Details have emerged from a high-level meeting between the United States and the Federal Government of Nigeria following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, both governments confirmed that the inaugural session of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group was held in Abuja on January 22, 2026. The Working Group was established after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act.
President Trump had cited alleged violations of religious freedom, particularly against Christian communities, as the basis for the designation.
According to the joint statement, the Working Group is mandated to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, “particularly Christians,” and to foster an environment where all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without interference from terrorists, separatists, bandits, or criminal militias.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included representatives from 10 ministries and government agencies. The US delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight US federal agencies.
Both sides said they held “strategic discussions” on deepening bilateral cooperation to improve religious freedom and enhance security across Nigeria. They also reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between both countries, describing it as one “grounded in shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and sovereignty.”
The US delegation welcomed what it described as Nigeria’s recent efforts to address insecurity, especially in the North-Central region, where attacks on farming communities and Christian populations have been recurrent.
The statement noted that both governments reiterated their “strong and unflinching commitment to upholding the principles of religious freedom” and agreed on the need for “joint, active, and sustained measures” to protect freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians, in line with the country’s constitution.
Participants also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, “particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities,” while ensuring that perpetrators of violence are identified and brought to justice.
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering initiatives, counter-terrorism financing measures, and improved law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The US delegation further commended Nigeria for what it described as “urgent actions to strengthen security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths threatened by violence and terrorism.”
Both sides agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group would take place in the United States, with the date to be fixed through diplomatic channels.
President Trump had designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern on October 31, citing widespread violence and allegations by some advocacy groups of a “Christian genocide” in parts of the country. The matter has been adjourned until February 2, 2026, for further hearing.
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