The governments of 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 was held in Abuja, bringing together senior officials from both countries to discuss measures to improve religious freedom and strengthen security across Nigeria.
The initiative follows a designation issued by US President Donald Trump, citing concerns over violence against vulnerable religious communities.
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 was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, accompanied by officials from eight federal agencies.
Discussions at the session covered security cooperation, protection of civilians, and strategies to enhance 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 realignment of resources to tackle insecurity, particularly in North Central states.
The two governments also pledged to take sustained joint action to protect freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and religion, in line with Nigeria’s constitution.
Participants emphasised the need to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence.
They further agreed to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation, including collaboration on technology sharing, anti-money laundering measures, counter-terrorist financing, and strengthening law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The US delegation commended Nigeria’s recent efforts to enhance security for at-risk communities and citizens of all faiths affected by violence and terrorism.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Working Group will be held in the United States on a date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.
