US-Nigeria diplomatic row now resolved, relations stronger – Mohammed Idris

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says Nigeria has resolved its recent diplomatic spat with the US through a firm and respectful engagement.

Idris spoke on Monday at an end-of-year press conference in Abuja as he reflected on Nigeria’s approach to international diplomacy throughout 2025.

“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been resolved through firm, respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership,” Idris said.

The information minister also pointed to the five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation agreement signed between both countries as proof of strengthened ties.

“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy. It will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and attract investment,” he said.

Idris said Nigeria is no longer on the global sidelines but has emerged as a more confident, strategic partner on the world stage, advancing its national interests and attracting beneficial alliances.

Nigeria’s relations with the US were among the most consequential diplomatic challenges it faced this year.

Tensions began in July when the US embassy announced a reduction in the validity period and entry allowance for “most” non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians, effectively limiting the legality of their stay in the US to three months with a single entry.

An alleged imbalance in visa reciprocity from Nigeria was cited as the reason for the unprecedented hard-hitting penalty.

Complications worsened after allegations of a Christian genocide began to gain momentum in President Donald Trump’s closest circles. The persisting talks informed Trump’s decision of officially re-designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’ (CPC).

Amid the row, the US announced new visa restrictions earlier this month targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom. Marco Rubio, secretary of state, said the restrictions will affect those who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom”.

Weeks after the selective restrictions, the entire country was placed on a list of countries facing a partial travel ban. The decision was made even as Riley Moore, US congressman, said Nigeria and the US were close to reaching an agreement on a “strategic security framework” aimed at tackling terrorism in the West African nation.

Last week, Nigeria was among 15 countries on the continent to have envoys recalled by the Trump administration.

The decision came just one week after Richard Mills, the US ambassador, met with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting followed remarks by congressman Riley Moore that the US and Nigeria were close to reaching an agreement on a “strategic security framework” to tackle terrorism in the West African country.