The Federal Government has said its recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States, sparked after Donald Trump threatened possible military intervention over alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, has been largely resolved.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday, December 22, while addressing journalists at a year-end press conference in Abuja.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris said.
He explained that Nigeria navigated the situation with maturity and principle, noting that the events of 2025 demonstrated the country’s ability to manage complex international diplomacy without undermining its national interests.
Idris also highlighted recent bilateral agreements between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the health sector. According to him, the Federal Government recently signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. government.
Under the agreement, the United States will provide $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion.
He described the deal as the largest co-investment by any country so far under the America First Global Health Strategy, adding that it would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract further investment.
“Those who thought Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. was deteriorating because of the recent misunderstanding can now see that the ties are even stronger than before,” Idris said.
The minister stressed that Nigeria is no longer operating on the margins of global affairs but is engaging confidently as a strategic partner, capable of defending its interests while building beneficial international alliances.
On diplomatic representation, Idris disclosed that Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors will assume duty in their respective countries in 2026, following their clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly.
He said their deployment would further enhance Nigeria’s bilateral relations, global visibility, and strategic engagement on the international stage.
“In 2026, our newly appointed ambassadors will take up their posts in their countries of assignment, following their clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly,” Idris added.
