Step up protection of Christians, US urges Nigeria

United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and accelerate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership across security, justice, digital transformation and economic cooperation.

The call was made by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a visit to Abuja, where he held separate meetings with top Nigerian government officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Abuja, Garcia’s visit focused on advancing the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership in the areas of security cooperation, protection of Christian communities, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability.

The statement said discussions on defence and security welcomed Nigeria’s increased efforts under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG) to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

“Assistant Secretary Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased efforts under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation. He also pressed the Nigerians to do more to protect Christians from attacks, and that greater efforts and resources must be allocated to the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes,” the statement said.

It added that Garcia expressed optimism ahead of the next meeting of the Joint Working Group scheduled to hold in Washington DC, in August, where both countries will assess progress on the agreed areas of cooperation.

The statement noted that Garcia’s meeting with the Attorney General focused on Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability, and religious freedom.

During talks with Tijani, both sides explored opportunities to attract greater US investment into Nigeria and expand private sector participation in the country’s growing digital economy.

Garcia also met with senior executives of leading US energy and technology companies operating in Nigeria to discuss the country’s business environment and prospects for increased investment.

The visit forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United States aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in security, governance, trade and technology.