Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the United States remains “treasured, warm and robust,” and he emphasized that it must be further strengthened in the interest of both nations.
Dare, who is the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, made this assertion during an interview with Newsmax TV in Washington, DC.
Dare explained that renewed US engagement is essential, particularly at a time when global and regional security threats are rapidly evolving. He elaborated that a stronger American media and diplomatic presence within Nigeria would be beneficial, as it would help Washington achieve a clearer, more accurate understanding of current developments within the country.
He specifically noted that reopening the Voice of America office in Abuja would be particularly useful because real-time reporting from Nigeria would offer comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints, which ultimately shape informed policy decisions in the United States.
Dare further emphasized that Nigeria remains a committed partner to the US, noting that the country is currently led by a president who deeply understands American institutions and values. He highlighted that President Tinubu studied in Chicago, worked in one of America’s leading accounting firms, and has long been familiar with US policy approaches concerning development, peace, and security across global regions.
Addressing the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, Dare directly rejected the narrative that the country is experiencing a religious war or a state-sanctioned targeting of Christian communities. As a Christian himself, he described such claims as a misrepresentation of the realities on the ground. He stressed that Nigerians of all faiths suffer from the violence perpetrated by extremist groups, and he affirmed that there is no deliberate state policy against any religious group.
He further explained that the conflict has evolved over the past 15 years, with Boko Haram splintering into factions such as ISWAP and other groups involved in banditry and kidnapping, all of which he asserted are driven largely by transnational forces rather than purely religious motives.
Dare highlighted several factors fueling the violence across Nigeria and the wider West African subregion. These factors include the instability in the Sahel region, the collapse of Libya, the continuous influx of arms across porous borders, and the presence of ungoverned spaces that are exploited by internationally financed terror networks.
Speaking on the durability of the Nigeria–US relations, Dare noted that the partnership has remained strong through successive governments, including throughout the administration of President Donald Trump. He recalled significant American support during Nigeria’s ECOMOG interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone and also pointed out that since the country’s return to democracy 27 years ago, the diplomatic relationship has consistently remained warm, cordial, and mutually beneficial.
Dare added that Nigeria’s adoption of the American presidential system of government further deepens the connection between the two nations, alongside strong bilateral trade, critical energy cooperation, and the significant contributions of Nigerian professionals residing in the United States. He noted that the partnership between both countries continues to thrive in vital areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange.
He concluded by stressing that as global instability increases, it is crucial for Nigeria and the United States to reinvigorate their engagement, maintain open communication channels, and sustain a strong relationship built on decades of shared values, cooperation, and strategic interests.
