The Federal Government has maintained that its recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States has been largely resolved, even as fresh visa restrictions on Nigerians and the recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria signal ongoing tensions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the claim on Monday at a year-end press conference in Abuja, stressing that sustained engagement had eased friction between the two countries.
According to Idris, the tension stemmed from comments by US President Donald Trump, who accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians and threatened possible military intervention, remarks that drew firm diplomatic pushback from Abuja.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris said.
He pointed to a newly signed five-year bilateral health cooperation agreement valued at $5.1 billion as evidence of the improved relations. Under the deal, the United States will provide $2.1 billion in grants, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion. Idris described it as the largest co-investment by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.
The minister said the agreement would improve healthcare delivery, save lives, and attract further investment, noting that fears of a breakdown in Nigeria–US relations were unfounded.
Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s growing role as a confident and strategic partner on the global stage, capable of defending its national interests while fostering mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Yet the Federal Government’s assurances come against the backdrop of recent US actions affecting Nigerians. Last week, the United States expanded its immigration freeze, temporarily halting citizenship, permanent residency, asylum, and visa-related applications from Nigerians and other countries added to Trump’s widened “travel ban.”
Nigeria was placed under partial restrictions, blocking many lawful Nigerian residents in the US from adjusting their immigration status or completing citizenship applications. The freeze directs US Citizenship and Immigration Services to suspend all immigration petitions from affected countries.
In a separate development, the Trump administration has recalled US ambassadors from Nigeria and 28 other countries, including 13 African nations, as part of a foreign policy overhaul aimed at aligning the diplomatic corps with the president’s “America First” agenda. Most recalled diplomats, appointed during the Biden administration, are expected to return to Washington for reassignment.
While the ambassadorial recalls have raised concerns among US lawmakers and diplomatic associations, the State Department defended the action as a routine administrative process.
Addressing diplomatic representation, Idris said Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors will assume duty in their respective countries in 2026 after clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly, noting that their deployment would further strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral ties and international engagement.
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