By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing strategic partnership following a high-level meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, His Excellency Frank Garcia, in Abuja on Monday.
Receiving the American delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Enikanolaiye described the relationship between both nations as one of immense strategic importance and expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation across critical sectors.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to expanding collaboration in trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, as well as regional peace and security. He highlighted the achievements of the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group and disclosed that preparations are underway for the next round of bilateral engagements scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also outlined Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity through enhanced law enforcement, the prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improved protection of vulnerable communities, and sustained operations aimed at securing the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin. He emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the lives and rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, stressing that the country’s security challenges should not be misconstrued as religious persecution or genocide.
Addressing issues relating to migration and consular affairs, the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to engage constructively with the United States on matters of mutual concern, while strengthening the rule of law and promoting peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia described Nigeria as one of the United States’ most important strategic partners in Africa, commending the steady growth in bilateral cooperation. He noted significant progress in areas including trade, investment, healthcare, technology, maritime security, and counter-terrorism, in line with Washington’s commitment to expanding commercial and development partnerships across the African continent.
Garcia also praised Nigeria’s leadership in enhancing maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged the country’s vital contributions to regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force. He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued collaboration on migration and security issues and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen security institutions, promote peace, and create greater economic opportunities.
The meeting concluded with both countries agreeing to sustain regular high-level consultations, deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest, expand people-to-people exchanges, and continue addressing outstanding issues through constructive dialogue, further reinforcing the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States.