Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the United States remains “treasured, warm and robust,” and must be further strengthened in the interest of both nations, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare has said.
Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and
Public Communications, told Newsmax TV in Washington, DC, that renewed US
engagement is essential, especially at a time when global and regional security
threats are evolving. He explained that a stronger American media and
diplomatic presence in Nigeria would help Washington gain a clearer, more
accurate understanding of developments within the country.
He noted that reopening the Voice of America office in Abuja
would be particularly useful because real-time reporting from Nigeria would
offer comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints that shape informed policy
decisions in the United States. Dare also emphasized that Nigeria remains a
committed partner to the US, led by a president who deeply understands American
institutions and values. He pointed out that President Tinubu studied in
Chicago, worked in one of America’s leading accounting firms and has long been
familiar with US policy approaches to development, peace and security across
global regions.
Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Dare
rejected the narrative that the country is experiencing a religious war or a
state-sanctioned targeting of Christian communities. As a Christian, he
described such claims as a misrepresentation of the realities on the ground. He
stressed that Nigerians of all faiths suffer from the violence perpetrated by
extremist groups, and that there is no deliberate state policy against any
religious group. He explained that the conflict has evolved over the past 15
years, with Boko Haram splintering into factions such as ISWAP and other groups
involved in banditry and kidnapping, all driven largely by transnational forces
rather than religious motives.
He highlighted the instability in the Sahel region, the
collapse of Libya, the influx of arms across porous borders and the presence of
ungoverned spaces exploited by internationally financed terror networks. These,
he said, are the factors fuelling violence across Nigeria and the wider West
African subregion.
Speaking on the durability of Nigeria–US relations, Dare
said the partnership has remained strong through successive governments,
including during the administration of former President Donald Trump. He
recalled significant American support during Nigeria’s ECOMOG interventions in
Liberia and Sierra Leone and noted that since the country’s return to democracy
27 years ago, the diplomatic relationship has remained warm, cordial and
mutually beneficial.
Dare added that Nigeria’s adoption of the American
presidential system further deepens the connection, alongside strong bilateral
trade, energy cooperation and the significant contributions of Nigerian
professionals in the United States. He noted that in areas such as trade,
education and cultural exchange, the partnership between both countries
continues to thrive.
He concluded that as global instability increases, Nigeria
and the United States must reinvigorate their engagement, maintain open
communication channels and sustain a relationship built on decades of shared
values, cooperation and strategic interests.
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