Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has commenced a multi-nation diplomatic mission, commencing January 21 and running through January 29, with scheduled stops in Abuja (Nigeria), Muscat (Oman), Manama (Bahrain) and Rome (Italy), the U.S. State Department has confirmed.
Hooker, who leads the American delegation, arrived in Abuja this week to chair the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a newly established platform designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security and economic issues. In discussions with Nigerian officials, the agenda includes strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, and expanding U.S. investment opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.
The visit comes amid intensified focus on Nigeria’s internal security challenges, including recent high-profile attacks and kidnappings that have drawn international attention and underscored the need for stronger security partnerships. Government officials and local observers have highlighted ongoing engagement between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on violence, security cooperation and civilian protection.
After concluding engagements in Nigeria, Hooker will proceed to the Gulf region to conduct strategic dialogues with officials in Oman and Bahrain. These talks are expected to reinforce cooperation on regional security, economic ties and cultural exchange, reflecting shared interests between the United States and its partners in the Middle East.
The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, where she is scheduled to meet with counterparts from European governments and international organisations. In Italy, discussions will encompass major global priorities, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts toward peace in the Middle East, and developments in Venezuela. She is also due to engage with senior officials from United Nations agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to review accountability and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programmes and explore potential new agricultural trade opportunities for American producers.
Hooker, appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in mid-2025, oversees key regional and bilateral policy issues and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple regions.
Her current foreign tour underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East and Europe at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges.
