President Bola Tinubu has approved the Nigerian team for the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on security, led by NSA Nuhu Ribadu, to strengthen bilateral collaboration and fast-track key security reforms
Tinubu Approves Nigerian Team for US–Nigeria Security Working Group, Orders Full Enforcement of New Agreements
President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the Nigerian delegation to the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group (JWG), a strategic body created to deepen bilateral cooperation on tackling the nation’s escalating security challenges.
The setting up of the group follows agreements reached during a recent high-level visit to Washington, DC, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to a statement on Thursday, Ribadu will lead the Nigerian side of the Joint Working Group and will be supported by a multi-agency team drawn from key security and government institutions.
Members of the JWG include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The statement added, “Ms. Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the US will serve as the secretariat. President Tinubu urged members of the JWG to work assiduously with their US counterparts to ensure smooth operationalisation of all agreements across sectors,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Nigeria’s security situation continues to draw global attention. US President Donald Trump had once claimed there was “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, even threatening to send the US military “guns-a-blazing.” The Federal Government dismissed his assertion and reiterated that it was committed to addressing insecurity through structured national reforms.
President Tinubu has also repeatedly emphasised that protecting citizens remains his administration’s top priority, assuring that Nigeria stands firm on religious freedom and tolerance.
On November 21, the US House Subcommittee on Africa reviewed Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), with experts presenting conflicting testimonies on the nature of killings and religious-related violence across the country.
The newly formed Joint Working Group is expected to accelerate security cooperation initiatives, intelligence sharing, equipment support, and strategic coordination between both nations as Nigeria continues its push to restore peace and stability. Read More
