The Nigerian government has disclosed the outcome of the discussion of its high-powered Nigerian delegation with some US officials over the recent redesignation of the former as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the American government for allegedly violating religious freedom.
The outcome of the discussion was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, November 24.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, comprised the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Binaca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye.
Others are Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.
They met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.
On October 31, President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC for alleged religious freedom violations.
Trump followed it up a few days later with a threat to deploy American military in the African country.
However, President Bola Tinubu and several officials of the Nigerian government denied the claim of violating religious freedom and tolerance, though admitting that the country had security challenges.
What Nigerian delegation discussed with US officials
Mr Onanuga said in the statement that during the discussions, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.
It also rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
The presidential adviser said the US expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
“Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation,” the statement said.
Read the full statement by Nigeria’s Presidency
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATION, US OFFICIALS STRENGTHEN SECURITY PARTNERSHIP
Discussions and engagements held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials will help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.
The delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council and the Department of War.
In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. The delegation strongly rejected the wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.
Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria. This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.
The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
Both countries agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.
In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.
The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
The federal government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.
Members of the delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ibrahim Babani; and Special Adviser to the NSA, Idayat Hassan.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
November 24, 2025.
