The United States has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take stronger measures to protect Christian communities facing attacks in Nigeria and increase efforts to ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.
The call was made during a visit to Abuja by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, who held talks with senior Nigerian officials on security cooperation, justice reforms, religious freedom, economic ties and regional stability.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, Garcia met with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sola Enikanolaiye, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
During security discussions, Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States.
He, however, called for additional action to improve the protection of Christians affected by violence and urged the Nigerian government to commit more resources towards the return and resettlement of IDPs displaced by insecurity.
“Discussions with the attorney general addressed Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability, and religious freedom,” the embassy said.
Garcia said he looked forward to the next meeting of the Joint Working Group, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August, where both countries are expected to review progress on the areas discussed.
The U.S. envoy also met with Communications Minister Bosun Tijani to explore opportunities for increased American investment and private sector participation in Nigeria’s economy.
He later held discussions with executives of major U.S. energy and technology companies on Nigeria’s investment environment and opportunities for deeper commercial engagement.
