Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare remarked that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with the United States are “valued, amicable, and strong,” and he stressed the need to enhance them for the benefit of both countries. 

Dare, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, made this statement during an interview with Newsmax TV in Washington, DC.

He articulated that renewed engagement from the US is crucial, especially at a time when global and regional security challenges are swiftly changing. He further explained that an increased American media and diplomatic footprint in Nigeria would be advantageous, as it would aid Washington in gaining a clearer and more precise grasp of current happenings within the nation.

Dare specifically pointed out that reopening the Voice of America office in Abuja would be highly beneficial since real-time journalism from Nigeria would provide in-depth analysis and multiple perspectives, ultimately influencing informed policy-making in the United States.

He also asserted that Nigeria remains dedicated to its partnership with the US, noting that the country is currently led by a president who has a profound understanding of American institutions and values. He brought to attention President Tinubu’s educational background in Chicago and his experience working at one of America's top accounting firms, along with his long-standing familiarity with US approaches to development, peace, and security on a global scale.

In terms of the persistent security issues in Nigeria, Dare explicitly refuted the claim that the nation is engaged in a religious war or systematically targeting Christian communities. As a Christian himself, he referred to such assertions as misrepresentations of the actual situation. He emphasized that individuals of all faiths in Nigeria suffer from the violence inflicted by extremist groups, and he confirmed that there is no intentional government policy against any religious community.

He went on to explain that the conflict has transformed over the past 15 years, with Boko Haram fracturing into factions like ISWAP and other groups involved in banditry and kidnapping, all of which he argued are largely motivated by transnational influences rather than solely religious reasons.

Dare outlined several elements contributing to the violence in Nigeria and the broader West African region. These include instability in the Sahel area, the collapse of Libya, the continued influx of weapons across unsecured borders, and the existence of areas without governance that are exploited by terror networks funded internationally.

Regarding the resilience of Nigeria–US relations, Dare stated that the partnership has endured through successive administrations, including during President Donald Trump’s tenure. He reminisced about significant American assistance during Nigeria’s ECOMOG missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone and noted that since the nation’s return to democracy 27 years ago, the diplomatic ties have consistently remained warm, friendly, and mutually advantageous.

Dare mentioned that Nigeria’s adoption of the American presidential system of governance further strengthens the bond between the two nations, alongside substantial bilateral trade, essential energy collaboration, and the notable contributions of Nigerian professionals living in the United States. He highlighted that the partnership continues to prosper in key areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchanges.

He ended by emphasizing that as global instability rises, it is essential for Nigeria and the United States to revitalize their engagement, keep communication lines open, and uphold a strong relationship founded on decades of shared values, collaboration, and strategic interests.