Edu calls for holistic U.S. partnership across security, health, economy

By Kunle Sanni –

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, on Sunday hosted former New York City Mayor Eric Adams at her Abuja residence, with discussions focused on expanding United States–Nigeria cooperation across security, health, humanitarian response, and economic development.

Adams, the 111th mayor of New York City and a former police officer, said the meeting was his first international engagement since leaving office at the end of 2025. The talks reflected growing U.S. concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, as well as emerging gaps in health and humanitarian services following recent reductions in international aid to several countries, including Nigeria.

The discussions also reviewed renewed efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen international collaboration, particularly in security and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Speaking after the meeting, Edu said the engagement provided an opportunity to present Nigeria’s security challenges from a citizen-focused perspective, while outlining federal efforts to address insecurity. She also highlighted humanitarian needs and funding shortfalls linked to declining external support.

Health sector reforms featured prominently, with Edu pointing to Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage. She noted that high out-of-pocket healthcare spending continues to drive poverty and called for sustained international partnerships and investment to address the challenge.

On the economy, Edu assured that Nigeria is stabilising and open to mutually beneficial investments. She urged Adams to leverage his global profile and networks to attract investors, grants, and development funding to key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

She appealed to the former mayor to advocate for peace, unity, and development in Nigeria, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to U.S.–Nigeria relations.

“Beyond security, the United States should support health, humanitarian services, education, and other critical sectors to achieve a durable and holistic solution to insecurity,” Edu said.

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