Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Senior Officials from the Federal Republic of Nigeria

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met yesterday with Nigerian Presidential Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari and Nigerian National Security Advisor Babagana Monguno at the White House. Mr. Sullivan affirmed the Administration's commitment to collaborate with Nigeria to tackle shared global challenges, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, building a more inclusive global economy, and combatting the climate crisis. The leaders discussed shared concerns about democratic backsliding and political instability in West Africa and the importance of ongoing efforts by the Economic Community of West African States to reverse military seizures of power and restore constitutional order in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. Mr. Sullivan conveyed U.S. support for Nigeria's important preparations to hold free and fair elections in 2023 and counter violent extremists and terrorist groups.