Over 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in US, says envoy

More than 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in the United States, the largest of any African country, an envoy has said.

US Consul General Will Stevens disclosed this in remarks prepared for delivery during the 248th Independence Day Celebration at his residence in Lagos.

“Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is one of the United States’ most cherished holidays. It’s a day when family and friends gather to celebrate the founding of our country, to reflect on the challenges we have overcome as a nation, and to affirm the democratic principles that have guided us for nearly 250 years,” he said.

He recalled that a few weeks ago, Nigeria celebrated 25 years of its 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,” he said. “We have a shared commitment, as President Lincoln said, to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Stevens described democracy as a continuous journey where elected officials and citizens work together to address the needs of all.

“This shared vision makes the United States and Nigeria natural partners, friends, and allies on so many important issues across the continent and the globe,” he said.

California, Georgia, New York, and Texas boast some of the highest numbers of Nigerian diaspora in the US, according to Stevens.

“Over 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in the United States, the largest of any African country.  Nigerian culture and heritage are an integral part of the American story.  And later this month we will welcome President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, which includes two Nigerian Americans, to explore how these people-to-people ties translate into increased economic prosperity for both our nations,” he said.