According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Hooker’s visit, part of a broader diplomatic mission running from January 21–29, reflects a renewed focus on deepening cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
The United States has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Nigeria and key partners this week as Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker embarked on a multi-nation tour aimed at bolstering cooperation on security, investment and humanitarian priorities.
Arriving in Abuja on Wednesday, Hooker will lead U.S. and Nigerian officials in the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a newly established platform to coordinate bilateral efforts on pressing issues including counter-terrorism, protection of vulnerable communities and expanded U.S. investment opportunities.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Hooker’s visit, part of a broader diplomatic mission running from January 21–29, reflects a renewed focus on deepening cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
“In Nigeria, the Under Secretary will serve as the head of delegation for the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group and will support the administration’s efforts to protect Christian communities, counter terrorism, and expand U.S. investment opportunities,” the statement said.
The visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding security challenges in Nigeria, driven by armed groups such as Boko Haram and other violent extremists operating in the northern and central regions.
Washington has previously invested in multi-year programmes to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity, border security, and civil society engagement against violent extremism.
Officials say the Joint Working Group will also explore frameworks for enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated response to insecurity, an issue that has drawn increased international attention in recent months.
Beyond security, the mission underscores the U.S. interest in strengthening economic ties with Africa’s largest economy.
Discussions with Nigerian counterparts are expected to include ways to facilitate U.S. private sector investment and create jobs, particularly in sectors aligned with shared strategic goals.
“Expanding U.S. investment opportunities” in Nigeria was specifically highlighted as a key objective of the engagement.
After concluding talks in Abuja, Under Secretary Hooker will travel to Muscat, Oman, and Manama, Bahrain, where she will lead separate strategic dialogues with host governments, advancing cooperation across security, economic and cultural interests.
The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, Italy, where she will meet with international counterparts and United Nations agencies, including the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
There, discussions are expected to focus on global priorities such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, developments in Venezuela, Middle East peace efforts, and accountability for U.S.-funded assistance programs.
The high-level visit reflects broader trends in U.S.–Nigeria relations, including recent partnerships on security cooperation and diplomatic engagement to address misconceptions about Nigeria’s internal challenges.
While official statements have emphasised cooperation, some disputes over the framing of security and community protections persist in public debate, underlining the complexity of the bilateral relationship.
Hooker’s visit is one of the most significant U.S. diplomatic missions to Nigeria in recent months and signals continued U.S. interest in supporting stability and prosperity in West Africa.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed this development on his X handle on Thursday.