U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has cut short his first trip to Africa to return to Washington about one day ahead of schedule, according to a report from Nairobi, Kenya.

“Tillerson’s travel plans have changed so that he can return to Washington early on Tuesday morning instead of late that night, a spokesman for the top U.S. diplomat told reporters travelling with him,” says the report by Reuters, citing the need for Mr. Tillerson “to deal with urgent work” back home.

Mr. Tillerson had been scheduled to arrive in Abuja today from Nairobi for his first official visit to Nigeria.

A Press Advisory from the U.S. Embassy had said that Tillerson would hold talks with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

“When he arrives, Tillerson will become the highest ranking official in the Trump Administration to visit Nigeria.

“The secretary is expected to hold a press conference at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday by 11.45 a.m.

“Tillerson is expected to be joined in the press availability by Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama,” the embassy stated.

A news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report published this morning by News Express had said: “When Tillerson meets Buhari, both men are expected to discuss counter terrorism efforts and humanitarian issues in Nigeria’s Northeast and the Lake Chad basin.

“He is also expected to discuss how to advance peace and security, promote good governance, and spur mutually beneficial trade and investment with the president

“During his trip, he is expected also to meet with U.S. Embassy personnel and participate in events related to U.S. government-supported activities.”

Tillerson, who embarked on a week-long tour of Africa, had visited the Horn of Africa just days after he announced a new 533 million dollars aid package for Africa out of which 128 million dollars was earmarked for Nigeria and countries of the Lake Chad region.

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