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, especially against Christians.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, both governments confirmed that the first session of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group was held in Abuja on January 22, 2026.
The Working Group was constituted after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing widespread violence and concerns raised by advocacy groups over what they describe as a “Christian genocide” in parts of the country.
According to the statement, the Joint Working Group is aimed at “reducing violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and creating a conducive atmosphere for all Nigerians to freely practice their faith unimpeded by terrorists, separatists, bandits, and criminal militias.”
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included representatives from 10 ministries and agencies. The US team was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, alongside officials from eight federal agencies.
Both sides held what they described as “strategic discussions” on how deeper US–Nigeria cooperation could improve religious freedom and strengthen security nationwide.
They also reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral relationship between both countries, which they said is “grounded in shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and sovereignty.”
The US delegation welcomed Nigeria’s recent steps to tackle insecurity, particularly in the North-Central states, where attacks on farming and Christian communities have been frequent.
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 promote and protect freedom of religion or belief for all, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Participants further stressed the need to protect civilians, “particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities,” while ensuring that perpetrators of violence are held accountable.
On security cooperation, both sides agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts through “operational cooperation, access to technology, anti-money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.”
The US delegation also commended Nigeria for what it described as “urgent actions to strengthen 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 Joint Working Group would be held in the United States at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
Recall that on October 31, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, citing allegations of widespread violence and persistent threats to religious freedom in several parts of the country.
