The Federal Government has declared that a recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States has been largely settled. The dispute arose following comments by former US President Donald Trump, who had threatened potential military intervention over allegations of mass killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Firm Engagement Leads to Stronger Ties
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this announcement on Monday, December 22, during a year-end press conference held in Abuja. He stated that Nigeria addressed the situation with a combination of maturity and firm principle.
"The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria," Idris told journalists.
He emphasized that the events demonstrated Nigeria's growing capability to handle complex international diplomacy without compromising its national interests. The minister asserted that the country is now engaging globally as a confident strategic partner, moving away from the margins of world affairs.
Landmark Health Sector Agreement
A significant outcome of the mended relations is a major new bilateral agreement in the health sector. Idris revealed that Nigeria and the United States recently signed a five-year health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding valued at $5.1 billion.
Under this landmark deal:
- The United States will provide $2.1 billion in grant funding.
- Nigeria will commit $3 billion to the initiative.
Idris described this pact as the largest co-investment by any nation to date under the America First Global Health Strategy. He explained that the funds are intended to bolster Nigeria's healthcare system, save lives, and attract additional investment into the sector.
Ambassadors to Assume Duty in 2026
On the topic of diplomatic representation, the Minister provided an update on Nigeria's newly appointed ambassadors. He disclosed that these envoys will begin their duties in their assigned countries in 2026, after undergoing the necessary clearance and confirmation processes by the National Assembly.
"In 2026, our newly appointed ambassadors will take up their posts in their countries of assignment, following their clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly," Idris added.
He expressed confidence that their deployment will significantly enhance Nigeria's bilateral relations, increase its global visibility, and strengthen strategic engagement on the international stage.
Concluding his remarks on the US-Nigeria relationship, Idris sent a clear message: "Those who thought Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. was deteriorating because of the recent misunderstanding can now see that the ties are even stronger than before."
