The United States and Nigeria have commenced a high-level bilateral working group meeting in Washington, D.C., aimed at strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism, security and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
The meeting, which began on Wednesday, is bringing together senior officials from both countries to assess ongoing counterterrorism efforts, review progress and identify further measures to deepen bilateral security cooperation.
Nigeria’s delegation is being led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the United States team is headed by Under-Secretary of State Allison Hooker.
Also attending the meeting are Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Discussions are focused on counterterrorism strategies, areas of progress and the next steps needed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism and other security threats.
As part of the engagement, a bilateral defence meeting between Nigeria and the United States is scheduled for Thursday to further consolidate the two countries’ security partnership.
The bilateral working group was established following the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by US President Donald Trump. It provides a platform for both countries to engage on issues surrounding security, religious freedom and human rights.
The group held its inaugural meeting in Abuja in January.
Both countries have reiterated their commitment to promoting religious freedom and protecting fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians.
The Washington meeting is expected to strengthen ongoing bilateral efforts to tackle shared security challenges while further deepening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
