Improved US – Nigeria ties imminent
… as Blinken, Tinubu, get together
By PHC Telegraph
Despite months of speculations in parts of Nigeria that the United States Government will de-recognize the administration of the new helmsman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are serious indications from Washington that relations between both countries may rather take a turn for the better.
Unfounded claims that Tinubu who won the February 25 presidential election had been indicted years ago for drug related offences in the United States have been making the rounds.
Presidential-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is waiting to be inaugurated on May 29, 2023 turns toast of major members of NATO.It had even become an election issue and part of the plea probably entered by some opposition parties which have filed cases at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in a bid to upturn the electoral victory of the APC Presidential Candidate.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak weeks ago wrote to President-elect Bola Tinubu expressing the UK’s interest in maintaining robust ties with Nigeria. But given the body language of most NATO member nations and what appears to look like the deliberate policy direction of the State Department towards Nigeria, the Americans may be looking at the prospect of cementing ties with the incoming Tinubu administration.
Before now, US visas issued to Nigerians did not in most cases exceed two years. The Immigration Department following a new understanding is allowing Nigerians access to five-year visas just as Tinubu prepares to come on board.
At the diplomatic level, the US and its allies like Britain, are showing increasing signs that they would indeed favour collaborating and cooperating more actively with Nigeria.
“There are mutual benefits to reap from on all the sides”, a retired ambassador told the Port Harcourt Telegraph, “and as you may be aware, the West is acutely conscious of the fact that a new phase is about to unfold in Nigeria.
“A war is being fought in Ukraine. Europe which depends on Russia for energy needs to shore up its gas supply should Moscow shut down the gas supply lines. Nigeria is becoming a major gas supplier.
President Joe Biden while taking the oath of office promised to operate a better African policy than the Trump administration did.“Tinubu is neither a stranger to America nor the rest of the West. They know everything they need to know about him. They equally know that the progressive ideas that he has up his sleeves which has turned around Lagos may be good for business.
“Besides, despite certain setbacks, Nigeria still enjoys some influence, especially in Africa. With a population of more than 200,000,000 people, Nigeria is such a huge market to ignore.”
Trade between Nigeria and the USA have declined considerably over time. America used to be a prime buyer of Nigerian oil. All that has gradually changed, with the nation forced to find new markets in India and China.
Similarly, deals entered into for the supply of American high calibre weapons meant for defence purposes haven’t fared any better.
It took quite a lot of maneuvers for Nigeria which is fighting insurgency to take delivery of five military aircrafts purchased from the Americans.
The record shows that Nigeria and other African countries have turned increasingly towards China which at the moment is also making serious inroads into the continent.
On May 29, the Buhari administration which has led the country for eight years will be bowing out. In its place, a government led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would take over the reins of power.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Tuesday reaffirmed the commitment of the United States towards strengthening its ties with Nigeria.
Secretary Antony Blinken engages Nigeria’s new leader. Bola Ahmed Tinubu; looks forward to stronger relations.Blinken who had a conversation with Nigeria’s President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that the United States looked forward to forging a strong bond with the incoming administration.
The Secretary of State who had earlier announced the imposition of certain visa restrictions on specific individuals in the country stressed that “US – Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties.”
He hoped that those links would “continue to strengthen under President-elect Tinubu’s tenure.”
The Port Harcourt Telegraph understands that Secretary Blinken and President-elect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians.
They also focused on comprehensive security cooperation and the adoption of reforms which are expected to support economic growth.