Frank Garcia, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, recently traveled to Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s classification as a Country of Particular Concern. During his visit, the US embassy noted that Garcia held discussions with top Nigerian leaders to strengthen cooperation on security, digital innovation, commerce, and legal reforms.
The Assistant Secretary held talks with key officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye, Chief of Defense Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Attorney General Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. These sessions centered on improving defense collaboration and meeting the objectives of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group regarding Nigeria’s designation.
Garcia specifically urged the Nigerian government to heighten protections for Christian populations and provide more support for the safe repatriation of internally displaced persons. Furthermore, his dialogue with the Attorney General covered topics such as religious liberty and the prosecution of terrorism cases. The upcoming August meeting in Washington, DC, will serve as an evaluation of the progress made by both nations.
