The United States Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, has called Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on phone to discuss the African Development Bank (AfDB) crisis and sundry issues. They also reviewed the nation’s fight against COVID-19 as well as the $30 million US assistance, which strengthened Nigeria’s public health and humanitarian response.

A statement by the Office of the US Department of State Spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, said Pompeo and Onyeama agreed that transparency and accountability would drive democratic and inclusive development.

The statement said the US also condoled with Nigeria over last week’s Islamic State of West Africa attacks in the North-East which claimed many lives.

It reads: “Secretary Pompeo expressed condolences for the loss of life in recent ISIS West Africa attacks in the northeast, and the two discussed Nigeria’s ongoing civilian protection and counter-terrorism efforts.

“Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Onyeama reviewed Nigeria’s progress in fighting COVID-19 and the $30 million in recent U.S. assistance that has helped to strengthen Nigeria’s public health and humanitarian response.

“They also discussed the African Development Bank and the constructive role of multilateral initiatives in accelerating economic recovery and regional security and they agreed that transparency and accountability will drive democratic and inclusive development.”

The Nation