By John Paul
The United States has urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks by bandits and jihadist groups while accelerating the safe return of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
The call was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a series of high-level engagements with top Nigerian government officials in Abuja aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on security, justice, investment, digital innovation, and regional stability.
According to a statement on the visit, Garcia held separate meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During discussions on security cooperation, the U.S. official acknowledged Nigeria’s increased engagement under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), established to address concerns arising from Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern over issues relating to religious freedom.
Despite the progress, Garcia stressed that greater efforts were needed to shield Christian communities from persistent attacks by armed groups and to create conditions that would enable displaced families to return safely to their homes.
He also urged Nigerian authorities to devote additional resources to addressing the humanitarian consequences of insecurity, particularly the resettlement of internally displaced persons who have been forced to flee their communities by violence.
Garcia expressed optimism that further progress would be recorded before the next meeting of the Joint Working Group, scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August, where both countries are expected to review developments in areas of mutual concern.
His meeting with the Attorney General focused on strengthening cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improving criminal accountability, and promoting religious freedom.
In separate discussions with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, Garcia explored opportunities for expanding U.S. investment in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy and increasing private sector collaboration in technology and innovation.
The U.S. envoy also met with executives of leading American energy and technology companies operating in Nigeria to discuss measures aimed at improving the country’s investment climate and attracting more foreign capital.
The visit underscored Washington’s continuing efforts to deepen its strategic partnership with Nigeria through enhanced cooperation in security, governance, justice sector reforms, economic development, digital transformation, and regional peace and stability.
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