Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on religious freedom and national security, pledging sustained joint action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence.
This was contained in a joint statement issued by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. team lead, Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker, at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the statement, the working group was established to address issues arising from Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, while also fostering practical cooperation to reduce violence and promote freedom of worship across the country.
The discussions focused on deepening collaboration to enhance religious freedom and national security, while recognising the long-standing partnership between both countries based on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and national sovereignty.
The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing realignment of security resources, particularly in the North-Central states, as part of efforts to address insecurity and protect civilians.
Both sides reaffirmed their “strong and unflinching commitment” to religious freedom and agreed on the need for sustained measures to safeguard the rights to freedom of religion, expression and peaceful assembly, in line with the Nigerian Constitution.
The statement also emphasised the protection of civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and the need to hold those responsible for acts of violence accountable.
It further noted that both countries agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering initiatives, efforts to counter terrorism financing, and improved law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The U.S. delegation commended Nigeria for its prompt actions to improve security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths affected by terrorism and criminal violence.
The joint statement concluded that the next meeting of the U.S. – Nigeria Joint Working Group would be held in the United States at a mutually agreed date through diplomatic channels.
