Details of the meeting between US Vice President Kamala Harris and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu have emerged.
President Tinubu spoke with Harris on the deep ties between the Nigerian and American people, according to a statement provided by the presidential spokesman, Dele Alake.
Both leaders also discussed the two countries’ collaborative efforts on global and regional challenges ranging from protecting democracy in West Africa and the Sahel to fostering digital inclusion and economic prosperity.
Does Kamala Harris Have Nigerian Origin? Obasanjo Reveals
The statement also disclosed that the US administration supports the withdrawal of gasoline subsidies, calling it a step toward economic reform.
Tinubu was also promised of her country’s cooperation in promoting private sector investment, digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, and expanding access to sustainable energy by the US vice president.
Harris also emphasized the US government’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s democracy and good governance, as well as governments’ responsibility to ensure that security forces behave in the best interests of the people they are tasked with protecting.
She condemned the coup in Niger and stated that the United States’ continuing engagement with the volatile West African country is contingent on its commitment to democratic values.
The US Vice President spoke about the importance of energy transitions in Africa, including Nigeria.
United States VP-Elect Kamala Harris To Resign From Senate
President Tinubu responded by thanking Harris for the phone conversation and her words of optimism on the economy’s progress thus far, but he noted that “the developments in Niger Republic dampen spirits.”
He stated that ECOWAS, under his leadership, would do all possible to restore democracy in Niger, while banking on US help.
On Nigeria, President Tinubu urged the US to lead the way in terms of private sector investment.
He said: “We had to get rid of the fuel subsidy that is laden with fraud with a few people appropriating the wealth of the country to themselves.
“We would need the US to help push for investments that will help alleviate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria. We need foreign direct investment to come in.
Buhari Pledge To Work With Biden And Harris
“We have abundant gas resources in the country and not been able to fund gas pipelines to Europe and compete in that gas market is a handicap.”
On climate change, the President stated that Nigeria would continue to rely on alternative energy, but he urged industrialized countries to recognize the situation in developing countries, notably Africa.
The two leaders also discussed how to deepen bilateral relations and collaborate on global and regional concerns.
Other topics covered in the 40-minute debate included protecting democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as digital inclusion.
Follow us on Facebook