By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria and the United States on Thursday, January 22, 2026, formally opened a new diplomatic and security chapter, holding the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group established to address Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The inaugural meeting, held in Abuja, marked a rare, structured engagement between both governments on one of the most sensitive intersections of Nigeria’s security crisis: religious freedom, civilian protection and accountability for violence.
The Working Group was constituted following the CPC designation made by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, placing Nigeria under heightened international scrutiny over persistent attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, amid broader insecurity driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence and criminal militias.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, and drew representatives from 10 ministries and agencies, signalling the federal government’s intention to approach the issue as a whole-of-government challenge.
The United States delegation, led by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, comprised officials from eight U.S. federal agencies, reflecting Washington’s multi-layered security and human-rights interests in Nigeria.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared objective: to reduce violence against vulnerable groups and restore an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without fear.
Strategic exchanges during the session focused on areas where deeper U.S.–Nigeria cooperation could yield measurable gains in religious freedom, civilian protection and national security.
Both sides acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries, anchored on pluralism, respect for sovereignty and the rule of law.
The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s recent realignment of security resources, particularly efforts targeted at stabilising the North Central states, where attacks on farming and Christian communities have drawn sustained international concern.
Both governments reaffirmed what they described as an “unflinching commitment” to the principles of religious freedom, stressing the need for joint, sustained and active measures to protect constitutional rights freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians.
Participants placed strong emphasis on the protection of civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and the imperative of holding perpetrators of violence accountable, a recurring demand from international partners and domestic civil society groups.
Beyond rhetoric, the talks delved into practical cooperation.
Both sides recommitted to strengthening counter-terrorism collaboration, including enhanced operational coordination, access to security technology, anti-money-laundering frameworks, counter-terrorism financing measures, and capacity building for law enforcement and investigative agencies.
In a notable diplomatic signal, the U.S. delegation formally acknowledged Nigeria’s recent urgent actions to improve security for at-risk Christian communities and other Nigerians, regardless of faith, whose lives remain threatened by terrorism and violent extremism.
The session concluded with agreement that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in the United States, at a mutually agreed date to be finalised through diplomatic channels, an indication that the dialogue is expected to evolve into a sustained engagement rather than a symbolic exchange.
As Nigeria continues to navigate internal security pressures under global observation, the Abuja meeting underscores a reality increasingly shaping its foreign relations: security, faith, and human rights have become inseparable from diplomacy, economic confidence and international standing.
