Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism, regional stability and democratic governance following a high-level meeting between top officials of both countries.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held a series of strategic engagements during a three-day working visit to the United States from May 4 to May 6.
During the visit, Ribadu met with J. D. Vance, Marco Rubio, Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the meetings focused on strengthening collaboration in counterterrorism, defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience and democratic governance.
Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s longstanding strategic relationship with the United States.
The NSA stressed the need for continued international cooperation in tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and cyber threats affecting West Africa and the Sahel region.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and economic development across Africa while highlighting the country’s frontline role in counterterrorism efforts within the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa.
Both countries reviewed progress under the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group framework and discussed measures to strengthen intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, strategic communication and institutional capacity building.
Ribadu further briefed U.S. officials on ongoing security reforms and operational measures by the Nigerian government aimed at addressing insecurity through both military and non-military approaches, including community engagement, economic development and deradicalisation programmes.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace and security efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing bilateral initiatives.
The meetings ended with both sides expressing optimism about the future of the Nigeria–U.S. strategic partnership and pledging to deepen diplomatic, security and economic cooperation.
