By Milcah Tanimu
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has urgently called for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and executive at Binance, who has been detained in Nigeria since February. This request highlights the growing concerns regarding U.S. diplomatic efforts in addressing the situation. During a recent conversation with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugar, at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, she emphasized that resolving this issue is crucial for U.S.-Nigeria relations.
Enhancing U.S.-Nigeria Cooperation
In addition to discussing Gambaryan’s detention, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Minister Tugar explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria. Key areas of focus included security, trade and investment, and health initiatives. The Ambassador reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to address common challenges.
Commitment to UN Reform
Furthermore, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed the U.S. commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to ensure greater inclusivity. She proposed adding two permanent seats specifically for African countries, aiming to enhance representation and decision-making power for the continent.