By Alui Akeem
United States President Joe Biden held a significant 30-minute conversation with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with the discussion a focused on strategic cooperation, security, and representation for Africa within the United Nations.
According to Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the call, conducted at 4 p.m. Nigerian time, primarily revolved around issues pertinent to both nations, including collaboration on security matters, cryptocurrency regulations, and the longstanding goal of securing a permanent seat for Africa on the UN Security Council.
Center Point of Tinubu’s Call With Biden
One of the primary points of the Biden-Tinubu conversation centered around the release of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of Finance Crime Compliance. Gambaryan’s detention has reportedly raised diplomatic concerns, with both countries emphasizing the importance of transparent and cooperative law enforcement practices.
Ambassador Tuggar remarked that the dialogue between the two leaders reinforced a commitment to shared security objectives in West Africa. “The conversation emphasized the importance of partnership between the two countries in addressing security concerns,” he stated.
Biden and Tinubu agreed on the need to enhance operational synergy between their law enforcement agencies to counter rising regional instability, organized crime, and threats of terrorism affecting both African and global security.
During the discussion, the two Presidents also addressed Africa’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a position that would amplify the continent’s voice on global issues. Tuggar disclosed a positive response form President Bola Tinubu following Biden expression of his administrative support for Africa’s bid, pointing out Nigeria stature as a “strong contender” for this critical role.
“He equally assured President Biden that the partnership will continue, and he stated that the future of the world relied on Africa, which was why it was important for this partnership to continue.
“The two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats and the United Nations Security Council, and President Biden once again assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats.
“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” said Tuggar
The collaboration between Nigeria and the United States is anticipated to boost regional security and economic progress. With the U.S. backing Africa’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, this partnership could enhance Nigeria’s global influence, potentially benefiting other African countries as well.
Both leaders concurred that Africa inclusion would bring a balanced and diverse perspective to the Council’s proceedings, contributing to more representative decision-making on issues impacting the region.
