Prosper Okoye
A US lawmaker, Riley Moore, has welcomed the creation of a Nigeria–US Joint Working Group on religious freedom and security, describing it as a “necessary step” towards addressing violence against vulnerable communities across the country.
Mr Moore said closer coordination between Abuja and Washington would help tackle insecurity, promote religious freedom and counter violent extremism, particularly in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
“Establishing the US–Nigeria Working Group to increase coordination and cooperation between our two countries is an encouraging and necessary step to jointly combat the security challenges facing Nigeria and promote our shared values of religious freedom,” he said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Joint Working Group held its inaugural meeting in Abuja earlier this week.
Late last year, the United States designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The talks, which took place on Tuesday, brought together senior security and diplomatic officials from both governments to discuss ways of reducing violence against civilians and improving protection for communities affected by insurgency, banditry and criminal militias.
Mr Moore said Nigeria now had an opportunity to deepen its relationship with the United States by working cooperatively to counter violent extremism and address wider economic and security challenges.
“Nigeria has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to strengthen its relationship with the US as we work together to counter violent terrorism, address attacks on Christian communities and confront broader security challenges,” he added.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside representatives from ten ministries and government agencies.
The US delegation, drawn from eight federal agencies, was headed by the Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker.
In a statement issued after the meeting, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to religious freedom and agreed on the need for sustained and coordinated action to protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief, in line with Nigeria’s constitution.
Mr Moore said the agreement showed Nigerian authorities were taking the security situation seriously, adding that while challenges remained, there had been “positive developments”.
Participants also pledged to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, measures to curb the financing of terrorism and improved law enforcement and investigative capacity.
The US delegation commended Nigeria for steps taken to improve security for at-risk communities and Nigerians of all faiths affected by violence.
Speaking separately, Mr Ribadu said the talks reflected a deepening partnership between both countries. “Over the course of the high-level engagement, we welcomed senior US officials and reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for its strong partnership with the United States,” he said.
“These engagements reflect a trust-based relationship focused on protecting civilians, promoting religious freedom and addressing shared security challenges.”
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Mr Ribadu said Nigeria viewed the Working Group as a practical platform aimed at delivering results, adding that cooperation with the United States had moved beyond dialogue to what he described as tangible outcomes in security coordination and accountability.
Officials said the next meeting of the Joint Working Group would be held in the United States on a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
