Micah Jonah, February 10, 2026
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the areas of security, humanitarian response, health and economic development.
Dr Edu made the call on Sunday while hosting the 111th Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, at her residence in Abuja. The meeting marked Adams’ first international engagement since leaving office in December 2025.
Discussions at the meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation amid growing concerns in the United States over insecurity in Nigeria and emerging gaps in the country’s health and humanitarian sectors following reductions in international aid.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Edu said the engagement provided an opportunity to present Nigeria’s security situation from a citizen centred perspective, while highlighting the Federal Government’s efforts to address insecurity and humanitarian challenges. She also drew attention to funding gaps created by declining external support.
Health sector issues were also discussed, particularly Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage. Dr Edu noted that high out of pocket healthcare spending remained a major driver of poverty and stressed the need for sustained international partnership and investment.
She added that Nigeria’s economy was stabilising and open to mutually beneficial investments, urging Adams to leverage his global influence and networks to attract investors, grants and development funding into critical sectors.
Dr Edu appealed to the former mayor to serve as an advocate for peace, unity and development in Nigeria, stressing that US Nigeria collaboration must go beyond security to include health, education and humanitarian services for a more durable solution to insecurity.
She also encouraged Adams to mobilize Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in New York, to positively project Nigeria’s image and contribute meaningfully to national development.
In his remarks, Adams described New York City as home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities globally and praised the contributions of Nigerians to the city. He urged Nigerians in the United States to remain connected to their roots and actively support Nigeria’s development.
Adams pledged to use his global profile and networks to attract investment opportunities, grants and development funding to Nigeria, while mobilising Nigerians in New York to support initiatives aimed at reducing insecurity and poverty, improving healthcare delivery and increasing school enrolment.
As part of the visit, Dr Edu presented Adams with locally made souvenirs, including Adire fabric materials, in a gesture reflecting Nigerian hospitality and cultural pride.
