"Amid Challenges, Akpabio Expresses Gratitude for Dialogue with US Envoy"

Table of Contents

1. Meeting Overview
2. Bilateral Relations
3. Democratic Values
4. Collaboration Between Countries
5. Ambassador's Remarks

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States.
The meeting occurred during the US envoy's courtesy visit to Senator Akpabio at the National Assembly in Abuja. Both parties expressed a mutual commitment to strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

In a statement released by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Mr. Anietie Ekong, Akpabio noted that Nigeria and the United States share common democratic values, highlighting that Nigeria’s democratic framework is modeled after that of the United States.

“These are challenging times, but I am pleased that my esteemed colleagues are present and that we are having this dialogue,” Akpabio was quoted as saying. “This is a visit we have eagerly anticipated, and we had even suggested visiting you to gain an overview of the current circumstances between our two countries.”

He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Mills for hosting him during the 249th Independence Anniversary of the United States, congratulating the country on its extensive democratic history.

“That signifies you have practiced democracy for 249 years. We cannot claim the same in Nigeria,” he remarked.

Akpabio further emphasized that collaboration between both nations has remained robust, reiterating that Nigeria’s governance system is modeled after that of the United States.

“One thing I am certain of is that America has thrived and has aided many nations globally due to the strong belief that: ‘In God we trust,’” he stated.

“In Nigeria, despite our religious and ethnic diversities, we also hold the belief that God is the greatest. Thus, we share common ground. You are welcome to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In his statements, Ambassador Mills indicated that his visit aimed to engage with the leadership of the Nigerian Senate regarding US–Nigeria relations and to explore avenues for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

He mentioned that the United States Mission would also look into how it could advance shared objectives with Nigeria while gaining insights into the Senate's legislative agenda for the upcoming year.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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