Molly Phee, United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, is set to travel to Nigeria on Friday. 

Ms Phee would also be visiting Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, during her trip to engage regional leaders gathering for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State Summit.

The gathering, slated for December 10, would also afford Ms Phee to meet the ECOWAS leaders to discuss issues concerning Niger Republic. 

“During her visit, she will consult with West African leaders on how the United States can best support regional efforts to return Niger to a democratic path and to promote security, stability, prosperity, and democracy in the Sahel,” a statement from the U.S. Department of State said.

Her visit to Nigeria came four months after the coup in Niger Republic as the military junta continues to cling to power after toppling President Mohamed Bazoum. 

Western countries have condemned the military action and thrown their support behind efforts by the African Union and ECOWAS bloc led by Mr Tinubu. 

Niger holds strategic economic and geopolitical significance internationally considering its two natural resources of uranium and oil, which is south after in the international market. 

Junta leaders have justified toppling the democratic government of Mr Bazoum, who was accused of not containing the incessant insecurity situation in some parts of the country.