United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a nine-day diplomatic mission spanning Nigeria, Oman, Bahrain, and Italy from January 21–29.
Hooker’s first stop is Abuja, where she is leading the U.S. delegation at the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group. Discussions will center on protection of Christian communities, counter-terrorism cooperation, and expanding U.S. trade and investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Public Schedule – January 21, 2026 – United States Department of State
After Nigeria, the Under Secretary will hold separate strategic dialogues in Muscat and Manama, aimed at strengthening U.S. partnerships across the security, economic and cultural sectors with both Gulf states.
The final leg of the tour takes Hooker to Rome, where she will engage Italian officials on the Biden administration’s global agenda, including the Russia–Ukraine war, developments in Venezuela, and broader Middle East diplomacy.
Hooker will also meet with senior officials at the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to review oversight of U.S.-funded humanitarian assistance and explore new agricultural trade channels for American producers.
Washington sees the multi-country mission as part of a renewed diplomatic effort to reinforce strategic partnerships in Africa, the Gulf, and Europe amid shifting geopolitical currents.