National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday received a senior United States delegation led by the newly confirmed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja as both countries sought to reinforce their long-standing security partnership.
Garcia’s visit marks his first official trip to Nigeria since taking office on June 1, 2026, and is part of a broader diplomatic tour of West Africa scheduled to run from July 11 to 18.
Besides Nigeria, the American diplomat is expected to visit Côte d’Ivoire and Mali during the regional engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing US interests across the region.
Following the meeting, Ribadu disclosed on his verified X account that discussions centred on expanding cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in addressing shared security challenges.
According to him, both sides also reviewed progress achieved through the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group, which serves as a platform for collaboration on security and strategic matters.
“In consolidating the gains of our partnership with the United States, I received a high-level delegation led by the new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, on his first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office.
“My meeting with them strengthened the strong and enduring Nigeria–US partnership and assessed progress under the Joint Working Group, restating our shared commitment to deeper dialogue, cooperation and mutual security priorities,” Ribadu stated.
The discussions also focused on sustaining existing collaborations and identifying new areas where both countries can work together to improve regional stability and tackle emerging security threats.
Nigeria and the United States have maintained close security ties over the years, cooperating on issues such as counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, defence capacity building and efforts to combat transnational organised crime.
Garcia brings decades of military and intelligence experience to his new diplomatic role.
Before his appointment, he served for 28 years in the United States Navy, where he held several operational and strategic positions.
He also worked as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and later served as staff director for the Defence Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee.
His confirmation as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs filled a position that had remained vacant for more than a year.
The office had previously been managed by a succession of acting officials pending the confirmation of a substantive appointee.
His current West African tour is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic engagement, enhancing regional security cooperation and advancing US foreign policy objectives across the continent.
