U.S. Under Secretary in Abuja for Protection of Christian Communities, Investment Talks with Tinubu Administration

The United States has intensified diplomatic engagement with Nigeria as Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker arrived in Abuja on Wednesday for high-level talks focused on security cooperation, protection of vulnerable communities, and economic investment.

Hooker’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic mission running from January 21 to 29, according to a statement issued by the U.S. State Department. While in Nigeria, she is leading the U.S. delegation to the newly established U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a forum designed to coordinate bilateral efforts on priority issues.

The Joint Working Group will bring together senior U.S. and Nigerian officials to address counter-terrorism, the protection of Christian communities and other at-risk groups, and the expansion of U.S. private sector investment in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, the Under Secretary will serve as 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 State Department said.

The visit comes amid persistent security challenges linked to Boko Haram and other armed groups operating in parts of northern and central Nigeria. The United States has previously supported Nigeria through long-term programmes focused on counter-terrorism capacity, border security, and civil society initiatives aimed at preventing violent extremism.

Officials familiar with the agenda say discussions will also cover intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to insecurity, areas that have attracted growing international concern.

Economic cooperation is another major focus of the visit. Talks are expected to explore ways to improve the investment climate for U.S. companies and promote job creation, particularly in sectors aligned with shared strategic interests.

After concluding engagements in Abuja, Hooker will continue her tour with stops in Muscat, Oman, and Manama, Bahrain, where she will lead separate strategic dialogues with government officials. Her trip will conclude in Rome, Italy, with meetings involving international partners and United Nations agencies, including the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Discussions in Rome are expected to cover global issues such as the war in Ukraine, developments in Venezuela, Middle East peace efforts, and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programmes.

Commenting on the visit, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the development in a post on X on Thursday.