Nigeria-US Diplomatic Row Resolved, Ties Stronger Than Ever, Says Federal Government

The Federal Government has said its recent diplomatic dispute with the United States, which followed comments by US President Donald Trump threatening military intervention over alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria, has been largely resolved.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during the End-of-the-Year media briefing in Abuja.

According to Idris, the issue was addressed through sustained diplomatic engagement that ultimately strengthened bilateral relations between both countries.

“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria demonstrated maturity and principle in navigating complex international diplomacy throughout 2025.

Highlighting improved ties, Idris revealed that Nigeria recently entered into major bilateral agreements with the United States, particularly in the health sector.

“Just last week, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of the United States,” he said.

Under the agreement, the United States will provide $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion.

“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy,” Idris added.

He said the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment, stressing that recent developments have dispelled fears of a strained U.S.-Nigeria relationship.

“Those who thought Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. was going down due to the recent misunderstanding can now see that the ties are even stronger than before,” he stated.

Idris further stressed that Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines of global affairs, describing the country as a confident and strategic partner capable of defending its national interests while attracting beneficial partnerships.

On diplomatic representation, the minister announced that Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors will assume duty in their respective countries in 2026, following their clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly.

Their deployment, he said, would further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance Nigeria’s global visibility and strategic engagement.

“In 2026, our newly appointed ambassadors will take up their posts in their countries of assignment. Their clearance and confirmation have just been completed by the National Assembly,” Idris said.