National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Monday hosted a high-level United States delegation led by Frank Garcia, the newly appointed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, as both countries moved to deepen bilateral security cooperation.
The meeting, held in Abuja, was Garcia’s first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office on June 1, 2026. His trip forms part of a regional tour of West Africa, with scheduled visits to Côte d’Ivoire and Mali between July 11 and July 18.
During the talks, Ribadu and the US delegation reviewed ongoing engagements under the Nigeria–US Joint Working Group and explored ways to strengthen collaboration on shared security challenges.
The National Security Adviser said the discussions reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between both nations and underscored their commitment to sustained dialogue and enhanced cooperation on mutual security priorities.
“In consolidating the gains of our partnership with the United States, I received a high-level delegation led by the new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, on his first official visit to Nigeria since assuming office,” Ribadu wrote on X.
He added: “My meeting with them strengthened the strong and enduring Nigeria–US partnership and assessed progress under the Joint Working Group, restating our shared commitment to deeper dialogue, cooperation and mutual security priorities.”
Garcia brings decades of experience in national security and intelligence to the role. Before joining the US State Department, he served for nearly 30 years in the US Navy and later worked as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also served as staff director for the Defence Intelligence and Overhead Architecture Subcommittee.
His appointment fills a key diplomatic position that had been vacant for over a year, with the bureau previously led by acting officials.
