The U.S. government says the crises confronting Nigeria, especially the insecurity in the country are “extraordinary”.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, who disclosed this in a virtual interview with journalists as part of his activities during his virtual visit to Africa on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari is “very focused on” the problems.
According to Blinken, the U.S. is committed to supporting Nigeria address these challenges through resources, information sharing, capacity building, equipment, amongst other ways.
“I think it is fair to say that the challenges that Nigeria faces when it comes to security are quite extraordinary,”
“Whether it’s terrorism, whether it’s banditry and criminality, whether it’s piracy. All of these are real challenges.” said Blinken.
He pointed out that the American government’s interest in helping Nigeria was “good news.”
“The United States is committed to supporting Nigeria as it meets these challenges. And what that involves primarily is helping Nigeria continue to build its capacity.
“Through training, through resources, through information sharing, through equipment, and all of that done, very importantly, with full respect for human rights,” stated the U.S. envoy.
“So I think it’s vital that we address these, as I know President Buhari is very focused on,” Blinken asserted.
He added that on this note, that was why it was important to have Buhari and President Uhuru Kenyatta take part in the climate summit that President Joe Biden convened last week.
