A high-level meeting held in Abuja on Sunday brought together Nigerian stakeholders and former New York City Mayor Eric Adams to discuss strengthening Nigeria–United States collaboration in security, humanitarian response, health, and economic development.

The engagement was hosted by Dr. Betta Edu at her Abuja residence. Adams, a former police officer and two-term President of the New York City Council, served as the 111th Mayor of New York City from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025. The Abuja meeting marked his first international engagement since leaving office.

The visit comes amid growing concerns in the United States over insecurity in Nigeria, as well as emerging gaps in the country’s health and humanitarian sectors following recent reductions in international aid. Discussions also highlighted renewed efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen international cooperation, particularly in security and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Edu said the engagement provided an opportunity to present Nigeria’s security realities from a citizen-centred perspective, while drawing attention to humanitarian challenges and funding gaps created by declining external support. She noted that health sector issues, especially Nigeria’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage, were a major focus, stressing that high out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to contribute to poverty and require sustained international partnership.

On the economy, Dr. Edu stated that Nigeria is stabilising and open to mutually beneficial investments, urging Adams to leverage his global networks to attract investors, grants, and development funding. She also encouraged him to mobilise the Nigerian diaspora in New York to positively project Nigeria’s image and support national development.

In his remarks, Adams highlighted the significant contributions of Nigerians to New York City and urged Nigerians in the United States to remain connected to their roots. He pledged to deploy his global profile to attract investment and mobilise support for initiatives aimed at reducing insecurity and poverty, improving healthcare delivery, and increasing school enrolment.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of locally made souvenirs, including handcrafted Adire fabrics, reflecting Nigerian hospitality and cultural pride.