The United States Consul General, Will Stevens, has revealed that over 700,000 Nigerians are currently living and working in the U.S. During the 248th Independence Day celebration held in Lagos, Stevens emphasized the importance of the strong people-to-people ties between the U.S. and Nigeria, which he described as the foundation of their bilateral relationship.
Stevens highlighted that both nations are proud federal republics committed to democracy and freedom. “Independence Day, or July 4, is one of the United States’ most cherished holidays,” he said. “It’s a day for family and friends to gather, celebrate our nation’s founding, reflect on our challenges, and reaffirm the democratic principles that have guided us for nearly 250 years.”
He also drew parallels to Nigeria’s recent Democracy Day celebration, marking 25 years since the country’s return to democracy. “As the two largest presidential democracies in the world, the United States and Nigeria serve as robust examples for the rest of the globe,” Stevens stated.
Focusing on the theme of the celebration, ‘The Great American Roadtrip,’ Stevens noted the presence of booths dedicated to California, Georgia, New York, and Texas. These states were chosen because they have some of the highest numbers of Nigerians in the U.S. “Over 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in the United States, the largest of any African country,” he added. “Nigerian culture and heritage are an integral part of the American story.”
Stevens also announced that President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, which includes two Nigerian Americans, will visit later this month to explore how these strong ties can lead to increased economic prosperity for both nations.
