Nigeria, U.S. hold talks on security, migration, CPC designation

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has held talks with the United States Charge d’Affaires, David Heffern, focusing on security cooperation and bilateral relations.

According to a statement by the minister, the meeting was “constructive” and centred on key issues including security and defence, border and migration challenges, counter-terrorism initiatives, intelligence sharing, visa concerns, and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides also discussed ongoing collaboration under the Joint Working Group, as well as measures to promote regional stability and address Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States.

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Ojukwu said Nigeria would continue engagements with U.S. authorities to review the designation and strengthen cooperation aimed at reversing it, while deepening longstanding bilateral ties between both countries.

The CPC designation has remained a key issue in Nigeria–U.S. relations, particularly amid concerns raised in Washington over religious violence and security challenges in parts of the country.

In February, a U.S. congressional committee set up under President Donald Trump submitted recommendations to the White House following an investigation into alleged violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.

The report, led by Congressman Riley Moore and supported by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, endorsed Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC, citing what it described as persistent attacks and insecurity.

Among its recommendations were the establishment of a bilateral security agreement, expanded humanitarian assistance, deployment of security forces to vulnerable regions, disarmament of armed groups, and enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.

The committee also proposed visa restrictions for perpetrators of violence, legal reforms, and economic measures aimed at addressing underlying drivers of insecurity, including illicit activities and regional instability.

Despite these concerns, Nigerian authorities have maintained that ongoing reforms and security efforts are aimed at addressing the challenges and strengthening national stability.