Nigeria, US Collaborate on CPC Designation Issues

Nigeria and the United States have initiated efforts to address Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) regarding religious freedom and security issues. This development followed the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, held in Washington, led by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, and attended by Nigerian National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The meeting built on the first session held in Abuja on January 22, 2026. Key discussion points included protecting Christian communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt, holding perpetrators of violence accountable, and enhancing military cooperation.

The US noted Nigeria's progress in prosecuting Boko Haram and ISIS-WA suspects and expanding judicial capacity, but emphasized the need for further action, particularly regarding civilian fatalities and humanitarian expenditure transparency. The discussions also addressed the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and counterterrorism efforts, with a commitment to strengthen law enforcement and accountability measures.