UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

 

 

Nigeria is one of the most important trading partners of the US in Africa and has received tremendous assistance from it in the most critical periods of its history. Such assistance has been based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The United States had at various times during the sad years of military dictatorship in Nigeria spoken out against tyranny and oppression and has consistently supported every effort at democratization.

Both nations are important and reliable partners in the fight against terrorism where ever it exists and always speak with one voice on issues of international peace and security. Nigeria must also use the opportunity provided by the Africa growth and opportunity act, (AGOA) to make inroads into the US export market and the guideline for AGOA can be made more flexible to allow for unimpeded access into the US market.

The US can increase its investments portfolio in Nigeria, not only in oil but in other vital sectors of the economy. American economy is more private sector driven and Nigeria is presently undergoing a privatization exercise that it believes will jump-start the economy. American businesses can play a vital role in this area by coming to invest in agriculture and other agro-allied industries, so that jobs can be created for the teeming Nigerians who are presently unemployed. It is a country that is blessed with abundant human and material resources and what it needs is adequate and coordinated investments.

Sometimes, there have been areas of disagreement but this is not unexpected as countries, no matter how small or big must have interests that could cross each other’s path. As Nigeria continues to make progress on the democratic front, it is hoped that the United States will support its aspiration to become one of the permanent members of a reformed United Nations. Thousands of Nigerians have found homes in America and are working and contributing to the economy. The HIV/AIDS issue is another area in which the US has played tremendous role and the assistance rendered in this direction has been immeasurable. We do look forward to a continued collaboration in these and other areas, so that the scourge of such diseases can be permanently eradicated from the surface of the earth.

It is therefore important the US understands, that if a few bad eggs contravenes the laws of the country, it must be treated as an isolated case as Nigerians are naturally law abiding people and values their relationship with America and its citizens. The case of the terrorist bomber, who incidentally is a Nigerian, was a very sore point in Nigeria /US relations and all Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians roundly condemned such dastardly act. It is certainly not in our nature and we pray that such an unwholesome act will never reoccur.

Nigeria has always supported peace efforts in several conflict areas around the world, often times spear-headed by the United States. Such cooperation must be sustained and strengthened. Nigeria surly needs the support of the United States and I am sure the same applies to the US.