The United States Government has congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The US Department of State conveyed the message in a statement issued by the Office of the Spokesman on Thursday.

The department said the United States valued its relationship with Nigeria and appreciated the “substantive dialogue” between both countries over the past year.

“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,” the statement said.

The US described Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s largest economies, noting the country’s role in promoting regional stability and economic growth.

“The United States is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in pursuit of these common goals,” it said.

According to the statement, the two countries shared commitments to democratic principles, religious freedom, commercial relations, peace and security.

It said both nations were working towards continued progress in areas of mutual interest and expressed the US commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria.

The department also expressed hope for continued peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.

“May this proud nation and its people thrive in peace, unity, prosperity, and hope for generations to come,” it said.