Uchenna Johnson
Awka
The United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as part of broader discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
The call was made during a visit to Abuja by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, who held a series of high-level meetings with senior Nigerian government officials to deepen the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership.
During the visit, Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Nigerian Air Force Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The visit underscored ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen cooperation in security, governance, economic development and technology while deepening their longstanding strategic partnership.
According to a statement issued after the visit, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in security, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability.
During security-related engagements, Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG) established to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.
He, however, urged Nigerian authorities to do more to safeguard Christian communities from violent attacks and dedicate greater resources toward facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
The U.S. official expressed optimism that further progress would be reviewed at the next meeting of the Joint Working Group scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August.
Garcia’s meeting with the Attorney General also focused on the prosecution of terrorism-related offences, criminal accountability and the promotion of religious freedom.
In separate talks with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, discussions centered on attracting greater U.S. investment and expanding private sector participation in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
As part of the visit, Garcia also met with senior executives of leading U.S. energy and technology companies to discuss Nigeria’s business environment and explore opportunities for increased American investment in the country.
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