U.S. TASKS NIGERIA ON CHRISTIANS, IDPS PROTECTION AS ENVOY ENDS ABUJA VISIT

The United States has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities as part of ongoing engagements under the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership.
  
The call was made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, who concluded an official visit to Abuja on Wednesday, during which he held high-level meetings with senior Nigerian government officials on security, justice sector reform, digital transformation, investment, and regional stability.
  
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Garcia met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The statement said discussions focused on strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership across key areas, including security cooperation, protection of Christian communities, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy, and regional stability.
  
On defence and security, Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG) established to address the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States.
  
He, however, urged the Nigerian government to do more to safeguard Christian communities against attacks and devote greater resources toward facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes.

The Assistant Secretary expressed optimism ahead of the next meeting of the Joint Working Group scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August, where both countries are expected to review progress made in addressing the identified concerns.
  
Garcia also held discussions with the Attorney-General on issues relating to the prosecution of Islamic terrorism cases, criminal accountability, and the promotion of religious freedom.
  
In a separate meeting with Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, the U.S. official explored opportunities for increased American investment in Nigeria’s digital economy and broader private sector participation in the country’s expanding economy.
  
As part of his visit, Garcia also met with senior executives of leading U.S. energy and technology companies operating in Nigeria to discuss the business environment and identify opportunities for increased investment.
  
The visit underscored Washington’s continued commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria through enhanced security cooperation, economic engagement, justice sector reforms, and support for regional peace and stability.