US President Joe Biden has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his inauguration as president of Nigeria, saying he looks forward to working with the new government of the country.
President Biden observed that Nigeria and the US have strong ties which date back several years and expressed the desire to strengthen the bond.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President,” Biden said in a statement seen on the White House website on Monday.
“My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights,” the US president stated.
He further observed that the connections between both countries “run particularly deep” and have been nurtured by a great Nigerian Diaspora in the US.
The 2016 American Community Survey estimates that 380,785 U.S. residents report Nigerian ancestry.
“As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries. As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success,” the US leader added.
“Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs. And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.”
In a similar vein, the UK Government has congratulated President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima on their inauguration.
According to a statement on Monday, King Charles III expressed his “warmest congratulations” and every possible good wish as they assume the many responsibilities of office.
Helen Grant, the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Trade to Nigeria and Girls’ Education, also said, “My priority is to strengthen our bilateral trade and investment partnership, to the mutual benefit of our two great nations, and I look forward to working alongside the new administration to further that goal.”
