By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing strategic partnership, with both countries pledging closer cooperation in security, trade, investment and regional stability.
The commitment was made on Monday when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. 
Welcoming the American delegation, Ambassador Enikanolaiye described the relationship between both countries as one of great importance to Nigeria, expressing optimism that the visit would further deepen bilateral cooperation across critical sectors.
He said, “Nigeria attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with the United States, and I am confident that this visit will deepen cooperation across key sectors and provide further impetus to the growing partnership between our two countries”.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding collaboration in trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional peace and security.
He also highlighted the progress achieved through the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group and disclosed that preparations were underway for the next round of bilateral engagements scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.
Speaking on Nigeria’s security efforts, Enikanolaiye said the government remained committed to tackling insecurity through stronger law enforcement, effective prosecution of terrorism-related offences, better protection for vulnerable communities, and sustained efforts to secure both the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
Addressing concerns over religious freedom, the minister stressed that Nigeria remained committed to protecting all citizens regardless of their faith or ethnic background.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to maintain constructive dialogue with the United States on migration and consular matters.
“While security challenges exist, they should not be misconstrued as a policy of religious persecution or genocide. The Government remains firmly committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity and to strengthening the rule of law.”
In his remarks, Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia described Nigeria as one of the United States’ most important strategic partners on the African continent, noting that cooperation between both nations had continued to grow across several sectors.
“Nigeria remains one of America’s most important strategic partners in Africa. We are encouraged by the growing momentum in our cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, health, technology, maritime security and counter-terrorism, in line with the United States’ commitment to expanding commercial partnerships across the continent”, he said.
Garcia also praised Nigeria’s leadership in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged its contribution to regional peace through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He further expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued collaboration on migration and security issues.
According to him, “The United States remains steadfast in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its security institutions, promote regional stability and expand economic opportunities for its people.”
At the end of the meeting, both countries agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations, strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue while further consolidating the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
