iDeemlawfulPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the composition of the Nigerian delegation to the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with the United States in addressing the country’s security challenges.
The approval followed a recent visit to Washington DC by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Ribadu will head the multi-agency team, which includes senior officials from critical security and foreign policy institutions.
Members of the working group, according to a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard M. Doro, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
“Ms Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Mr Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the US will serve as the secretariat,” the statement added.
Tinubu urged the officials to work closely with their US counterparts to ensure the full implementation of all security commitments made during the visit.
The US–Nigeria Joint Working Group will coordinate bilateral initiatives on counter-terrorism, defence cooperation and regional security efforts.
In recent weeks, the security partnership has taken on added urgency following pronouncements from US leadership.
US President Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious-freedom violations and warned of possible military action if attacks on Christians persist.
Trump’s remarks have increased pressure on Nigeria’s government to show a stronger response to the nation’s security challenges.
