Strategic Issues Discussed As U.S-Nigeria Joint Working Group Holds Inaugural Meeting
The Governments of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the inaugural meeting of the U.S. Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Working Group was established following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by U.S. President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act. Working in close partnership, the Group aims to reduce violence against vulnerable populations in Nigeria, particularly Christian communities, and to foster an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without fear or intimidation from terrorists, separatists, bandits, criminal militias, or other violent actors, regardless of religious affiliation.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from ten ministries and agencies. The United States delegation, made up of officials from eight federal agencies, was led by the Under Secretary of State, Ms. Allison Hooker.
Discussions during the session covered a broad range of strategic issues and challenges, with a focus on enhancing cooperation to improve religious freedom and strengthen security nationwide. Both sides reaffirmed the long standing relationship between the two countries, anchored on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and national sovereignty.
The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s briefing on the realignment of security resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. Both governments reiterated their strong and unwavering commitment to upholding religious freedom and agreed on the need to take sustained and coordinated actions to promote and protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Participants emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counterterrorism cooperation through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The U.S. delegation commended Nigeria for its urgent steps to enhance security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is threatened by violence and terrorism.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Working Group will be held in the United States on a mutually agreed date, to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
Issued in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Thursday, January 22, 2026.
