US Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Protection for Christians

The United States has called on Nigeria to increase efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and improve the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes. The appeal was made by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during a visit to Abuja aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Garcia held meetings with several senior Nigerian officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Attorney General 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 key issues such as security cooperation, religious freedom, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy and regional stability. The U.S.-Nigeria partnership also focused on strengthening cooperation in addressing security challenges across the country.

The embassy stated that Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s efforts through the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG) to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. However, he urged the government to do more to protect Christians and improve support for displaced communities.

“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.”

The statement 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.”

Garcia also discussed Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability and religious freedom with the Attorney General. In separate meetings with Bosun Tijani and senior executives of leading U.S. energy and technology companies, he explored opportunities to deepen the U.S.-Nigeria partnership through greater investment and private sector cooperation.

What additional steps should Nigeria take to improve security and protect vulnerable communities?