The United States and Nigeria have resumed high-level discussions over Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), with Washington pressing for stronger action to protect religious communities and address persistent violations of freedom of religion or belief.
The discussions took place on August 12 during the second session of the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group established to address the designation.
The U.S. delegation was led by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The U.S. State Department said the talks focused on counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, security and the protection of vulnerable communities and fundamental freedoms.
According to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, the meeting focused on efforts to strengthen security and intelligence-sharing cooperation, protect vulnerable communities, particularly those at risk of religiously motivated violence, and address other areas of mutual interest.
