The Nigerian government welcomed Frank Garcia, the new US Africa envoy, on Tuesday. This is his first official visit to Nigeria.
Mr Garcia is the newly confirmed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. His trip marks the first stop in West Africa.
He plans to visit Côte d’Ivoire and Mali in the coming days.
The US Embassy in Nigeria shared on X that Mr Garcia met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss progress made under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, which started earlier this year.
Mr Frank Garcia and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
The embassy mentioned that the Trump administration is ready to use all available tools to hold ISIS and those who harm Christians accountable.
Mr Garcia also met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, to talk about relations between the two countries. He met with the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, as well.
The US mission described the meetings as productive. They show the US's commitment to strengthen its relationship with Nigeria.
"Nigeria is a strategic partner across numerous sectors. The United States is committed to deepening our bilateral relationship by expanding trade, strengthening security, and building shared prosperity," the embassy said.
Mr Garcia’s visit is part of a series of trips by American officials to Nigeria over the last ten months.
PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported on a US delegation's visit to Nigeria to discuss protecting Christian communities and improving counterterrorism efforts.
The delegation was led by Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker, who also heads the US-Nigeria joint working group.
About a month after that visit, Jonathan Burke, the US Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, visited Nigeria. The US government said this trip was part of efforts to reduce violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups.
Last year, a Congressional delegation visited Abuja and met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
PREMIUM TIMES also reported on a Nigerian delegation, led by Mr Ribadu, visiting the US. They met with top US officials, including Secretary of War Peter Hegseth.
These visits between officials from both countries picked up after Mr Trump’s negative comments about Nigeria.
This followed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. Since that designation, Nigeria's relationship with the US has improved. Joint military operations have seen some success, especially with the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, a top commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in May.
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