The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has disclosed that Nigeria and the United States are intensifying bilateral engagements on key issues including security, migration, and counter-terrorism.
Ojukwu made this known following what she described as a “constructive engagement” with the U.S. Charge d’Affaires, David Heffern, where both sides explored areas of mutual interest aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
According to her, discussions during the meeting focused on security and defence, border and migration challenges, counter-terrorism initiatives, intelligence sharing, and visa-related concerns.
She added that both parties also reviewed ongoing collaborations under the Joint Working Group framework and considered measures to enhance stability across the region.
A significant part of the dialogue, she noted, addressed Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification linked to religious freedom issues.
Ojukwu expressed optimism that sustained engagement and collaboration would help reverse the designation, while also reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
“We will continue to engage on the necessary measures and collaborations needed to reverse this designation and work towards deepening the longstanding bilateral relations that exist between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America,” she said.
