Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Dr. Betta Edu in Abuja on Sunday in his first international engagement since leaving office, pledging to leverage his global networks to attract investment and development support to Nigeria.
The meeting at Dr. Edu’s residence focused on strengthening U.S.-Nigeria collaboration across security, healthcare, humanitarian response, and economic development amid growing concerns over insecurity and reduced international aid to the West African nation.
Adams, who served as New York’s 111th mayor from January 2022 to December 2025, discussed with Dr. Edu the challenges facing Nigeria as the Tinubu administration seeks to deepen international cooperation on security and vulnerable community protection.
The discussions came at a critical time as the United States raises concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, while emerging gaps in the country’s health and humanitarian sectors follow recent cuts in international assistance.
Dr. Edu presented Nigeria’s security situation from a citizen-centered perspective, outlining federal government efforts to combat insecurity while highlighting humanitarian challenges created by dwindling external support.
“Beyond security, the United States should find ways to support health, humanitarian services, education, and other critical sectors to achieve a more durable and holistic solution to insecurity,” Dr. Edu said following the meeting.
Also Read: New York Mayor criticize Trump on Venezuela
Healthcare featured prominently in the discussions, particularly Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage. Dr. Edu emphasized that high out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains a major driver of poverty in Nigeria, requiring sustained international partnership and investment.
She urged Adams to use his influence to mobilize support for critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, noting that while the country’s economy is stabilizing, it remains open to mutually beneficial investments.
Adams, a former police officer and two-term New York City Council presidentn, highlighted the significant contributions of Nigerians to New York City, home to one of the world’s largest Nigerian diaspora communities.
He urged Nigerian-Americans to maintain strong ties to their homeland and actively support development efforts. “You are Nigerian-American, not American-Nigerian,” Adams told attendees.
The former mayor committed to deploying his global profile to attract investment opportunities, grants, and development funding to Nigeria while mobilizing the New York Nigerian community to support initiatives addressing insecurity, poverty, healthcare, and education.
Dr. Edu appealed to Adams to serve as an advocate for peace, unity, and development in Nigeria, stressing that U.S.-Nigeria collaboration must extend beyond security cooperation.
She also encouraged him to mobilize the Nigerian diaspora in New York to project Nigeria’s image positively and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I feel honoured to receive him, and Nigeria will greatly benefit from this strategic visit. We strongly believe he will use his global platform and network in the United States of America and beyond to advocate for Nigeria and mobilise support for the Nigerian people,” Dr. Edu said.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Edu presenting Adams with locally made souvenirs, including beautifully crafted Adire fabric materials, in a display of Nigerian hospitality and cultural pride.
The visit signals potential new avenues for U.S.-Nigeria cooperation as Africa’s most populous nation seeks international support to address its security, health, and development challenges.
Crediblenewsng.com
