President Buhari Heads To Washington DC For US-Africa Leaders Summit

The information was contained in a statement signed by the president’s Senior Special Assistant to Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

Shehu said the high-level meeting, which holds between December 13 and 15, is at the instance of the United States President, Joe Biden.

He quoted the US President as saying he looked forward to “working with African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to continue strengthening our shared vision for the future of US-Africa relations.”

According to him, “The event is expected to demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.

“The Summit further seeks more pragmatic ways to: foster new economic engagement; advance peace, security, and good governance; reinforce commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society; work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security; promote food security; respond to the climate crisis; amplify diaspora ties; and promote education and youth leadership.

“On the first day, President Buhari will speak on the topic: Conservation, Climate Adaptation and a Just Energy Transition, dwelling directly on the ‘Just Energy Transition’ component. He will also address some of the other sub-themes of the Summit as well as participate in the US-Africa Business Forum (USABF) hosted by the US Department of Commerce which focuses on increased trade and investment between the United States and African nations.

“On the sidelines of the Summit, the Corporate Council of Africa will host the Nigerian delegation to a US-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum Business Roundtable during which Nigerian organisations and businesses are expected to sign agreements with their American counterparts.”

Shehu also noted that those to go with the president on the trip are Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), some Ministers and other top government officials.

He also noted that the president is expected back in the country on Sunday, December 18.