Nigeria, US Must Deepen Ties Amid Growing Global Security Threats – Sunday Dare

Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the United Statesremains “treasured, warm and robust,” and must be further strengthened in theinterest of both nations, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare has said. Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media andPublic Communications, told Newsmax TV in Washington, DC, that renewed USengagement is essential, especially at a time when global and regional securitythreats are evolving. He explained that a stronger American media anddiplomatic presence in Nigeria would help Washington gain a clearer, moreaccurate understanding of developments within the country. He noted that reopening the Voice of America office in Abujawould be particularly useful because real-time reporting from Nigeria wouldoffer comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints that shape informed policydecisions in the United States. Dare also emphasized that Nigeria remains acommitted partner to the US, led by a president who deeply understands Americaninstitutions and values. He pointed out that President Tinubu studied inChicago, worked in one of America’s leading accounting firms and has long beenfamiliar with US policy approaches to development, peace and security acrossglobal regions. Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Darerejected the narrative that the country is experiencing a religious war or astate-sanctioned targeting of Christian communities. As a Christian, hedescribed such claims as a misrepresentation of the realities on the ground. Hestressed that Nigerians of all faiths suffer from the violence perpetrated byextremist groups, and that there is no deliberate state policy against anyreligious group. He explained that the conflict has evolved over the past 15years, with Boko Haram splintering into factions such as ISWAP and other groupsinvolved in banditry and kidnapping, all driven largely by transnational forcesrather than religious motives. He highlighted the instability in the Sahel region, thecollapse of Libya, the influx of arms across porous borders and the presence ofungoverned spaces exploited by internationally financed terror networks. These,he said, are the factors fuelling violence across Nigeria and the wider WestAfrican subregion. Speaking on the durability of Nigeria–US relations, Daresaid the partnership has remained strong through successive governments,including during the administration of former President Donald Trump. Herecalled significant American support during Nigeria’s ECOMOG interventions inLiberia and Sierra Leone and noted that since the country’s return to democracy27 years ago, the diplomatic relationship has remained warm, cordial andmutually beneficial. Dare added that Nigeria’s adoption of the Americanpresidential system further deepens the connection, alongside strong bilateraltrade, energy cooperation and the significant contributions of Nigerianprofessionals in the United States. He noted that in areas such as trade,education and cultural exchange, the partnership between both countriescontinues to thrive. He concluded that as global instability increases, Nigeriaand the United States must reinvigorate their engagement, maintain opencommunication channels and sustain a relationship built on decades of sharedvalues, cooperation and strategic interests.

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