The United States and Nigeria have inaugurated a Joint Working Group aimed at addressing Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act.
The first session of the Working Group took place in Abuja, bringing together senior officials from both nations to discuss strategies for enhancing religious freedom and strengthening security across Nigeria.
The initiative follows concerns raised by US President Donald Trump regarding violence against vulnerable religious communities in the country.
According to a joint statement, the Working Group will focus on reducing violence against civilians—particularly Christians—and fostering an environment where all Nigerians can practise their faith freely, without interference from terrorists, bandits, separatists, or criminal militias.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and included representatives from ten ministries and agencies. The US team, headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, was accompanied by officials from eight federal agencies.
Discussions at the session covered security cooperation, protection of civilians, and strategies to promote religious freedom. Both sides reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, grounded in shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and national sovereignty.
The US delegation welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to realign resources to tackle insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. Both governments pledged sustained joint action to protect freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and religion, consistent with Nigeria’s constitution.
Participants emphasised the need to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence. They also agreed to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation, including technology sharing, anti-money laundering initiatives, counter-terrorist financing, and strengthening law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The US delegation commended Nigeria’s recent efforts to improve security for at-risk communities and citizens of all faiths affected by violence and terrorism.
The next session of the Working Group is scheduled to take place in the United States, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
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