Nigeria, US NGOs Forge Strategic Partnership

Nigeria and United States-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have agreed to strengthen collaboration through a new strategic partnership aimed at promoting Nigeria’s global image, deepening bilateral engagement and fostering greater cooperation between civil society organisations in both countries.

The agreement was reached during an official courtesy visit by representatives of Nigeria-U.S.-based NGOs from 11 states in the United States to Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Kayode Aree, where both sides held extensive discussions on collaboration, bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as strategies to project a more positive image of Nigeria internationally.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Organization on Sustainable Development Goals, Ambassador Dahiru Biu, said stronger coordination between U.S.-based NGOs and Nigeria-based civil society organisations (CSOs) would enhance Nigeria’s image abroad.

He also advocated regular town hall meetings for Nigerians living in the United States to keep them informed about the policies and programmes of the federal government.

Director General of the Civil Society Organizations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiatives (CSCHEI), Mr. Kunle Yusuff, presented the Nigeria First project, describing it as an initiative endorsed by accredited CSOs and community-based organisations (CBOs) to promote Nigeria positively both locally and internationally.

Yusuff also announced that the 2026 National Civil Society Organizations Summit would hold from October 2 to 4.

In his remarks, Ambassador Aree highlighted what he described as major achievements of the current administration, including the stability of the naira, growth of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, improved economic stability, local government autonomy, increased investment in climate financing, and strengthened trade and bilateral relations.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Lee Karim, said preparations were underway for the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, adding that growing interest from investors in the United States and South America seeking business partnerships with Nigerians was receiving positive attention.

At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to establish a strategic U.S.-Nigeria platform to be coordinated by the Nigerian Embassy in the United States to facilitate sustained communication, coordination, collaboration and cooperation between stakeholders.