US, Nigeria Collaborate To Combat Terrorism, Advance Energy, Technology.

The United States and Nigeria have strengthened collaboration to combat terrorism in West Africa and neighbouring countries troubled by the scourge.

This was one of the main topics discussed at the recently concluded two-day 6th edition of the US-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) in Abuja on Tuesday, during which both countries also pledged to increase bilateral trade and invest in energy, agriculture, and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, told a news conference during the closing ceremony that the country has made significant progress in degrading Boko Haram terrorists in northern Nigeria.

Tuggar stated, “We have made significant progress in degrading Boko Haram in north-east Nigeria. However, one of our major challenges now is determining who is a combatant and who is not.”

While admitting that banditry remains a challenge as a result of Boko Haram terrorist activities, Tuggar stated that the Nigerian government is containing the problem and that with US assistance, the situation will be resolved.

The Minister emphasised the importance of economic development, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to providing job opportunities for Nigerians. He stated, “We are focusing on the use of technology to create jobs and educate the youth.”

Kurt Campbell, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, told the conference that the BNC was fruitful. He stated, “Energy is an important part of our relationship, and agriculture has enormous potential. We will collaborate more closely on technology, increase trade volume, and establish people-to-people commercial and technological links between our two countries.

“We will increase our security efforts because the security challenges do not originate in Nigeria; they are regional and global, and we are addressing them as well. Nigeria is a natural partner, and we intend to expand our involvement in this arena not only locally, but also regionally.”

The US has collaborated with Nigeria and other countries on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme, which serves as a model for addressing global health challenges.