The United States government says it is pushing for permanent representation for Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this on Tuesday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
“We’re pushing for a permanent representation for African voices at the UN Security Council and other international organizations that need to reflect the realities of today, not just the day that they were created, many, many years ago,” he said at a press conference after the meeting.
The US top diplomat said the US was also partnering with Nigeria to maximize investment opportunities in the country, improve health care and social services, and dissuade undemocratic regimes in Africa.
He praised Nigeria’s recent policies aimed at unifying foreign exchange markets and removing petrol subsidies. He also promised that the United States would improve its security pact with Nigeria and other African nations.
“The United States is determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria,” he said.
“I want to extend the condolences of the American people to all Nigerians who were affected by the horrific attacks over the Christmas weekend.
“We mourn their loss and all killed in recent attacks, including, by the way, staff from our United States Mission, locally employed staff and four police officers who were killed last May.”
Mr. Blinken is physically visiting Nigeria for the second time as part of a four-state tour of Africa, having been in Cape Verde and Ivory Coast on Monday.
He left Abuja for Lagos Tuesday night and is scheduled to depart Nigeria for Angola on Wednesday night.
