Appraising America’s renewed support

THERE  is a noticeable boost in the bilateral relations between the United States and Nigeria, especially if we consider the several aids, assistance and engagements of the United States Embassy, both at states and national levels.

Similarly, with the recent decision of the United States government to sell fighter jets to continue the war against insurgency to Nigeria, there seems to be a major policy shift on the part of the United States government.

Though it can be said that Nigeria was not in any pronounced frosty relations with America before the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari, yet it was public knowledge that under the preceding administration of Goodluck Jonathan, the US government refused to avail them of the needed equipment to combat Boko Haram.

In fairness to the Americans, they had justifiable reasons, moreso if we take into account the revelations from the arms probe which showed a flagrant misuse of funds that ordinarily would have been deployed in the fight against terrorism.

Apart from the security aspect, we have also witnessed consistent engagements and interactions between the United States Embassy in Nigeria and various state governments in Nigeria. In other words the embassy has been proactive in seeking ways of mutual cooperation with some state governments, and they have kept faith by proffering solutions in some critical areas.

For example, their efforts are significant in providing medical care for malaria patients, primary healthcare, polio eradication as well as being a source of enlightenment and education for the most vulnerable groups in our society.

In appraising their contributions to the growth and development of our country, it can be surmised that the new policy thrust of the United States towards Nigeria is aimed at providing development to Nigeria, but also has a target to help improve the well-being of Nigerians. Though this has been the normal practice before this era, but under the new US Ambassador Mr. Stuart Symington the relation is flourishing.

This is commendable as it tends to change the negative perception of exploitation of Africa (rightly or wrongly) by Western countries, especially the capitalist America and Great Britain.

As part of his country’s strategic engagements with Nigerians from all parts of the country, the United States Ambassador Mr. Stuart Symington and some of his officials have visited some states. For instance, during his visit to the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies in February this year, Mr. Symington acknowledged that Nigeria is a great country, and that “its survival, is also the survival of America” and “the strength of every nation is not just in ideals or laws but in men and women, each of us like vessels with a charge to take in the entire lesson we can’.

These words of wisdom and encouragement can only emanate from a heart full of love for Nigeria as a country. Historically one can say that all indicators point to the fact that Nigeria’s fate is intertwined with the United States if we consider the fact that we willingly adopted the federal system of government being practiced in America undiluted.  A typical example is Nigeria’s adoption of a bicameral federal legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) as it obtains in the United States.

Similarly, America has ceaselessly supported the growth and sustenance of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, and so far it has augured well for the peaceful consistence of the disparate ethnic and religious groups in the country.

As already noted, the United States government has continued to render support to Nigeria in various areas, and most recently they announced a $300 million commitment towards the eradication of malaria. This intervention is significant and has the potentials to prevent 80 million illnesses and over 300,000 related deaths every year as observed by the US Deputy Chief of Mission Mr.  David Young.

Nigeria has also benefitted from their support in promoting primary healthcare over the years.

The United States government is also helping Nigeria to effectively defeat Boko Haram and rebuild communities that have been devastated by the  mindless terrorists. They are also providing training for the Nigerian military as part of their contribution to restore peace and normalcy to the war- ravaged region.

Furthermore, the Nigerian military has also benefitted immensely from the United States in the area of equipment supply, and this has doubtlessly emboldened them to frontally confront Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest. It is important to note that this assistance has contributed significantly to the defeat of Boko Haram by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Presently, the insurgents have lost the capacity to hold territories from where they unleash mayhem to the people and the US government has continued to collaborate with the Nigerian authorities to decimate the insurgents.

It can therefore be stated that the United States government through their embassy in Nigeria is assisting Nigeria on all fronts to overcome its developmental challenges, and this cooperation is desirable and welcome.

Mr. Chukwudi Enekwechi , a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

The post Appraising America’s renewed support appeared first on Vanguard News.