U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia has concluded a high-level visit to Nigeria, holding talks with senior government officials aimed at deepening the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership in security, justice sector reforms, digital transformation, trade, investment and regional stability.
The visit underscores Washington’s continued engagement with Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, amid growing cooperation on security, economic development and private sector investment.
High-Level Meetings with Nigerian Officials
During his visit to Abuja, Garcia met with several senior Nigerian government officials, including:
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye;
- Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede;
- Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi;
- Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and
- National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across defence, governance, digital innovation, economic growth and regional security.
U.S. Calls for Greater Protection of Christian Communities
Security discussions centered on Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), which addresses issues related to Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom.
Garcia welcomed Nigeria’s increased engagement through the Joint Working Group but urged the government to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from violent attacks.
He also called for greater resources to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their communities.
The Assistant Secretary said he looks forward to the next Joint Working Group meeting scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August, where both governments will review progress on agreed priorities.
Justice Sector Cooperation
Garcia’s meeting with Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi focused on strengthening cooperation in criminal justice, including the prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improving accountability and promoting religious freedom.
The discussions also explored legal and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s justice system and addressing security-related crimes.
Investment and Digital Economy Take Centre Stage
Economic diplomacy formed another major component of the visit.
In talks with Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, Garcia discussed opportunities to expand U.S. investment in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy and strengthen private-sector partnerships.
The discussions highlighted technology, innovation and digital infrastructure as strategic areas for future collaboration between both countries.
U.S. Businesses Explore Opportunities in Nigeria
Garcia also met with senior executives from leading U.S. energy and technology companies operating in Nigeria to assess the country’s business environment and explore new investment opportunities.
The meetings focused on improving the investment climate, encouraging greater private-sector participation and identifying opportunities for expanding U.S. commercial engagement in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
U.S.-Nigeria Partnership Expands
The visit reflects the growing strategic relationship between the United States and Nigeria, with both countries seeking closer collaboration on security, economic development, digital transformation and regional stability.
As Africa’s largest economy and a major regional power, Nigeria remains a key U.S. partner in West Africa on issues ranging from counterterrorism and governance to trade, investment and technology cooperation.
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