The White House has announced that President Donald Trump will host the Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, in Washington on the 30th of this month.
(Currently, President Buhari, who is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, in London, has already conferred with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, on the need for Britain to continue to assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism).
A statement released from the American seat of power last Monday said the two leaders will discuss bilateral issues including ways of fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security as well as ways of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
It said that President Trump looks forward to discussing ways of enhancing the strategic partnership and the advancement of the shared priorities of the US and Nigeria especially in the campaign against Boko Haram insurgents.
The statement also described the relationship between the US and Nigeria as deep and strong, stressing that Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership role in Africa will advance the mutual prosperity of both countries.
The impending White House visit by President Buhari is coming after the contemptuous remark last January when Mr. Trump allegedly branded African nations “shithole countries.”
The remark triggered global outrage and forced the US President to write to his counterparts in Africa reaffirming his commitment to the continent.
Nigeria was among the countries on the itinerary of the ex-US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, last month. However, the trip did not quite end before President Trump suddenly sacked him.
Before returning to Washington to hand over to his successor, Mr. Tillerson had promised that the US would continue to support Nigeria in many areas, ranging from equipment to intelligence and in helping to secure the release of kidnapped schoolgirls.
