Nigeria has remained under intense scrutiny following actions taken by the administration of United States President Donald Trump, which labeled the country a nation of special concern and reportedly carried out military operations in Sokoto State.
As tensions continue, the United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, is scheduled to visit Nigeria as part of a broader eight day diplomatic tour covering several countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The trip began on Wednesday.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has reportedly been uneasy since the Trump administration classified Nigeria as a country of particular concern, a designation tied to allegations of widespread violence against Christian communities. The situation intensified following reports of United States military strikes in Sokoto.
According to an official statement released by Ms Hooker’s office, she will travel to Abuja where she will lead a United States Nigeria Joint Working Group focused on the protection of Christians in Nigeria. The visit comes amid claims by the Trump administration that religious persecution in the country has reached extreme levels.
The statement explained that Ms Hooker’s tour will run from January 21 to January 29 and will include stops in Nigeria, Oman, Bahrain, and Italy. While in Nigeria, she will serve as head of the United States delegation and support efforts aimed at protecting Christian populations, combating terrorism, and promoting increased American investment.
Beyond Nigeria, the Under Secretary will continue her journey to Muscat and Manama, where discussions will center on strengthening security ties, boosting economic cooperation, and deepening cultural relationships between the United States and its Middle Eastern partners.
Her final stop will be in Rome, Italy, where she is expected to meet with United States allies to address global issues, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She will also hold meetings with United Nations agencies to push for greater accountability in the use of American funded aid.
The statement further noted that in Oman and Bahrain, Ms Hooker will lead separate high level dialogues designed to advance cooperation in security, trade, and cultural exchange. In Italy, discussions will also cover Venezuela and efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
In addition, Ms Hooker is scheduled to meet with representatives of United Nations agencies based in Rome, including the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. These meetings will focus on oversight of United States funded assistance and exploring new agricultural trade opportunities that could benefit American farmers.
