The Federal Government has reiterated that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be misconstrued as religious persecution or genocide.
This is as Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the United States in security, trade, investment and regional peace.
The position was restated on Monday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye said the Nigerian government remained committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity, stressing that ongoing security challenges were being addressed through strengthened law enforcement, prosecution of terrorism-related offences, protection of vulnerable communities and enhanced security operations across the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement with the United States on migration and consular matters, noting that both countries continue to work closely through existing bilateral mechanisms.
The minister said Nigeria was seeking stronger collaboration with the United States in key areas including trade and investment, maritime security, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism and regional peace, adding that preparations were underway for the next Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group meeting scheduled for Washington, D.C., in August.
Responding, Garcia described Nigeria as one of America’s most strategic partners in Africa and commended the country’s expanding role in promoting peace and stability across the continent.
He highlighted the growing cooperation between both nations in trade, technology, healthcare, maritime security and counter-terrorism, saying the United States remained committed to broadening commercial partnerships with African countries.
He also praised Nigeria’s leadership in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged its contributions to regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Garcia further expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation on migration and security issues, reaffirming Washington’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions, promoting stability and creating greater economic opportunities.