US, Nigeria Launch Talks to End Country of Concern Tag

By Linda Ike

The Government of the United States and Nigeria held their first Joint Working Group meeting to address Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation over religious freedom by President Donald Trump.

Led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, comprising 10 ministries and agencies and US Under Secretary Allison Hooker with delegation of 8 federal agencies, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The talks aim to curb violence against Vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians by terrorists, bandits, and militias.

Discussions covered resource shifts to insecure North Central states, counter-terrorism tech sharing, anti-money laundering, and law enforcement capacity.

Both countries reaffirmed commitments to pluralism, rule of law, and protecting free practice of faith for all Nigerians.

The US praised Nigeria’s urgent security steps for at-risk Christian communities.

The next session heads to the US at a date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.