Nigeria Had Been In Good Relationship With U.S Over The Years

Nigeria had over the years maintained a good relationship with the United States.

In an opinion published by Sunday PUNCH on October 11, 2020, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, recalled how the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the US began about 60 years ago and the delight of the then President, Dwight Eisenhower, over Nigeria’s independence.

In the article, titled, ‘Reflections on 60 years of US–Nigerian engagement’, Leonard wrote, “Reflecting on President Eisenhower’s recognition of our mutual priorities in global health, economic prosperity and above all else a democratic way of life, I am struck by the continuity of interests in our bilateral relationship.

“Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested $8.1bn in foreign assistance in Nigeria, including more than $5.3bn in health assistance. In 2020, we provided more than $57m in assistance for the COVID-19 response, including US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiological COVID detection surveys and technical assistance and service plans.”

She noted that in terms of trade, the US was the largest foreign investor in Nigeria and that the two-way trade had expanded to a value of over $9bn, and that as the partnership expands, it had its focus on security and fundamental human rights.

She added, “As we continue to develop and expand our partnership with training and equipment between our militaries, we do so with the singular focus of increasing security while reinforcing democratic institutions with a keen eye on fundamental human rights.”

She pointed out that the US looked forward to “advancing our partnership in shaping fruitful conversations on resolving conflicts which too often take on unfortunate religious and ethnic dimensions.”

Speaking on the knowledge exchange between Nigeria and the US and its strong impact, she stated, “We have benefited from the positive role Nigerians in America have played, just as we look back with pride on how our 60 years of diplomatic relations have blossomed to support a broad array of mutual priorities ranging from agricultural productivity and entrepreneurial knowledge, to strengthening the rule of law across the 36 states of Nigeria.”

Punchng.com