Blinken arrives Abuja, to meet Tinubu

Antony Blinken, United States secretary of state, has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

Blinken who arrived on Tuesday evening was received by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs.

The secretary of state is expected to meet President Bola Tinubu, after which he would depart for Lagos.

While in Lagos, Blinken will also hold a meeting with business owners and other non-governmental organisations.

Last week, Matthew Miller, spokesperson of the US department of state, announced Blinken’s planned visit to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21 to 26.

Miller said the visit is aimed at highlighting the progression of the United States’ relationship with the continent after the US–Africa leaders summit in 2022.

“Throughout the trip, the secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food, and health security,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.”

Miller added that the visit is also expected to foster the U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges and de-escalate tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.