United States vice president, Kamala Harris, has assured President Bola Tinubu that her country will assist in strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
The vice president spoke with Tinubu in a phone call on Thursday.
The call is the highest-level US engagement since the president’s inauguration in May.
In his inaugural speech, the president announced the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
Harris expressed support for the president’s decisions, saying it was a step in reforming the economy.
“Today, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria about the strong ties between the Nigerian and American people and our shared work on global and regional issues — from defending democracy in West Africa and the Sahel to promoting digital inclusion and economic growth,” Harris wrote on Twitter.
The US vice president also assured Tinubu of her country’s support in increasing private sector investment, digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, and expanding access to clean energy.
Harris also underscored the US government’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s democracy and good governance, including governments’ responsibility to ensure that security services act to serve the people they are mandated to protect.
She condemned the coup in Niger, adding that the US continued engagement with the unstable West African country is dependent on its commitment to democratic standards.
Tinubu, who is also the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), frowned at the development in Niger, vowing that the union would do everything possible to ensure peace returns to the region.
