The Governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have held the inaugural session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group established to address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the United States’ International Religious Freedom Act.
The meeting took place in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026, bringing together senior officials from both countries to deepen cooperation on religious freedom, civilian protection, and national security. The Working Group was constituted following the CPC designation by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and is aimed at reducing violence against vulnerable groups, particularly Christian communities, while promoting an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without fear or intimidation.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Advisor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and included representatives from 10 ministries and government agencies. The United States delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, with officials drawn from eight U.S. federal agencies.
During the session, both sides engaged in strategic discussions on a broad range of issues where enhanced bilateral cooperation could improve religious freedom and strengthen security nationwide. Participants reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two countries, anchored on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and national sovereignty.
The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s briefing on the realignment of resources to tackle insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. Both governments reiterated their strong commitment to upholding religious freedom and agreed on the need for sustained, coordinated actions to protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion or belief, in line with Nigeria’s Constitution.
Emphasis was placed on the protection of civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and the importance of holding perpetrators of violence accountable. The two sides also reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering efforts, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The U.S. delegation commended Nigeria for its urgent steps to enhance security for at-risk Christian communities and for Nigerians of all faiths affected by terrorism and violent criminal activity.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in the United States at a mutually agreed date, to be determined through diplomatic channels.
The joint statement was issued in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
