The under secretary of the U.S. State Department, Allison Hooker, is set to visit Nigeria as part of an eight-day international trip to multiple countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, which commenced on Wednesday.
President Bola Tinubu’s government has been on tenterhooks since the President Donald Trump administration designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ and launched military strikes in Sokoto.
In a statement by Ms Hooker’s office, the under secretary for political affairs will make a stop in Abuja as the delegate head of a U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group on the protection of Christians in Nigeria amid the genocide claims 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.”
In the Middle East, Ms Hooker will visit Oman and Bahrain to discuss cooperation between the two countries and the United States on security, economy, and shared cultural interests.
Meanwhile, in Italy, she will meet with American partners to discuss Ukraine and engage with United Nations agencies to demand accountability for U.S.-provided aid.
“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.”
