Nigeria has taken a deliberate step to strengthen international partnerships critical to its security, health, humanitarian and economic priorities, as Dr. Betta Edu hosted the 111th Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, in Abuja.
The high-level engagement, Adams’ first international visit since leaving office, focused on how renewed and better-coordinated United States–Nigeria collaboration can deliver tangible value to Nigeria, particularly in addressing insecurity, closing humanitarian and health funding gaps and attracting sustainable investment.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time, amid growing global concerns about security challenges in Nigeria and the impact of recent reductions in international aid to developing countries, including Nigeria.
This discussions aligned with the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deepen strategic international cooperation, especially in protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening national resilience.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Edu said the engagement provided a platform to present Nigeria’s realities from a citizen-centred perspective, while highlighting concrete actions already being taken by the Federal Government to curb insecurity.
She stressed that long-term stability cannot rely on security interventions alone, but must be supported by strong humanitarian systems, inclusive health financing and economic opportunities.
Health sector reform featured prominently, with Dr. Edu underscoring Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage. She noted that high out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains a key driver of poverty and called for sustained international partnerships and investments that will strengthen health systems and protect households from catastrophic health costs.
On the economy, she said Nigeria is stabilising and increasingly open to mutually beneficial investments, urging Adams to leverage his extensive global networks to attract investors, grants and development financing into priority sectors that can generate jobs, reduce poverty and support inclusive growth.
Dr. Edu emphasised that for Nigeria to achieve durable peace and development, U.S.–Nigeria cooperation must be holistic.
“Beyond security, support for health, humanitarian services, education and economic empowerment is essential to addressing the root causes of insecurity and delivering lasting solutions,” she said.
She also highlighted the strategic importance of the Nigerian diaspora, particularly in New York, encouraging greater engagement in projecting Nigeria’s true narrative and contributing meaningfully to national development.
“I believe Nigeria stands to gain significantly from this engagement. With his global profile and influence, Mayor Adams can help mobilise support, partnerships and goodwill for the Nigerian people,” Dr. Edu added.
In his remarks, Adams acknowledged the strong presence and positive contributions of Nigerians in New York City, home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities globally.
He called on Nigerians in the United States to remain deeply connected to their homeland and actively support its development, stressing the importance of identity and responsibility to country of origin.
He pledged to use his global platform and networks to attract investment opportunities, grants and development funding to Nigeria, while encouraging diaspora-led initiatives that can help reduce insecurity and poverty, improve healthcare delivery and expand access to education.
The visit concluded on a cultural note, with Dr. Edu presenting Adams with locally made souvenirs, including handcrafted Adire fabrics, symbolising Nigeria’s rich heritage and reinforcing the country’s soft power in global engagement.
Overall, the engagement signals Nigeria’s intent to convert high-level international relationships into concrete outcomes that advance national security, social welfare and economic development.
