The United States has urged Nigeria to strengthen efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks and commit more resources toward ensuring the safe return of millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
The call was made during a high-level visit to Abuja by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, who held discussions with top Nigerian government officials on security, religious freedom, justice reforms, investment and bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, Garcia met 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, Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Security featured prominently in the talks, with the U.S. acknowledging Nigeria’s progress under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group while stressing that additional measures are needed to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities and improve conditions for displaced citizens to return home safely.
According to the U.S. delegation, the resettlement of internally displaced persons should be treated not only as a humanitarian issue but also as a critical security and governance priority that requires adequate funding, protection and the restoration of essential services.
The discussions also covered counterterrorism efforts, with particular emphasis on the prosecution of terrorism suspects, strengthening criminal accountability and protecting religious freedom as key components of the fight against violent extremism.
Both countries are expected to review progress during the next Joint Working Group meeting scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August. The meeting will assess Nigeria’s efforts to address concerns related to religious freedom, terrorism and its designation as a Country of Particular Concern.
Beyond security, Garcia held talks with Communications Minister Bosun Tijani on expanding American investment in Nigeria’s technology sector and promoting stronger private-sector collaboration.
He also met with executives of U.S. energy and technology companies to discuss investment opportunities and ways to improve Nigeria’s business environment.
The visit highlighted the broad scope of U.S.-Nigeria relations, covering security, justice, technology, trade and investment. However, Washington’s key message remained clear: Nigeria should intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen accountability and create a safer environment for displaced citizens to rebuild their lives.
