US Lawmakers Commit to Monitoring Nigeria's Elections

During a public hearing organized by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, US lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Riley Moore, expressed the need to closely monitor Nigeria's presidential elections to ensure that Nigerians can freely choose their leaders. The hearing, titled “One Year Later: Assessing Nigeria’s Efforts to Protect Christians and Secure the Middle Belt,” evaluated the Nigerian government's efforts to protect vulnerable communities and address violence, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, noted that progress in addressing Nigeria's security challenges has been inadequate, despite ongoing engagements between the US and Nigeria. He emphasized the need for more concrete results in protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence.

The US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, formed after Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025, has held meetings in Abuja and Washington. The hearing was chaired by Congressman Chris Smith.