US Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Christian Protection

The United States has called on Nigeria to strengthen efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes.

The appeal came during a visit to Abuja by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, who met senior Nigerian officials as part of efforts to deepen the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, Garcia stressed the need for stronger action to improve security and protect vulnerable communities.

During his visit, Garcia held separate meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The discussions covered security cooperation, Christian communities, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability.

According to the embassy, Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased engagement through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. The statement said, “He also pressed the Nigerians to do more to protect Christians from attacks, and that greater efforts and resources must be allocated to the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes.”

It added, “He is looking forward to the next meeting of the JWG in Washington, DC, this August to assess progress made on these lines of effort.”

The statement said Garcia’s meeting with the Attorney General focused on Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability and religious freedom. He also met Bosun Tijani to discuss expanding U.S. investment and increasing private sector participation in Nigeria’s economy.

In addition, Garcia held talks with senior executives from leading U.S. energy and technology companies to explore Nigeria’s business environment and identify new investment opportunities that could strengthen economic cooperation between both countries.

What additional measures do you think Nigeria should take to improve security and protect vulnerable communities?