Nigeria Currently Working To Deepen Bilateral Relations With United States, Says Tuggar

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has revealed that the country is currently working to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States through President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy initiatives.

Tuggar made the revelation on Tuesday at the 248th anniversary dinner of the United States’ independence, which was hosted by the US Embassy in Abuja.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Regions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Janet Olisa stated that strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations would cement their many years of collaboration and friendship.

The minister stated that the signing of the Nigeria-US Binational Cooperation Agreement was one of the Tinubu administration’s major foreign policy initiatives that would be strengthened, while others would be explored.

He stated that Nigeria-US bilateral relations have grown over the years through various collaborations that have strengthened their bonds.

He stated, “Since our independence, we have been two nations that have closely guarded our friendship, bond, and cooperation.

“One of the most significant events of this year was the Nigeria-US Binational Cooperation Agreement, which demonstrates how important and cordial our relationship is.

“The Secretary of State recently left Nigeria. And to ensure that everything went smoothly, the newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of State rushed up to Nigeria to ensure that Binational was a huge success.”

The minister stated that Nigeria was looking into several other agreements and cooperations with the United States to strengthen them.
“We are also looking into security, which is critical to the African continent and particularly to Nigeria. We are looking to strengthen our security bond, and we are grateful for all of the security cooperation that we have received,” he said.

The Minister also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the United States for its various interventions in the country’s healthcare challenges.

He stated, “We are also grateful that in the Ministry of Health, we have been able to obtain some collaborations in all of the AIDS programmes that have been ongoing.

“That is the bond of friendship, and we welcome the incoming ambassador. We know he will have a great time here. I must say that Nigerians have always valued nationhood.

“Nationhood is important to us, and therefore our security cannot be taken for granted. So I wish you all a very fruitful celebration, and we join you in saying, “Happy Independence.”

Earlier, Amb. Richard Mills, the newly appointed US Ambassador to Nigeria, stated that the two countries were proud federal republics with shared commitments to democracy and freedom.

He stated that they both believed in the US Declaration of Independence, which was written 248 years ago, and that every Nigerian and US citizen had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“As I settle into Abuja and my role as the 22nd US Ambassador to Nigeria, I look forward to meeting with many of you and discussing how we can work together to strengthen our ties.”

Also speaking, Amb. David Greene, Deputy Head of Mission and Charge d’Affairs at the US Embassy stated that the occasion provided an opportunity to take a quick look at the state of the two countries’ relations, especially given the incredible momentum in their relationship.

The U.S. envoy revealed that 700,000 Nigerians live and work in the United States, emphasising the importance of people-to-people ties as the foundation of the relationship.

Greene continued: “Our bond has always been strong. But lately, it feels like we are sprinting ahead together to make Nigerians and Americans more secure, healthier, and prosperous.”