The United States’ Secretary of State, John Kerry, has said that though Nigeria had made commendable progress since its independence, there is still much to be done.

He said this in a congratulatory message to the Nation on its 56th Independence Day celebration.

“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1,” Kerry wrote.

He said that after his recent trip to Nigeria, he was more optimistic that the government and people of the country were resolved “to build a better future.”

Secretary Kerry, however, added that “There is still much work to be done to provide economic opportunities for all, end corruption, win the fight against Boko Haram, ensure broad respect for human rights and provide humanitarian relief for millions of displaced people.

“But we know that Nigerians are hard at work to address these challenges,” he said.

Kerry assured that the United States looks forward “to deepening our partnership and friendship with Nigerians from all walks of life, so that we may work together for the betterment of Nigeria and all of Africa.”