
Both countries agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations, deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding bilateral issues through constructive dialogue while consolidating the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
The renewed commitment comes as both countries seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional security ties into trade, investment, technology and other strategic sectors, reflecting the growing importance of the Nigeria-United States relationship in addressing regional security challenges and promoting economic development across West Africa.
