During the call, Vice President Harris acknowledged Nigeria's pivotal role as a leading global voice and recognized it as Africa's largest democracy and economy.
A crucial aspect of the discussion revolved around the shared commitment between the Vice President and President Tinubu to uphold democracy in West Africa and the Sahel region. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the recent attempted takeover in Niger and strongly condemned any attempts to seize power by force in the country. The Vice President emphasized that the United States' substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger hinges on their unwavering dedication to democratic principles.
Addressing the economic front, Vice President Harris extended support for President Tinubu's endeavours to reform Nigeria's economy. Notable measures include ending the fuel subsidy and unifying foreign currency exchange rates, which are intended to bolster the country's financial stability and growth prospects.
Building upon previous investments, Vice President Harris discussed the possibilities of further collaboration between the U.S. and Nigerian public and private sectors. During her earlier trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, the Vice President had announced substantial commitments, including over $8 billion in private-sector investments and $1 billion in U.S. government commitments. These efforts aim to stimulate private sector investment, foster digital inclusion, promote women's empowerment, and expand access to clean energy in Nigeria.
The Vice President made it clear that the U.S. government stands firmly behind Nigeria's democracy and good governance. She stressed the importance of security services acting in the best interest of the people they are mandated to protect, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian population.
Furthermore, the conversation shed light on the deep-rooted ties between the United States and Nigeria, encompassing people-to-people connections and the contributions of the Nigerian Diaspora to American society.
This call between Vice President Harris and President Tinubu marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. It underscores the shared commitment to democratic values, economic progress, and people-centred cooperation, solidifying the bond between the United States and Nigeria on both political and socio-economic fronts.