ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigeria has appealed for United States support in its aspirations for G20 membership and a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
This request was made during a joint press briefing with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, following a bilateral meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tuggar highlighted the discussions involving various bilateral and multilateral issues during the meeting. President Tinubu specifically raised the matter of Nigeria’s desire for G20 membership and participation in the United Nations Security Council.
“Today, we’re happy and honoured to be receiving the United States Secretary of State, Blinken, here in Abuja the presidential villa, where we met with His Excellency, President Tinubu along with myself and a number of my colleagues ministers and during the meeting, several issues were discussed on the bilateral as well as multilateral issues.
“It is also important to note that President Tinubu brought up the issue of Nigeria’s membership and participation in the G20 as well as the United Nations Security Council“, he said.
In response, Blinken recognized Nigeria as Africa’s largest country, economy, and democracy, emphasizing its significance to the United States in building genuine partnerships on the continent.
He affirmed the U.S. commitment to invest in technology and continue supporting the health sector. Over the past five years, the U.S. has invested $8.3 billion in HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care, and treatment in Nigeria.
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“Over the last five years, we’ve invested $8.3 billion in HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care and treatment, and in strengthening the public health system, reaching millions of Nigerians and that effort will continue.
“Our partnership is also strengthening Nigerian institutions to innovate and lead the region’s public health response. Tomorrow (Wednesday), in Lagos, we will get a chance to visit the Institute of Medical Research here in Nigeria,” he added.
Blinken expressed concerns over long-term challenges, including impediments to foreign companies repatriating capital and corruption.
He acknowledged the efforts made by President Tinubu to unify the currency and address fuel subsidies. Despite the challenges, Blinken noted improvements and highlighted ongoing initiatives to attract private sector investment in Africa.
Regarding security, the United States reiterated its commitment to be a security partner for Nigeria. Blinken extended condolences to all Nigerians affected by attacks during the Christmas weekend and recent incidents.
He affirmed support for Nigeria’s efforts to achieve a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous future. Discussions also included sharing experiences on combating terrorism globally and addressing challenges to democracy and security in West Africa.
“Nigeria offers real opportunities for investors. At the same time I think it’s no secret that there remains long-term challenges that need to be removed to be able to really unlock the full potential, making it easier for foreign companies to repatriate capital.
“There remain some impediments that we hear from our own business community that I think stand in the way of maximizing those opportunities. One is the repatriation of capital.
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“I know that the Central Bank governor is working on that and second is the ongoing effort to combat corruption because companies that come in and invest want to make sure that they’re going to be investing with a fair level playing field and corruption, of course, is a big impediment.
“Having said all of that, I do think we’re seeing real improvement. When we had the Africa Leaders Summit, hosted by President Biden, one of the commitments we made was to generate an additional $55 billion in private sector investment in Africa over the next three years. Well, here we are one year after the summit and we are 40% of the way to achieving that goal.
“By two years after the summit, based on the trajectory we’re on, we will achieve 70% of that goal and we will achieve that goal in the three years that President Biden set up.”
“As I told the president and the foreign minister, the United States will support it work to bring about a more secure, a more peaceful and more prosperous future for its people.
“I also share your own experience in combating terrorism around the world. That was highlighted on just how important civilian security, human rights and accountability are to achieving genuine and enduring security. We’ve had to learn our lessons. It’s important to us to share our own experience with our friends and discuss challenges to democracy and security in West Africa,” he added.
On the Gaza issue, Blinken clarified the U.S. opposition to displacements and changes to the territory’s configuration, affirming the importance of a two-state solution.
As part of his diplomatic tour, Blinken is also visiting Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, and Angola to strengthen U.S. relations with democracies in the sub-region amid global challenges.