The meeting underscored a shared commitment by both countries to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance and mutual cooperation.

Akpabio noted that Nigeria and the United States share a common democratic heritage, stressing that Nigeria’s system of government was modelled after that of the United States, thereby underscoring the need to nurture and preserve democratic values in both nations.

“I thank you for receiving me during the 249th Independence Anniversary of your country. I congratulate you. That means you have practised democracy for 249 years. We cannot say we have done the same in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He added that the longstanding collaboration between the two countries remained significant, pointing out that the United States’ success and global influence were rooted in its strong democratic institutions and shared values.

“One thing I do know is that America has remained prosperous and has assisted many countries of the world because of the strong belief that, ‘In God we trust.’ In Nigeria, despite our religious and ethnic diversities, we also believe that God is supreme. So, we share something in common,” he stated, welcoming the envoy to the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mills said the visit was aimed at reviewing the current state of U.S.–Nigeria relations and identifying areas for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Mission to continued engagement with Nigeria in the pursuit of shared democratic ideals and development objectives.

According to him, the meeting also provided an opportunity to gain insight into the legislative agenda and priorities of the Nigerian Senate in the year ahead.

The visit comes amid recent diplomatic exchanges following the decision by the United States government to place Nigeria on its watch list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” over allegations of widespread persecution and killings of Christians.

Nigerian authorities have since rejected the designation, insisting that the country’s security challenges — including jihadist insurgency, banditry and communal violence — affect citizens across religious lines and should not be mischaracterised as religiously motivated persecution.

The Federal Government also dismissed suggestions of punitive measures or military intervention as unfounded and potentially destabilising, urging international partners to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and collaborate constructively in addressing violent extremism and insecurity.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja 

The post Akpabio Receives U.S. Ambassador, Calls for Deeper Nigeria–U.S. Collaboration first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Ambassador Mills made the remark after leading a delegation of senior U.S. embassy officials on a tour of the company’s metering infrastructure and power plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

“This is world-class, reflecting the kind of innovation and commitment needed to address Nigeria’s energy challenges”, the envoy said.

During the visit, the delegation inspected General Electric turbines installed at the plant, as well as, the company’s state-of-the-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system used to manage electricity distribution across Geometric Power’s 30 feeders.

The team was also shown the firm’s specially designed steel tubular poles, built to the same standard as those in San Francisco, USA, and Tokyo, Japan. Although Aba and its environs are not prone to earthquakes, the poles are buried 10 metres underground to ensure resilience against extreme conditions.

Professor Bart Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power and a former Minister of Power, explained that the company adopted international best practices to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply within its ring-fenced area, which covers nine of Abia’s 17 local government areas.

He also disclosed that Geometric Power is collaborating with international partners to develop additional power projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.

Ambassador Mills further praised the company’s integrated business model, which makes it the only power firm in Nigeria that both generates and distributes electricity within a dedicated area. “Nigerians are globally known for their creativity and talent. This power plant is a perfect example of that”, he said.

The envoy further lauded Geometric Power’s training collaborations with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), describing them as vital for sustaining the company’s long-term growth.

The U.S. delegation included Rick Swart, Consul General in Lagos, Mike Ervin, Chief of Political and Economic Section at the Embassy and Julie McKay, Chief of Public Diplomacy.

Okereke Kate
Reporter

The post U.S. Ambassador Describes Aba Independent Power Project as World Class first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Ambassador Mills gave the commendation when he led a delegation of senior American diplomats, including Consul General Ruth Swart, on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The US Ambassador lauded the state’s transformation under the Governor’s leadership and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening its partnership with Abia.

“I think what we’ve seen over the past two days that we’ve been in the state confirms what our assessment has been, which is that your leadership in Abia has brought real change here, positive change.

“Your focus on infrastructure, on security challenges, has really transformed the state, and we believe that it is a powerful example of how to improve governance across the South East,” Ambassador Mills said.

He said Governor Otti’s focus on economic growth, youth empowerment, and transparent governance aligns with the values and policies necessary to attract U.S. investment.

“Your administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a more transparent and more accountable government really aligns very closely with our goals and what U.S. business needs to see if it’s going to invest,” he said.

According to him, the United States sees “tremendous opportunities” in Abia and across the Southeast region and is keen to build a more robust partnership to unlock the full potential of Abia and the Southeast region.

“We really want to deepen the partnership between the United States and Abia. So I look forward to discussing with you and your team how we can continue to support your administration’s priorities and help really unlock the full potential of Abia and the Southeast region,” Ambassador Mills said.

In his response, Governor Otti, while welcoming the delegation, expressed delight over the two-day working visit, which he described as a mark of endorsement of his administration’s efforts.

“Your visit to Abia is a mark of endorsement as far as we are concerned here, and we are very glad for the positive comments and for some of the things you said, which are also in alignment with what this government stands for.

“We are very glad that you are spending a whole two days in Abia. I’m glad with the report that is filtering in about the positive meetings you have had with the business community, with the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other places here,” he said.

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s preference for strategic partnerships over donor dependency, adding that the state does not believe in “grants and aid” but in partnerships.

“In terms of partnership, like I was telling you, we don’t believe in grants and aid. We believe that there’s a lot of value that we can add, working together,” he said.

Governor Otti described Abia as “the SME capital of Nigeria” and commended the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs, particularly those in Ariaria International Market, Aba.

He also used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s reforms in key areas such as healthcare, education, digital technology, and Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Amarachi Uzoukwu
Reporter

The post US Ambassador Applauds Gov Otti’s Reforms, Pledges Stronger Partnership With Abia first appeared on National Ambassador News.