The sixth round of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) concluded in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar co-chairing the event.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the BNC, established in 2010, serves as a crucial platform for official engagement between the two governments to expand cooperation and advance shared goals and democratic values. This year's commission was highlighted by discussions that built upon the strong foundation set during previous meetings between high-level officials from both countries.
The BNC featured five working groups focusing on various aspects of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership, including shared prosperity, security cooperation, democracy, governance, accountability, health, and movement of people. Additionally, specific discussions were held on topics such as cybercrime, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, food security, and growth in the digital economy and emerging technologies.
During the commission, Foreign Minister Tuggar presented his vision for Nigeria's foreign policy encapsulated in the 4D doctrine of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. The U.S. delegation expressed support for Tuggar's vision and discussed how U.S. assistance could enhance Nigeria's efforts in these key areas. Plans were announced for a visit of the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement to Nigeria in July and a symposium in Washington, D.C. in October aimed at fostering collaboration between American and Nigerian technology leaders.
