Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare has called for the reinforcement of Nigeria’s long-standing connection with the United States, describing the relationship between the two nations as “treasured, warm, and robust.” Dare, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, communicated to Newsmax TV in Washington, D.C., that renewed engagement from the U.S. is vital, particularly as global and regional security threats continue to change. Dare further stressed that Nigeria remains a dedicated ally to the U.S., led by a president who possesses a profound understanding of American institutions and values. He highlighted that President Tinubu studied in Chicago, gained professional experience in a leading American accounting firm, and has long been acquainted with U.S. policy approaches concerning development, peace, and security across various global regions.
However, Dare firmly rejected the notion that Nigeria is currently experiencing a religious war or that the government is sanctioning the targeting of Christian communities. He declared that such assertions are a fundamental misrepresentation of the true situation on the ground. He underscored that Nigerians of all faiths are victims of the violence carried out by extremist factions, insisting there is no deliberate state policy directed against any religious group. The spokesman also clarified that the conflict has transformed over the past fifteen years, with Boko Haram splitting into groups like ISWAP and others engaging in criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping, all primarily driven by transnational elements rather than religious motivations.
Addressing the issues fueling violence across Nigeria and the broader West African region, Dare pointed to the instability in the Sahel, the collapse of Libya, the massive inflow of illegal weapons across porous borders, and the presence of ungoverned territories exploited by internationally financed terror networks. He suggested that a stronger presence from American media and diplomacy in Nigeria would allow Washington to achieve a clearer and more accurate comprehension of developments within the country. He noted that the reopening of the Voice of America office in Abuja would be especially beneficial because real-time reporting from Nigeria would provide comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints, which in turn would shape informed policy decisions in the United States. Dare stated that the partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria has remained strong throughout successive administrations, including that of President Donald Trump. He recalled significant American support during Nigeria’s ECOMOG interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone and noted that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance twenty-seven years ago, the diplomatic bond has stayed warm, cooperative, and mutually beneficial. Dare emphasized that Nigeria’s adoption of the American presidential system further strengthens this link, alongside strong bilateral trade, energy collaboration, and the meaningful contributions of Nigerian professionals residing in the United States. He observed that in sectors like trade, education, and cultural exchange, the partnership between the two countries continues to flourish. Dare concluded by stressing that as global instability mounts, Nigeria and the United States must revitalize their engagement, keep lines of communication open, and sustain a relationship that is built upon decades of shared values, collaboration, and strategic interests.
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