Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, regional stability, and democratic governance following a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C.
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, undertook a three-day working visit to the United States where he met with senior U.S. government officials on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advance the longstanding strategic partnership between both countries.
During the visit, Ribadu held discussions with U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, Acting National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerim.
The meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to review the current state of Nigeria–United States relations and strengthen ongoing collaboration in defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, regional security, economic resilience, and democratic governance.
Ribadu emphasized the need for sustained international cooperation in addressing emerging security threats across West Africa and the Sahel region, particularly terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and cyber threats.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, democratic governance, and economic development across Africa.
The NSA also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region, stressing the importance of stronger regional collaboration and institutional capacity to tackle evolving asymmetric threats.
Ribadu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the U.S. government for its continued support in security assistance, intelligence collaboration, defence capacity building, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the roadmap under the Nigeria–U.S. Joint Working Group (JWG), established to strengthen bilateral cooperation on strategic and security matters.
Review of progress
Both countries reviewed progress made under the framework and discussed measures to improve intelligence sharing, military cooperation, border security, strategic communications, and capacity development for Nigerian security institutions.
Ribadu also briefed U.S. officials on ongoing reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at improving national security, stabilising affected communities, and addressing the root causes of insecurity through both military and non-military measures, including community engagement, economic development, de-radicalisation programmes, and regional partnerships.
U.S. officials commended Nigeria’s leadership in regional peace and security efforts and acknowledged the country’s importance as a strategic partner of the United States in Africa.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values, regional stability, economic cooperation, and sustainable peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meetings ended with both countries expressing optimism about the future of the Nigeria–U.S. strategic partnership and pledging to deepen bilateral engagement through sustained diplomatic dialogue, enhanced defence cooperation, and effective implementation of initiatives under the Joint Working Group framework.
