Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing strategic partnership, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in security, trade and investment, maritime safety, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and regional peace efforts.
The commitment was made on Monday in Abuja during a meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr Frank Garcia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides also agreed to sustain high-level consultations and expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, migration, people-to-people exchanges and regional security, as preparations gather pace for the next Nigeria-United States Joint Working Group meeting scheduled for Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States, describing the partnership as vital to advancing shared economic and security interests.
He expressed confidence that the visit would further consolidate cooperation across critical sectors and deepen the strategic ties between both nations.
The minister said Nigeria would continue to work closely with the United States to boost trade and investment, combat terrorism, enhance intelligence sharing, improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and promote peace and stability across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.
He noted the progress recorded under the Nigeria-United States Joint Working Group and said both countries were making preparations for the next round of bilateral engagements in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained committed to addressing its security challenges through stronger law enforcement, effective prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improved protection of vulnerable communities and sustained efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
On migration and consular issues, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constructive dialogue with the United States on matters of mutual concern. He also dismissed suggestions that the country’s security challenges amounted to a policy of religious persecution or genocide, stressing that the government remained committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity while strengthening the rule of law.
In his remarks, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr Frank Garcia, described Nigeria as one of America’s most important strategic partners in Africa, commending the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation.
Garcia said the United States was keen to expand collaboration with Nigeria in trade, investment, health, technology, maritime security and counter-terrorism, in line with Washington’s broader policy of strengthening commercial partnerships across Africa.
He also praised Nigeria’s leadership in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged its growing contribution to regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The US official expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued cooperation on migration and security matters and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen its security institutions, promote regional stability and create greater economic opportunities.
Both countries agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations, intensify cooperation in areas of shared interest and expand people-to-people exchanges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through constructive dialogue while further strengthening the enduring strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
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