Nigeria is set to deepen its diplomatic, security, and economic engagement with the United States as U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker arrives in Abuja as part of a multi-country foreign tour across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Hooker’s visit, which marks the first leg of her January 21–29 trip, signals Washington’s renewed attention to Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. Although the tour includes stops in Oman, Bahrain, and Italy, analysts say Nigeria occupies a strategic position due to its security challenges and ongoing economic reforms.
During her stay, the Under Secretary is leading the U.S. delegation to the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a bilateral platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between both countries. Discussions are expected to focus on counter-terrorism, protection of vulnerable communities—particularly Christian populations affected by violence—and expanding U.S. private sector investment in Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the engagement offers an opportunity to secure increased American support in addressing insecurity linked to insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. Talks are expected to cover U.S. technical assistance, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building for Nigerian security agencies.
Economic cooperation is also a major focus. With Nigeria implementing reforms to improve its business climate, the visit provides a platform to reassure U.S. investors and encourage new investments in sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. Officials believe stronger U.S. investment could boost job creation, foreign exchange inflows, and overall economic recovery.
The visit further underscores Nigeria’s strategic importance to U.S. foreign policy in West Africa. As a regional leader, Nigeria plays a key role in security, trade, and diplomacy across the sub-region, and closer ties with Washington could enhance its regional influence.
Observers note that similar high-level U.S. engagements in the past have led to expanded development cooperation, increased security assistance, and stronger people-to-people ties, including education and cultural exchange programmes.
Hooker’s Abuja engagement comes amid growing international concern over religious violence and humanitarian challenges in parts of Nigeria. By placing these issues on the bilateral agenda, Nigeria may secure stronger diplomatic backing and practical support from the United States.
Nigerian officials are hopeful that the discussions will yield concrete outcomes, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between both countries.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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