The Federal Government has said the recent diplomatic disagreement between Nigeria and the United States has been largely resolved, resulting in improved cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and development.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during an end-of-year press briefing in Abuja, where he reviewed major security and foreign policy milestones recorded by the Bola Tinubu administration in 2025.

Idris said Nigeria handled the diplomatic challenge with firmness, maturity and dignity, contrary to claims that the disagreement weakened the country’s international standing.

“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through firm and respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership between Nigeria and America,” the minister said.

He explained that rather than damaging relations, the episode deepened bilateral cooperation, especially in combating insecurity.

“What has happened, as difficult as it was, has helped to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the area of security, to ensure that Nigerians live free from crime and criminal elements,” Idris added.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump had criticised the Tinubu administration over alleged violence against Christians and threatened to cut aid and consider military action, following Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues.

However, Idris cited the recent signing of a five-year health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both countries as evidence of improved relations.

Under the agreement, the United States will provide $2.18 billion in grant funding, while Nigeria will contribute $3 billion, bringing the total value to $5.18 billion. Idris described the deal as the largest co-investment by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.

“This agreement will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives and attract investment,” he said.

The minister dismissed claims that the health partnership was targeted at any particular region or religious group.
“No religion was mentioned in the MoU. It is a multi-faith, inclusive arrangement that ensures every Nigerian benefits,” he stated.

On security, Idris said President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency in 2025 would lead to massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, as well as the deployment of trained forest guards to secure forests and other vulnerable areas previously used by criminal groups.

“With this declaration, there will be no hiding place for criminals and terrorists in our forests,” he said.
He also announced that the Federal Government had ended what he described as “ambiguous nomenclature” in addressing insecurity.

Henceforth, he said, any individual or group involved in kidnapping, attacks on farmers or terrorising communities would be classified and treated strictly as terrorists.
“The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise Nigerians, whether as an individual or a group, you are a terrorist and will be treated as such,” Idris declared.

The minister further revealed that one of the most wanted ISWAP leaders and his chief of staff had been arrested through coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies and are currently facing trial.