By Ayomide Joseph
As the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, lands in Abuja, and arrives the presidential villa, indications have emerged that security concerns is topmost on the agenda. This is just as Nigerians eagerly anticipate discussions between him and President Bola Tinubu to revolve around the nation’s heightened security challenges and the mounting economic difficulties currently facing the country.
Blinken touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 4 pm on Tuesday before proceeding to the Presidential Villa for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite his broader tour of Africa, Blinken is scheduled to depart for Lagos at approximately 10 pm for additional engagements planned for the next day, Wednesday. Subsequently, he is expected to leave Nigeria for Angola later in the night.
The timing of Blinken’s visit coincides with the ongoing efforts of the Bola Tinubu-led government to combat the surge in kidnappings plaguing the nation. Additionally, it occurs against the backdrop of the economic challenges spurred by the government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies.
The New Diplomat notes that the nation’s inflation has seen a continuous uptick in recent months, attributed in part to the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Tinubu. However, economic experts have voiced support for the president’s move, considering it a positive step forward.
In December, Nigeria’s inflation rate reached its highest level in over 27 years, soaring to 28.92% year on year, up from November’s 28.20%. The surge, particularly in food prices, has intensified the cost-of-living crisis, prompting increased pressure on the central bank to consider interest rate hikes.
In an interview with The New Diplomat, Kelechukwu Ogu, a business expert, emphasized the importance for Tinubu to concentrate on strengthening economic ties with the US that could bolster the nation’s economy. He further said that Tinubu should also seek help regarding ending the insecurity that have plagued the nation overtime.
“I hope President Tinubu further bloster the nation’s economic ties with the US now that we are kick starting oil refining process, partnerships should be discussed in this light, also the president should seek help from the western nation regarding the untamed insecurity currently ravaging the country, ones these two isses can be resolved we are on the right track to building a stronger economy,” he said.
As discussions unfold between Blinken and Tinubu, Nigerians remain hopeful for substantive outcomes addressing the pressing issues of security and the economy.
