U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons during meetings in Abuja.
Garcia held discussions with several senior Nigerian officials including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Attorney General Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Minister of Communications Dr Bosun Tijani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The U.S. official welcomed Nigeria’s engagement under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group but stressed that more commitment and resources are required to safeguard Christian communities and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
Garcia also discussed strengthening prosecution of terrorism cases and religious freedom with the Attorney General as well as expanding U.S. investment in Nigeria’s digital economy with Dr Tijani. He met executives from U.S. energy and technology companies to explore business opportunities.
The next Joint Working Group meeting is scheduled to hold in Washington, D.C., in August.
