The United States’ President, Donald Trump, assessed prospects of Nigeria as it celebrates its 59th independence anniversary today (Tuesday).

Trump, who congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary, described the country as one of America’s strongest partners in Africa.

The US President, in a statement in Washington on Monday, said Nigeria and America shared common goals of expanding trade and growing their economic relationship.

He said,

“We are allies in the global battle against terrorism, and we want to see Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa driven out of the region and other insurgencies like them dismantled.

“The United States welcomes efforts by your administration to diversify opportunities for your talented, creative, and hardworking people to the benefit of both our countries, Africa, and the world.”

The American President said he was pleased that the vice presidents of the two nations were building on the longstanding history of cooperation between the US and Nigeria.