The United States on Thursday, October 1, 2026, congratulated Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to its relationship with Abuja and recognising Nigeria’s role in promoting regional stability and economic development.
The message was issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US Department of State as Nigerians marked 66 years of independence.
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Washington described Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s largest economies, highlighting the country’s significance to wider efforts to strengthen peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,” the statement said.
The US said it valued its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and welcomed what it described as substantive dialogue between both countries over the past year.
“The United States is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in pursuit of these common goals,” the statement added.
The message identified democratic principles, religious freedom, expanding commercial ties, peace and security as important areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The diplomatic gesture comes against the backdrop of extensive relations between Washington and Abuja, with the two countries engaging on security, trade, investment, governance and regional affairs.
Nigeria remains an influential country in West Africa, while its large population and economic weight give its domestic developments wider implications for the region.
The US also used the anniversary message to express optimism about Nigeria’s future, wishing the country and its people continued peace, unity and prosperity.
The statement said Washington hoped Nigeria would continue to thrive for generations to come, reinforcing the broader message of partnership between the two countries.
Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
The 66th anniversary has prompted messages from political leaders, international partners and other stakeholders reflecting on the country’s progress, challenges and future.
Also read: Nigeria at 66: Mutfwang pardons 130 inmates, commutes 4 death sentences
For Washington, the anniversary provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance it attaches to Nigeria as a strategic partner and to shared objectives around democratic values, economic opportunity and regional stability.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
