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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has caution against misconstruing security challenges exist in the country as a policy of religious persecution or genocide.
Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who made the remarks while receiving the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja, stressed that the government remained committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity and to strengthening the rule of law.
A statement by spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said during the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
Receiving the United States delegation, Enikanolaiye emphasised the importance Nigeria attached to its bilateral relations with the United States.
He expressed confidence that the visit would deepen cooperation across key sectors and provide further impetus to the growing partnership between both countries.
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“The Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in the area of trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional peace and security. He highlighted the significant progress recorded through the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group and noted ongoing preparations for the next bilateral engagement scheduled for Washington DC, in August 2026. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to addressing security challenges through enhanced law enforcement, prosecution of terrorism-related offences, improved protection of vulnerable communities, and sustained efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
“Ambassador Enikanolaiye further emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to constructive dialogue on matters of mutual concern, including migration and consular issues. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s position that while security challenges exist, they should not be misconstrued as a policy of religious persecution or genocide, stressing that the Government remains firmly committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity and to strengthening the rule of law,” Ebienfa said.
Garcia commended the strength of the Nigeria–United States relationship, describing Nigeria as one of America’s most important strategic partners in Africa.
He noted the increasing momentum in bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, health, technology, maritime security, and counter-terrorism, consistent with the United States’ policy of expanding commercial partnerships across the continent.
“The Assistant Secretary welcomed Nigeria’s leadership in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged the country’s growing role in promoting regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force. He also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued cooperation on migration and security matters and reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen security institutions, promote stability, and expand economic opportunities.
“Both sides agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations and intensify cooperation in areas of shared interest and people-to-people exchanges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through constructive dialogue and strengthening the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States,” the statement said.
