PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES MEMBERSHIP FOR US–NIGERIA WORKING GROUP

opeolumartinNovember 28, 202503 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – November 28, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the Nigerian contingent of the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, marking a major step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation aimed at addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.

The creation of the Joint Working Group follows agreements reached during a recent high-level engagement in Washington, DC, led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. That visit underscored both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, defense modernization, and humanitarian response coordination.

Ribadu will head the Nigerian side of the Joint Working Group and will be supported by a multi-stakeholder team drawn from key ministries and security institutions.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the following officials have been appointed as members of the Working Group:
Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior
Dr Bernard M. Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General, National Intelligence Agency
Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
The statement further notes that Ms. Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Mr. Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the United States will serve as the secretariat of the Working Group.
President Tinubu urged members of the Joint Working Group to collaborate closely and effectively with their US counterparts to ensure the smooth operationalisation of all agreements across relevant sectors. He emphasized that the success of this initiative is crucial to Nigeria’s national security objectives and long-term stability.

The establishment of the Joint Working Group is expected to accelerate ongoing reforms, enhance operational capabilities, and provide a coordinated framework for addressing emerging security threats affecting both nations.