John Kerry Visits Nigeria, to Meet President Buhari, Northern Governors

John Kerry Visits Nigeria, to Meet President Buhari, Northern Governors

The U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria Aug. 23 for bilateral discussions on topical issues that include the Boko Haram insurgency, economy and human rights issues, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

This was made known in a statement by the Information Office of the Embassy of the U.S. on Friday in Abuja, which added that Kerry would hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern Governors in Abuja and Sokoto from Aug. 23 to 24.

“Kerry will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss counter terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption and human rights issues, the statement said.

“In Sokoto, he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.

“In Abuja, the Secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society.

“He will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders.”

Kerry’s visit comes as a timely boost to the Buhari-led government which is presently grappling with a myriad of internal challenges ranging from security to economic recession, leading to a near loss of confidence in the populace.

Furthermore, the statement disclosed that Kerry would travel to Nairobi earlier on Aug. 22 for a meeting on regional security with President Uhuru Kenyatta, before he meets with Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed and other regional foreign ministers to discuss key challenges in East Africa.

These challenges, according to the statement, included the prospects for resumption of a political process in South Sudan and support to Somalia’s political transition and ongoing fight against al-Shabaab.

Also, the secy of state would have the opportunity to meet with participants of the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Mandela Washington Fellows programmes during the visit.