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Diplomatic Issues with US Resolved, FG Says
The Federal Government on Monday said recent diplomatic differences between Nigeria and the United States have been successfully resolved through constructive engagement, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations between both countries.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at an end-of-year press conference held in Abuja, where he reviewed the Federal Government’s 2025 performance and outlined priorities for the year ahead.
According to the minister, the issue, which had attracted public attention in recent weeks, was addressed through firm but respectful diplomatic dialogue, resulting in a strengthened partnership between the two countries.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership,” Idris said.
He stressed that Nigeria remains a confident and strategic player on the global stage, capable of defending its national interests while sustaining mutually beneficial international relationships.
Highlighting the outcome of the renewed engagement, the minister revealed that Nigeria and the United States recently signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the agreement, the United States will provide $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Idris described the agreement as the largest co-investment by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy, noting that it would significantly improve healthcare delivery, save lives and attract further investments into the sector.
Beyond relations with the United States, the minister said Nigeria recorded notable diplomatic gains in 2025, including its return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council after 14 years, securing a Category C seat for the 2026–2027 biennium.
He added that several Nigerians also assumed prominent international positions during the year, spanning organisations such as the World Customs Organisation, the World Health Organisation, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Association for Ports and Harbours.
On security, Idris reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that all 230 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, had been successfully rescued through coordinated security operations.
He said the government’s broader security reforms in 2025 included the declaration of a nationwide security emergency, massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, and the planned deployment of forest guards to secure vulnerable areas.
Looking ahead, the minister said the 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” prioritises defence, infrastructure and economic stability, with the largest-ever allocation to security in Nigeria’s history.
Idris assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to pursue diplomacy anchored on national interest, peace and economic growth, while strengthening Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
He urged citizens to remain optimistic, stressing that “Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines but actively shaping outcomes on the global stage.”
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