Nigeria has expressed readiness to continue working with the United States on security and governance initiatives but emphasized that such cooperation must respect the country’s sovereignty and national interests. The statement came on Friday following recent remarks by US officials regarding human rights and counterterrorism operations in West Africa, as reported by Reuters.
In a briefing in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Nigeria appreciates Washington’s support in intelligence sharing, defense training, and humanitarian efforts, but stressed that “foreign partnerships must operate within the framework of mutual respect.” He added, “We welcome collaboration that enhances peace and stability, but our sovereignty is not negotiable.”
The comments follow reports in Reuters and Voice of America that Washington is seeking to deepen its security ties across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions amid growing instability. Analysts say Nigeria’s position reflects a broader trend among African nations asserting more autonomy in foreign relations, particularly as global powers vie for influence on the continent.
Officials from both governments have indicated that discussions will continue on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, trade, and climate resilience.
