The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, where he welcomed the Nigerian leader’s “bold economic reforms” to unify the currency and redirect fuel subsidy to transform the nation.
Blinken said the U.S. government recognises that in the short term, the reforms will benefit Nigeria.
He reiterated that the United States wants to partner with Nigeria to create jobs, including through artificial intelligence.
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He spoke during a press briefing alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.
“We are working and collaborating to support the use of artificial intelligence for good.
“Today, as the Foreign Minister mentioned, with President Tinubu and other colleagues, we spoke on a range of priorities.
“We are focused on accelerating economic growth and opportunity here in Nigeria. This is a place of extraordinary relations, extraordinary dynamism,” Blinken said, adding that American entrepreneurs and companies are eager to partner and invest in Nigeria and help drive Nigeria’s technological revolution to create jobs
On security, Blinken said the U.S was determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria.
He extended the condolences of the American people to all Nigerians who were affected by the horrific attacks by terrorists and kidnappers.
He promised that the U.S will support Nigeria in its fight to secure the country.
Tuggar, in his remarks, told the press that Nigeria and the US focus on the commonality of their interests like agreeing to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine crisis.
The U.S secretary met with Tinubu before the briefing.
Blinken arrived in Abuja for diplomatic interactions with Tinubu and relevant stakeholders, the US Mission in Nigeria had said.
The mission tweeted on Tuesday that Blinken
was in Abuja to reinforce America’s strong partnership with Nigeria.
“He will meet with President Tinubu and other government leaders to expand on commitments made on peace and security, food security, and trade and investment during last year’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit,” it added.
Recall that the US Department of State had disclosed that from January 21 to 26, Blinken will travel to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola to discuss the U.S.-Africa partnership in security, trade, and democracy.
During the trip, the Secretary was expected to highlight how the United States has accelerated the partnership with the respective countries.
“He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.
“Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law,” the statement partly read.
The United States government assured that it remains committed to Africa’s progress.
The statement added, “He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”