A delegation of senior United States officials, led by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, is scheduled to visit Nigeria for high-level discussions with the Nigerian government.
The talks are expected to focus on key bilateral issues, including the protection of religious communities particularly Christian populations and enhancing joint counterterrorism efforts. Additionally, the agenda will cover expanding U.S. economic and investment opportunities within Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Under Secretary Hooker will serve as the head of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group during the engagement. The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic tour across several regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, underscoring the strategic importance of U.S.-Nigeria relations.
The State Department emphasized that the working group aims to support Nigeria in combating terrorism while fostering an environment conducive to increased American investment. “In Nigeria, the Under Secretary will serve as the head of delegation for the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group and will support the administration’s efforts to protect Christian communities, counter terrorism, and expand U.S. investment opportunities,” the official statement noted.
The visit occurs amid heightened diplomatic and security engagement between the two nations, following a period of pointed rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
In October, President Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging widespread persecution of Christians and claiming that Christianity faces an existential threat in the country.
He subsequently described Nigeria as a “disgraceful” nation and warned of potential U.S. military action if the Nigerian government continued, in his words, to “allow the killing of Christians.”The Nigerian government has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that it protects all religious groups. Various local and international organizations have also challenged the characterization of systematic persecution, though intercommunal and sectarian violence remains a serious challenge in parts of the country.
Despite the diplomatic friction, security collaboration between the two countries has continued.
On December 25, the U.S. conducted missile strikes in Nigeria, which were carried out in partnership with Nigerian authorities. Nigerian intelligence reportedly assisted in targeting the operations, which President Trump stated were aimed at disrupting radical Islamic groups operating within Nigeria.
In a recent warning two weeks ago, President Trump hinted at the possibility of further military strikes should attacks on Christian communities persist. “I’d love to make it a one-time strike but if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” he said.
The upcoming diplomatic visit is therefore viewed as a critical opportunity to address these sensitive issues directly, align counterterrorism strategies, and explore avenues for de-escalating tensions while reinforcing economic and security partnerships.
