Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu presses US lawmakers on Christian security amid violence concerns and deepening Washington-Abuja talks

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, met with United States members of Congress and senior Donald Trump administration officials in Washington, D.C., on 9 February 2026 to press her case that Nigeria is actively protecting Christian communities amid rising violence in the West African nation, a source familiar with the talks told AFP.

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Mrs Tinubu held the discussions during her visit for the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, a high-profile gathering of political, business and religious leaders.

At the event, former US President Donald Trump publicly described Mrs Tinubu as “a very respected woman,” highlighting her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained Christian pastor.

In scheduled meetings with lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties, Mrs Tinubu emphasised Abuja’s efforts to address security challenges across the country and to protect citizens of all faiths.

Nigeria has come under sustained pressure from Washington, including calls from senior State Department officials for the government “to do more to protect Christians,” remarks that without equivalent reference to Muslim victims have caused diplomatic friction.

Abuja and independent analysts maintain that the country faces a complex web of security threats, including a long-running jihadist insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and communal clashes in the central regions, with armed groups targeting both Muslims and Christians without clear distinction.

Tensions over the characterisation of violence have not prevented a degree of enhanced cooperation. In December, the United States carried out airstrikes against suspected Islamist militants in a joint operation with Nigerian forces, and Washington has pledged intelligence support for further Nigerian counter-terror operations.

Mrs Tinubu told US media that she saw international attention as an opportunity to build relationships and deepen dialogue, even if the focus on religion has stirred debate.

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Her advocacy comes at a time of ongoing security incidents at home, including the recent rescue of abducted churchgoers in Kaduna state and heightened military activity in response to large-scale attacks in Kwara state, underscoring the urgency of the issues under discussion.