By John Ikani
The United States of America and Nigeria, on Thursday, signed a $2.17 billion Development Objective Assistance Agreement (DOAG), which will play a role in supporting a healthier and more educated Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyema and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken signed the agreement on behalf of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria and US Agency for International Development (USAID) respectively.
The event was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who said the DOAG will play a role in supporting the achievement of Nigeria’s development goals, particularly regarding better healthcare and economic growth.
On his part, Blinken said the agreement will also promote and expand energy access, economic growth and revitalise democracy.
He stated: “Home to Africa’s largest population, democracy, and economy, Nigeria is one of our most important partners on the continent.
“Nigeria’s stability and prosperity are inseparable from that of the region.
“The year 2020 was historic, as Nigerians reflected on the opportunities and challenges facing the country, while marking the 60th anniversary of their independence and the beginning of bilateral relations with the United States.”
On the US Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, “The United States and Nigeria have collaborated closely to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“More than 60 interagency members from the U.S. Mission worked side-by-side with Nigerian counterparts, including on the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force, to plan and respond to the pandemic.
“In partnership with COVAX or bilaterally, the United States has provided more than seven and a half million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria and provided more than $119 million in COVID-19-related health and humanitarian assistance.
“This includes a 40-bed mobile field hospital; support for ventilators and personal protective equipment; technical assistance with vaccine readiness;
“Conducting epidemiological COVID-19 detection and vaccine hesitancy surveys; setting up electronic record systems; providing rapid response teams; training over 200,000 military and civilian personnel on COVID-19 control measures;
“Developing and disseminating targeted education and prevention information through multiple channels; and transferring technology for virtual training.
“In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helped establish a network of 153 COVID-19 testing labs nationwide.”
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