The composition of Nigeria’s new Joint Working
Group (JWG) on Security Cooperation with the United States has been
finalised, following agreements reached during the recent high-level visit to
Washington, D.C., led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the
JWG will drive implementation of bilateral security commitments across several
sectors.
NSA Ribadu Heads Nigerian Delegation
NSA Nuhu Ribadu will lead the Nigerian side of the
JWG, supported by a multi-stakeholder team drawn from key security and
governance institutions.
Members of the JWG include:
The JWG secretariat will be jointly coordinated by Idayat
Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Paul
Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the United States.
President Tinubu urged the group to work diligently
with their American counterparts to ensure smooth operationalisation of all
agreements reached during the visit.
Background: US Concern Over Nigeria’s
Security Situation
Nigeria’s security challenges have continued to
attract global attention. Former US President Donald Trump once alleged a
“Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatened possible US military
intervention — a claim the Federal Government denied, insisting it was
committed to addressing domestic insecurity.
President Tinubu has maintained that the safety of
Nigerians remains his administration’s top priority, stressing Nigeria’s
commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.
US Congress Revisits Nigeria’s CPC
Designation
On November 21, the US House Subcommittee on Africa
reviewed Nigeria’s potential redesignation as a Country of Particular
Concern (CPC).
Witnesses at the session presented differing
perspectives on the killings and religious-related tensions in Nigeria, further
underscoring the global spotlight on the country’s internal security situation.
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