The United States government has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to step up efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks, strengthen national security, and ensure the safe return of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
The call was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a high-level visit to Abuja, where he met with senior Nigerian government officials to discuss security, justice reforms, economic cooperation, digital innovation, and regional stability.
According to a statement issued after the meetings, Garcia held separate talks with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
During discussions on defence and security, Garcia acknowledged Nigeria’s increased engagement under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), a bilateral platform established to address issues related to Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation.
Despite welcoming the progress recorded so far, the U.S. diplomat said more decisive action was needed to protect Christian communities that continue to face violent attacks in different parts of Nigeria.
He also urged the Nigerian government to devote greater resources toward helping internally displaced persons return safely to their communities and rebuild their lives after years of displacement caused by insecurity.
Garcia expressed optimism that further progress would be made before the next meeting of the Joint Working Group scheduled for August in Washington, D.C., where officials from both countries are expected to review developments and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The U.S. official also met with the Attorney General of the Federation, where discussions centred on expanding cooperation in prosecuting terrorism-related offences, strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system, improving accountability, and promoting religious freedom.
The meeting explored additional areas of collaboration in tackling violent extremism and ensuring perpetrators of terrorism and religiously motivated violence are brought to justice.
Garcia’s discussions with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, focused on increasing American investment in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Both parties examined opportunities to encourage greater private sector participation, support innovation, create employment opportunities, and deepen commercial ties between Nigeria and the United States.
As part of his engagements, Garcia also met with executives of major U.S. energy and technology companies to discuss improving Nigeria’s business environment and attracting more foreign direct investment.
The visit highlighted the commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation in security, governance, justice sector reforms, economic development, digital transformation, and regional peace.
The renewed U.S. call comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, communal violence, kidnappings, and humanitarian challenges that have displaced thousands of people across several states.
By urging stronger protection for Christian communities and greater support for displaced citizens, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria to enhance security, promote religious freedom, improve governance, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
