The United States has urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
The call was made by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a high-level visit to Abuja where he met with senior Nigerian officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Communications,
Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja, Garcia’s visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in areas including security, justice, digital development, trade and regional stability.
The US official acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts through the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address its designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), but stressed that more steps were needed.
“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 embassy said.
The United States also expressed commitment to continued engagement with Nigeria, noting that both countries would review progress on their cooperation areas during the next Joint Working Group meeting scheduled to hold in Washington, DC, in August.
During his discussions with the Attorney General of the Federation, Garcia also highlighted issues bordering on terrorism prosecutions, criminal justice reforms and religious freedom.
The US has in recent years raised concerns over insecurity and attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, while the Nigerian government has maintained that it is working to tackle terrorism, banditry and other security challenges across the country.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.