The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its security partnership with Nigeria, a key ally in tackling the rising insecurity in West Africa. The Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nigeria, David Greene, said Nigeria is one of the most important partners of the US on the continent, given its size, democracy, and economy.

Greene made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, where he highlighted the areas of cooperation between the two countries. He said the US and Nigeria are working closely to counter terrorism and violent extremism, as well as other forms of maritime and transnational crimes that threaten the stability and development of the region.

He also said the US is providing support to Nigeria in enhancing its health systems, promoting democratic institutions, boosting economic growth, advancing gender equality, and increasing bilateral trade. He noted that Nigeria is the largest source of immigrants from Africa to the US, with more than 500,000 Nigerian-born American citizens and legal residents.

Greene’s comments come amid growing concerns over the security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, where armed groups, criminal networks, and political instability have displaced millions of people and caused thousands of deaths. According to the UN, the region faces unprecedented levels of humanitarian and security challenges, compounded by the impact of climate change and food insecurity.

The US has been a major partner of Nigeria and other regional countries in addressing these challenges, providing military and civilian assistance, equipment, and training, as well as humanitarian and development aid. The US also supports regional initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the G5 Sahel Force, which aim to enhance coordination and cooperation among the affected countries.

The US-Nigeria partnership is expected to continue under the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Tinubu, who recently spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the phone. The two leaders discussed the importance of inclusive leadership, comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.

Nigeria, which marked its 60th anniversary of independence and bilateral relations with the US last year, is Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy. It also plays a leading role in regional and continental affairs, as a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).

The US and Nigeria share common values of democracy, respect for human rights, and strong people-to-people ties, which form the basis of their strategic partnership. Both countries have expressed their determination to work together to overcome the current and future challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel and to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity for their people.

Source: Leadership