President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the United States
and other international community to help Nigeria in tackling growing security
challenges to avoid spillovers.
The president also urged the United States to reconsider
relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer
the Theatre of Operation.
Buhari, in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State,
Mr. Anthony Blinken, said AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter
transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing
efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on other nations.
“The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.
“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her
security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing
their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like United
States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all
nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all
nations to overcome these challenges.
“In this connection, and considering the growing security
challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the
Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United
States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to
Africa and near the Theatre of Operation,’’ he said.
The President said Nigeria would enhance collaborations in
all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater
security for all, which remained the most significant condition for overcoming
the existential challenges.
Buhari congratulated Blinken on his appointment by President
Joe Biden, and commended the United States for the decision to repeal the
immigration restriction known as the “Muslim ban’’, re-joining the World Health
Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“Nigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the
United States. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe
Biden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration
restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban’ on travel and visas for citizens
predominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including Nigeria.
“I also wish to congratulate the United States for
re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate
Change. The leadership of the United States in these two organizations is
crucial for international community.
“This action is a demonstration of the United States
commitment in championing and supporting international organizations with the
aim to build a better world for all,’’ he added.
Buhari noted that Nigeria remained resolute in her
commitment to supporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on
Climate Change, which sought to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
According to the President, the convening of the Climate
Change Summit last week by President Biden was a strong indication of the
renewed interest of the United States to the Paris Agreement.
“I would like to extend our goodwill message to President
Joe Biden and his Administration. May I also thank you for initiating this
meeting, which I am confident, given your background and current position, you
will use to promote the existing bilateral relations between our two
countries,’’ the President said.
The Secretary of State said he was pleased to make Nigeria
part of his “first virtual visit to Africa,” noting that Nigeria and the United
States of America, share a lot in bilateral issues.
He added that he would be delighted to build on the
foundation that was laid between the two countries over 60 years ago,
disclosing that areas of discussion with Nigeria would include “how to build
our economies back after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable
communities, and climate issues.”
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