The federal government says Nigeria has successfully resolved its recent diplomatic tensions with the United States through what it described as firm and respectful engagement.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, disclosed this on Monday during an end-of-year press conference in Abuja, where he reviewed Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements over the course of 2025.
According to Idris, the resolution of the dispute has led to a renewed and stronger partnership between both countries. He cited the signing of a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation agreement as a major outcome of the improved relationship.
The minister said the agreement, which falls under the America First Global Health Strategy, represents the largest co-investment by any country to date within the framework. He added that the deal is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract additional investment into the sector.
Idris noted that Nigeria has repositioned itself on the global stage, moving away from the sidelines to become a more confident and strategic international partner capable of advancing its national interests and building mutually beneficial alliances.
Nigeria–US relations ranked among the most significant diplomatic challenges faced by the country this year. The tension began in July when the US embassy announced a reduction in the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians. The move effectively restricted affected visa holders to a single entry and a maximum stay of three months.
The US cited an alleged lack of visa reciprocity from Nigeria as justification for the decision. Diplomatic strains were further heightened following claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, which reportedly gained traction among close allies of US President Donald Trump.
These developments contributed to the United States’ decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC), a classification that intensified diplomatic engagements between both nations before the dispute was eventually resolved.
