“You Are The Sole African Leader Biden Seeks to Meet” : US Envoy Informs Tinubu

In an endeavor to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, President Bola Tinubu has urged the United States to collaborate with African nations in safeguarding their democracies against anti-democratic influences within and beyond the continent, aiming to uplift the living standards of their people.

Special Adviser Ajuri Ngelale Highlights US Interest in President Tinubu

According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu made these remarks during a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs. Notably, Ms. Phee conveyed President Joe Biden's keen desire to engage with Mr. Tinubu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The invitation, extended exclusively to President Tinubu, reflects recognition of his influential role in African leadership

"President Joe Biden has requested a meeting with you during the UNGA, and you are the sole African leader he has invited," Ms. Phee reportedly informed President Tinubu.

Acknowledging the distinctive requirements of emerging African democracies, Mr. Tinubu highlighted that development, finance and multilateral institutions backed by the United States necessitate comprehensive reforms, particularly in environments with authoritarian tendencies.

He emphasized the need to approach this with the same vigour as when policies were formulated to rebuild war-torn Europe after World War II. He suggested that this approach would align with the aspirations of Africans to solve their challenges using homegrown solutions.

"The private sector will undoubtedly take the lead in an environment we create to facilitate their progress, but the US Government must exhibit innovative thinking and systematically introduce incentives for American industrial investment in Nigeria," President Tinubu stated.

He further affirmed, "Under my leadership, Nigeria is fully committed to addressing the specific regulatory, tax, and environmental concerns of investors. I am dedicated to fostering prosperity for all Nigerian families."

President Tinubu underscored that the ongoing crisis in the Niger Republic would not derail his economic reform programme, emphasizing that his approach to handling the regional standoff within the ECOWAS framework would prioritize Nigeria's interests.

"While we're actively employing diplomatic tools to peacefully resolve the Niger issue, I'm holding back on ECOWAS action to explore all available peaceful avenues. While war is not conducive to my economic reforms or the region, upholding democracy remains paramount. ECOWAS stands united against insincere attempts to buy time," stated Mr. Tinubu. Eschewing conflict, he reaffirms the imperatives of safeguarding democracy and pursuing sustainable economic progress.

US Special Presidential Envoy Expresses Pledge of Support

Expressing support for ECOWAS' stance, the US Special Presidential Envoy echoed the US Administration's deep respect for Mr. Tinubu's leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

She extended an exclusive invitation from President Joe Biden to meet during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City later in September, furthering discussions on enhancing US-Nigeria economic ties.

"We acknowledge the potential to foster substantial American investment in Nigeria and commit to working closely with you to achieve this goal, contributing to the strength of both Nigeria and the regional economy. Your dedication to creating a conducive environment for this is valued. President Joe Biden is keen on a meeting during UNGA, and you stand as the sole African leader he wishes to meet. This reflects his high esteem for your leadership," she concluded.