On October 9, 2023, US President Joe Biden and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu held a significant phone conversation that addressed pressing issues affecting both nations and Africa as a whole. The call lasted approximately 30 minutes and took place around 4 PM Nigerian time.

One of the main topics of discussion was law enforcement collaboration between the United States and Nigeria. President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the ongoing partnership in security matters, highlighting the importance of US support in addressing various challenges in Africa, including terrorism and financial crimes.

A specific focus of the conversation was the recent release of Tigran Gambaryan, who serves as the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform. The situation surrounding Gambaryan’s release underscores the complexities of international financial regulations and the growing scrutiny of cryptocurrency activities. The leaders discussed the implications of this development for both countries, particularly in the realm of financial crime prevention and enforcement.

The conversation also touched on Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ support for a permanent African seat on the Council, recognizing the need for Africa to have a more significant voice in international decision-making. However, he also pointed out that he does not believe Nigeria should be one of the countries occupying this permanent seat.

This discussion highlights ongoing debates about representation and equity within global governance structures. Many African leaders advocate for increased representation in international institutions, reflecting the continent’s growing geopolitical significance.