key points President Joe Biden discussed with President Bola Tinubu during their phone conversation

President Biden took the opportunity to offer his condolences to President Tinubu over the recent flooding that affected northeastern Nigeria. In September 2024, severe flooding led to the deaths of more than 30 people in Borno State, drawing global attention.....Read Full Article>>

The United Nations even described it as the most devastating flood disaster in 30 years. “President Biden offered his condolences on the recent flooding impacting northeastern Nigeria,” the U.S. stated.

Release of Binance Executive

President Biden also thanked President Tinubu for his role in securing the release of Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official.

Nigerian authorities had dropped charges against Gambaryan, who was previously detained on money laundering charges since April 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially leveled charges involving alleged fraud totaling $35 million. After diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the U.S., the charges were withdrawn.

U.S. lawmakers had also advocated for Gambaryan’s release, and the White House statement acknowledged “President Joe Biden’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership in securing Tigran Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds.”

Strengthening U.S.-Nigeria Partnership

During the call, the two leaders discussed the importance of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in addressing global challenges. Biden praised Tinubu for the cooperation between both nations on law enforcement and technology, especially in light of the recent creation of the “Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies.”

“They discussed the value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in advancing security and prosperity across multiple sectors,” the statement added.

Both leaders also emphasized collaboration on reforms to international organizations to better represent African perspectives.

In a similar call in 2023, Biden had commended Tinubu’s leadership in defending democracy in West Africa, particularly through his role as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). That discussion took place during the G20 summit in India, where Nigeria was invited to highlight its global importance as Africa’s largest democracy and economy.