Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Presidency has opened fresh discussions with the United States Embassy in Nigeria on strengthening peacebuilding and security across the Middle Belt, a region grappling with long-standing communal tensions and recurrent violence.
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement, Abiodun Essiet, met with a U.S. delegation led by Deputy Political Counsellor Dianna Palequin at her Abuja office on Saturday. The Embassy’s Human Rights Officer, Dave Young, also attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on examining root causes of insecurity, supporting local peace structures and improving community-led conflict-resolution mechanisms. The U.S. delegation expressed strong interest in understanding the dynamics fueling instability in the region and exploring ways to support both federal and grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening long-term stability.
Essiet said the presidency remains committed to deepening partnerships that enhance social cohesion. “Peace must be planted, unrest uprooted and hope granted so communities can grow unbroken,” she said, noting that sustained collaboration is essential for addressing complex security challenges.
She commended the U.S. Embassy for its consistent support and emphasised that cooperation with international partners and local stakeholders will continue to shape national peacebuilding initiatives.
Officials say the renewed engagement aligns with President Tinubu’s community-driven security approach, which prioritises dialogue, mediation and early-warning systems to prevent conflict escalation.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to enhance information-sharing, support peacebuilding projects and strengthen programmes that promote community resilience.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 