A senior US diplomat has urged the Nigerian government to allocate more resources to protect Christian communities from targeted attacks and to ensure the safe return of displaced families.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, made the call at the conclusion of his strategic visit to the capital, Abuja.
During high-level meetings, Mr. Garcia focused heavily on defense, regional stability, and Nigeria’s current US designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” regarding religious freedom.
The diplomat pressed Nigerian officials to do more to safeguard vulnerable communities and step up the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Security and justice on the table
The visit included crucial talks with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, and the Air Force Chief of Defense Policy, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
Discussions with the country’s chief law officer centred on the following:
- Terrorism trials: The ongoing prosecution of Islamic terror suspects.
- Criminal accountability: Strengthening justice sector reforms.
- Religious freedom: Addressing the systemic security gaps that leave rural communities vulnerable.
Mr. Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased engagement under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG) to address Washington’s security concerns. A follow-up summit is scheduled for Washington DC this August to assess Nigeria’s progress.
Digital and energy investments
Beyond security, the US delegation focused heavily on economic and commercial diplomacy.
Mr. Garcia met with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to discuss ways to expand American private sector investment in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
The assistant secretary also held talks with senior executives from leading US energy and tech firms to review the local business climate and identify new investment opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.
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