Akpabio, US Envoy Hold Talks to Strengthen Nigeria–US Relations

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday held talks with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr, aimed at strengthening relations between Nigeria and the United States.

The engagement took place when the US envoy paid a courtesy visit to Senator Akpabio at the National Assembly in Abuja. During the meeting, both parties expressed their desire to deepen diplomatic ties and promote more robust relations between Nigeria and America.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying that Nigeria and the United States share a common goal of operating a democratic system. He noted that Nigeria’s democracy was modelled after the American system, underscoring the need to nurture and preserve it.

According to Akpabio, “These are very difficult times, but I am happy that my distinguished colleagues are here and that we are having this engagement. This is a visit we have been looking forward to, and we were even proposing to visit you to have an overview of the current situation between our two countries.

“I thank you for receiving me during the 249th Independence Anniversary of your country. I congratulate you. That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We cannot say we have done the same in Nigeria.

“The collaboration between our countries is evident, and our democracy and system of government are modelled after the United States of America.

“One thing I know is that America has remained prosperous and has assisted many countries around the world because of the strong belief that ‘In God we trust.’

“In Nigeria, despite our religious and ethnic diversities, we also believe that God is the greatest. So, we share something in common. You are welcome to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

In his brief remarks, Ambassador Mills said he was at the Senate to engage with the President of the Nigerian Senate on US–Nigeria relations and ways the two countries could further strengthen their partnership.

He added that he would explore how the United States Mission could advance their shared goals, while also gaining insight into the legislative agenda of the Nigerian Senate for the coming year.