The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria has settled its recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States through firm yet respectful engagement.
Idris made the remarks on Monday during an end-of-year press briefing in Abuja while reviewing Nigeria’s international diplomatic posture in 2025.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership,” Idris said.
The minister highlighted the five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation agreement between Nigeria and the US as evidence of improved relations.
“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy. It will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment,” he added.
Idris noted that Nigeria has moved from the global sidelines to emerge as a more confident and strategic partner internationally, actively pursuing its national interests and building beneficial alliances.
BACKGROUND
Nigeria’s relationship with the United States ranked among its most significant diplomatic challenges this year.
Tensions escalated in July after the US embassy announced a reduction in the validity and entry privileges for “most” non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians, limiting their stay to three months with a single entry.
The US cited an alleged lack of visa reciprocity from Nigeria as justification for the stringent measure.
The situation deteriorated further as allegations of a Christian genocide gained traction within President Donald Trump’s inner circles, contributing to his administration’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ (CPC).
During the standoff, the US also introduced new visa restrictions earlier this month targeting Nigerians accused of violating religious freedom. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures would affect individuals who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom”.
Weeks later, Nigeria was added to a list of countries facing a partial travel ban, despite comments by US congressman Riley Moore that both countries were nearing an agreement on a “strategic security framework” to address terrorism in the West African nation.
Last week, Nigeria was among 15 African countries whose envoys were recalled by the Trump administration.
This action came just one week after US ambassador Richard Mills met with Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation.
The meeting followed remarks by congressman Riley Moore that the US and Nigeria were close to reaching an agreement on a “strategic security framework” aimed at tackling terrorism in the West African country.