…Nigeria remains our most important partner in Africa – US
By Moses Adeniyi
The United States (US) and Nigeria, have on Thursday, signed a $2.17 billion Development Objective Agreement, aimed at expanding energy access, economic growth and revitalise democracy in Nigeria.
The Development Objective Agreement is believed to play key role in improving sectoral growth towards revitalising the economy as well as enhancing human capacity.
The agreement was entered into following an official visit by Secretary of State for the United State of America, Anthony Blinken, to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja.
To the US Government, it is believed the agreement will also promote and expand energy access, economic growth and revitalise democracy.
Speaking, Blinken said as Africa’s home to largest “population, democracy, and economy,” Nigeria remains the most important partner to the US on the continent.
He stated: “Home to Africa’s largest population, democracy, and economy, Nigeria is one of our most important partners on the continent. Nigeria’s stability and prosperity are inseparable from that of the region.
“The year 2020 was historic, as Nigerians reflected on the opportunities and challenges facing the country, while marking the 60th anniversary of their independence and the beginning of bilateral relations with the United States.”
On COVID-19 pandemic assistance, he disclosed that the United States has provided over seven and a half million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria and provided more than $119 million in COVID-19-related health and humanitarian assistance.
“More than 60 interagency members from the U.S. Mission worked side-by-side with Nigerian counterparts, including on the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force, to plan and respond to the pandemic.
“In partnership with COVAX or bilaterally, the United States has provided more than seven and a half million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria and provided more than $119 million in COVID-19-related health and humanitarian assistance,” Blinken said.
Some of the interventions he disclosed the US has availed Nigeria of include “a 40-bed mobile field hospital; support for ventilators and personal protective equipment; technical assistance with vaccine readiness.”
Also include, “conducting epidemiological COVID-19 detection and vaccine hesitancy surveys; setting up electronic record systems; providing rapid response teams; training over 200,000 military and civilian personnel on COVID-19 control measures.”
Others he mentioned are “developing and disseminating targeted education and prevention information through multiple channels; and transferring technology for virtual training.
In addition, he added “the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helped establish a network of 153 COVID-19 testing labs nationwide.”
“Ongoing U.S. health programs reach more than 66 million Nigerians with lifesaving services, including by training public health workers and improving access to quality medicines, vaccines, medical facilities, and reproductive health materials.
“The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has worked with the Government of Nigeria since 2004 to provide HIV care and treatment services, propelling Nigeria toward epidemic control within the next two years.
“In addition, with U.S. supports routine immunisation coverage in children increased from 57 per cent in 2018 to 71 per cent in 2020.
“Since 2011, the President’s Malaria Initiative has procured almost 67 million insecticide-treated nets, 62 million rapid diagnostic test kits, 129 million treatment courses for malaria, and 22 million doses of malaria prophylaxis suitable for pregnant women, as part of over $712 million contributed to malaria control in Nigeria.
“In addition, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has trained over 600 laboratory personnel on malaria diagnostics,” the U.S. government said.
Blinken said the U.S. is working with NIgeria to address the heightening security challenges in the Country, particularly those revolving around terrorism and extremism in the Country.
Blinken who addressed journalists in a visit with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema following the visit on the President, said the US government is working closely with Nigeria to help the populations most affected by conflict and violence in the Country, particularly in the Northeast, where the U.S. is providing vital humanitarian aid to approximately 2.2 million internally displaced persons.
During the joint press briefing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he said, “we discussed the importance of a comprehensive approach that builds effective security forces, addresses the underlying drivers of extremism, and respects Nigerians’ basic human rights.
“The United States is committed to helping Nigeria do that by continuing to invest in our security partnership, and the institutions that strengthen the rule of law, and that hold accountable those who commit human rights abuses, corruption and other acts that harm the Nigerian people.”
It would be recalled it was earlier disclosed the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, would be in Nigeria on a two-day visit between November 18-19, where he will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
It was disclosed Blinken would also meet with representatives from the civil society and discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalising democracy.
The US Mission in a press statement titled: “The United States and Nigeria: Strategic Partners,” on Thursday, disclosed that: “The Secretary will also deliver a speech on U.S.-Africa policy in the capital of Africa’s largest democracy.
“Also, the Secretary will celebrate the signing of the $2.17 billion Development Objective Assistance Agreement with the Vice President, which will play a role in supporting a healthier, more educated, prosperous, stable, and resilient Nigeria.”