The Federal Government has disclosed that the recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States has been largely settled.
It would be recalled that U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier issued threats of military action over alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria. However, addressing journalists on Monday at a year-end press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the situation had been defused through constructive and respectful dialogue, resulting in even stronger ties between both countries.
According to Idris, Nigeria handled the sensitive diplomatic situation with maturity and adherence to principle throughout 2025. He noted that recent developments have shown that relations between Abuja and Washington remain solid.
The minister highlighted key bilateral agreements reached with the United States, particularly in the health sector. He revealed that the Federal Government recently signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. government.
Under the agreement, the United States is expected to contribute $2.1 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria will commit $3 billion. Idris described the deal as the largest co-investment by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy, adding that it would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives and attract further investment.
He stressed that concerns suggesting a downturn in Nigeria–U.S. relations following the misunderstanding had been proven unfounded, as bilateral ties are now stronger than before.
Idris further stated that Nigeria has moved beyond the sidelines of global diplomacy, positioning itself as a confident and strategic international partner capable of defending its national interests while securing mutually beneficial alliances.
On the diplomatic front, the minister disclosed that Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors will resume duties in their respective countries in 2026 after their recent clearance and confirmation by the National Assembly. He explained that their deployment would enhance Nigeria’s bilateral relationships, global presence and strategic engagement.