The Presidency has described United States President Donald Trump’s commendation of President Bola Tinubu as further validation of the administration’s efforts to address insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to a letter sent by Trump to Tinubu.
The letter, dated July 6, 2026, was made public on Wednesday after the Presidency released its contents.
In the correspondence, Trump commended Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” in tackling terrorism and insecurity, particularly attacks on Christian communities, while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Reacting to the letter, Bwala said the message from the US President was an acknowledgment of the progress being made by the Tinubu administration.
“Facts speak for themselves. The letter is further proof of the progress we are making,” he said.
Bwala, however, stressed that the government’s security efforts were not driven by the expectation of international recognition.
“Does it mean if there was no letter, we would stop? No, because we are already engaging and communicating with them,” he said.
Drawing an analogy, the presidential aide said the letter served as an encouragement rather than the basis for the government’s commitment.
“If you are in a relationship with a lady and, because of the relationship, you write a letter encouraging her, or she writes a letter encouraging you, then you feel further strengthened, but it does not stop your commitment.”
He maintained that the administration would continue to pursue its security objectives regardless of external commendation, adding that the letter was an affirmation of the government’s ongoing efforts.
