The United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, is scheduled to visit Nigeria as part of an eight-day international tour covering Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The trip began on Wednesday and will include stops in several countries.
The visit comes amid growing anxiety within President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the decision by the President Donald Trump administration to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and reports of U.S. military strikes in Sokoto.
According to a statement from Ms. Hooker’s office, the under secretary will travel to Abuja as head of the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group on the protection of Christians in Nigeria, following genocide allegations raised by the Trump administration.
“Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker will travel to Abuja, Nigeria; Muscat, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; and Rome, Italy from January 21-29,” the statement said.
“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.”
During the Middle East leg of the trip, Ms. Hooker will visit Oman and Bahrain, where discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation with the United States in areas of security, economic development, and shared cultural interests.
In Italy, the under secretary is expected to meet with American partners to discuss developments in Ukraine and engage with United Nations agencies on accountability related to U.S.-funded assistance.
“In Oman and Bahrain, the Under Secretary will lead two separate strategic dialogues and advance cooperation across a range of security, economic, and cultural interests. In Italy, the Under Secretary will engage with counterparts on the administration’s global priorities such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Venezuela, and peace in the Middle East,” the statement added.
“She will also meet with UN agencies in Rome, including the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, to discuss accountability and oversight for the U.S.-funded assistance, as well as creating new agricultural trade opportunities for American farmers.”
