Betta Edu hosts ex-NYC Mayor Adams, seeks stronger US-Nigeria ties in security, health
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Sunday hosted the immediate past Mayor of New York City, Mr. Eric Adams, at her Abuja residence, calling for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in security, health, humanitarian response, and economic development.
The meeting, Mr. Adams’ first international engagement since leaving office on December 31, 2025, after serving as the 111th Mayor from January 1, 2022, focused on addressing Nigeria’s insecurity challenges, funding gaps in health and humanitarian sectors amid cuts in global aid, and opportunities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to bolster international partnerships.
Study shows cats develop dementia similar to humans
A former police officer and two-term President of the New York City Council, Mr. Adams’ visit underscores growing US concerns over Nigeria’s security situation and vulnerabilities in its health system.
Speaking after the closed-door discussions, Dr. Edu presented Nigeria’s security realities from a citizen-centred viewpoint, spotlighting federal efforts to tackle insecurity while urging sustained external support to bridge humanitarian funding shortfalls.
She highlighted Nigeria’s push for Universal Health Coverage, noting that high out-of-pocket healthcare costs fuel poverty and demand international investment.
Nigeria’s economy stabilising, open for business, Edu On the economy, Dr. Edu said Nigeria’s landscape is stabilising and primed for mutually beneficial investments, appealing to Mr. Adams to tap his global networks for investors, grants, and funding in key sectors.
“We need holistic US-Nigeria collaboration. Beyond security, the United States should support health, humanitarian services, education, and other areas for a durable solution to insecurity,” she stated.
Dr. Edu tasked Mr. Adams with advocating for Nigeria’s peace and unity, and mobilising the Nigerian diaspora in New York, one of the world’s largest, to promote the country’s image and contribute to development.
“I feel honoured to receive him, and Nigeria will greatly benefit from this strategic visit. We believe he will use his platform in the US and beyond to advocate for Nigeria and mobilise support for our people,” she added.
https://www.pulse.ng/story/8-african-tracks-that-deserved-a-2026-grammy-2026013016425965190
In response, Mr. Adams praised Nigerians’ contributions to New York City, urging the diaspora to stay rooted: “You are Nigerian-American, not American-Nigerian.” He committed his influence to draw investments, grants, and funding to Nigeria, while rallying New York Nigerians to combat insecurity, poverty, reduce healthcare gaps, and boost school enrolment.
In a cultural gesture, Dr. Edu gifted Mr. Adams Adire fabrics and other locally made souvenirs, epitomising Nigerian hospitality.
