Nigeria, U.S Strengthen Ties in Key Sectors

Nigeria, U.S Strengthen Ties in Key Sectors

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the United States have identified four key areas for collaboration, signalling a shift towards a more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership.

In a communiqué issued on Wednesday following a closed-door meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the forum’s chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated that the discussions emphasised a transition from a traditional donor-recipient model to one based on cooperation.

The engagement, according to the communiqué, reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United States across strategic sectors.

Communique Issued At The End Of The 1st Meeting Of The Nigeria Governors’ Forum Held On Wednesday,19th February 2025.

We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our
meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.

1. The Forum engaged with the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/vZAtNv6bMu

— Nigeria Governors’ Forum (@NGFSecretariat) February 20, 2025

The communique issued reads, “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum NGF at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.

“The Forum engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, who shared his vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, highlighting a shift from a donor-recipient model to one of mutual collaboration.

“He underscored the importance of fostering economic opportunities for Nigerians.

“The ambassador also outlined four key priorities that will guide U.S. engagement with Nigeria.“

• Enhancing trade and improving the business environment to attract investments and drive economic growth.
• Promoting transparency and accountability in governance to strengthen institutions.
• Supporting subnational governments to bolster development at the state level.
• Establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programs to ensure long-term impact and resilience.

“The governors welcomed this renewed approach and emphasised the critical role of states in driving economic and social development.

“The Forum looks forward to deepening cooperation with the U.S. on these shared priorities.

“The Forum received a briefing from the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs on the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) Scale-Up, expanding nationwide from its initial six-state implementation.

“The project aims to support women’s economic empowerment through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), livelihood grants, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

“The Forum engaged with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) to discuss key issues, including strengthening synergy between COSLON and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and ensuring subnational perspectives are well-represented in the ongoing constitutional review process.“

COLSON, however, informed the Forum of their partnership with the Development Finance Institution (DFI) to digitise the State Houses of Assembly, aimed at enhancing legislative efficiency and transparency

Governors reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with state legislatures to advance governance reforms and ensure effective policy implementation at the subnational level.