The Department of State’s Counselor, Thomas Shannon, arrives today in West Africa for visits to Nigeria and Liberia. The Counselor is traveling to Nigeria, as the leader of a Presidential Delegation to Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration in Abuja.

In Abuja, he will meet with government officials and participate in high-level celebration events with other world leaders. He will then travel to Lagos for discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest, a visit to a U.S. Government assistance project, and interaction with Nigerian youth. Counselor Shannon will also travel to Liberia to open the second meeting of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, and consult with stakeholders on areas of Liberia’s progress and development.