United States President Joe Biden has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu for becoming Nigeria’s 16th President, as he sought sustained US-Nigeria relations.
This was contained in a felicitation message issued by the White House on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Recall that Tinubu and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima were sworn in respectively by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola.
Biden, in the release, reiterates his administration’s readiness to work with Tinubu “to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria.”
He said, “On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President. I look forward to continuing this work with.
President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.”
He expressed optimism about the ideas and energy of the dynamic connection between the two countries, noting that the US will continue to work closely with the most populous country in Africa.
Biden said, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.
“And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world,” he added.
Biden had earlier sent a delegation led by Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge to attend the inauguration ceremony of Tinubu.