National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to Washington, D.C., for the United States–Nigeria Joint Working Group meeting, as both countries deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, defence and national security. The discussions are expected to review progress in bilateral security cooperation, assess ongoing counterterrorism measures and agree on the next steps. A separate bilateral defence meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
Members of the Nigerian delegation include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The high-level engagement comes amid renewed Nigeria–US discussions following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The Joint Working Group provides an important platform for both countries to address security concerns, strengthen intelligence and defence cooperation, and demonstrate measurable progress in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, heads the US delegation.
The Washington talks are strategically important for Nigeria as the government seeks stronger international partnerships, intelligence support, defence cooperation and technical assistance to confront terrorism and other security threats. They also provide Abuja an opportunity to present its security efforts directly to senior US officials and clarify Nigeria’s position on counterterrorism, religious freedom and civilian protection.