US Assistant Secretary Ends Nigeria Visit, Deepens Strategic Ties On Security, Investment
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, placing renewed emphasis on security cooperation, justice reform and economic investment as both countries seek to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, has concluded a high-level visit to Abuja, where he held talks with top Nigerian government officials on a wide range of issues, including security cooperation, protection of Christian communities, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability.
During the visit, Garcia met with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
On security, Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address the country’s Country of Particular Concern designation.
He also urged greater action to protect Christian communities from attacks and called for increased efforts to ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
Discussions with the Attorney General also focused on terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability and religious freedom.
The Assistant Secretary also explored opportunities to expand U.S. investment with Minister Bosun Tijani and met with senior executives of leading American energy and technology firms to discuss Nigeria’s business environment and investment prospects.
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