US Nigeria Working Group Gives Nigeria Rare Opportunity to End Persecution of Christians, Says Rep. Riley Moore

United States Representative Riley M. Moore has said Nigeria has a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the persecution of Christians in the northern states and the Middle Belt, following the inaugural meeting of the US Nigeria Working Group.

Moore, a member of the working group, said Nigerians appear to be taking the issue seriously and are working in good faith to address the country’s growing security challenges. The US lawmaker made the remarks in a post on his verified X handle, where he noted that both Nigeria and the United States have pledged to work closely together to ensure that all Nigerians can live and practice their faith without fear of persecution or violence.

Representatives from both countries met on January 22, 2026, in Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included representatives from ten ministries and government agencies. The US delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State, Allison Hooker, and comprised officials from eight federal agencies.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Moore described the establishment of the US Nigeria Working Group as a necessary and timely initiative to address the dual challenges of insecurity and religious persecution.

Establishing the US Nigeria Working Group to increase coordination and cooperation between our two countries is an encouraging and necessary step to jointly combat the security challenges facing Nigeria, promote our nations’ shared values of religious freedom, and end the brutal persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ by radical Islamic terrorists, Moore said.

He added that Nigeria now has a rare opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States while working cooperatively to counter violent extremism across the northern states and the Middle Belt.

Nigeria has a once in a lifetime chance to strengthen its relationship with the US as we work together to counter violent terrorism, end the persecution of Christians, address broader economic challenges, and increase Nigeria’s capacity to serve as a stabilizing force in the region, he stated.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting said discussions focused on areas where cooperation between the two countries could improve religious freedom, enhance security nationwide, and protect vulnerable populations.

According to the statement, the working group was established to reduce violence against vulnerable groups in Nigeria, particularly Christians, and to create an environment where all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without interference from terrorists, separatists, bandits, criminal militias, or other actors.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to religious freedom, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the rule of law, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement also noted that the US delegation welcomed Nigeria’s efforts to realign resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states, and both sides agreed on the need for sustained joint action to protect lives and uphold fundamental freedoms across the country.

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to international cooperation, human rights, and regional stability, with both governments pledging to continue engagement to address the root causes of violence and religious persecution in Nigeria.