Through its Bi-national Commission with Nigeria, the U.S. hopes to find new areas of collaboration with regard to security cooperation; economic growth and development; and democracy and governance.
In the Northwest region of Nigeria, Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa have wrought a great deal of destruction on the Nigerian people – forcing more than two million to flee from their homes. Speaking in Nigeria, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan said, “I want to emphasize. . .that the United States is Nigeria’s partner in this fight. We are committed to helping the Nigerian people provide their own security.”
The U.S. has helped Nigeria modernize its military. But a military response alone in the Northeast cannot lead to sustained peace, said Deputy Secretary Sullivan. Nigeria’s success requires improvements to the economy and governance off the battlefield, including credible investigations of human rights violations and mechanisms to hold those found guilty accountable for their actions.
To help those affected by Boko Haram rebuild their lives, Deputy Secretary Sullivan announced that the U.S. Agency for International Development will contribute an additional $45.5 million.
The United States will continue to support food security and nutrition programs in Nigeria including development programs focused on the Northeastern states.
Predictable economic policies and a transparent justice system are necessary to create an environment for growth and to attract businesses and investment to Nigeria.
Sufficient energy resources are critical to fueling growth in Nigeria. Through the U.S. government’s Power Africa Initiative, the U.S. will help the Nigerian government serve the majority of Nigerians who currently lack access to electricity. In particular, Deputy Secretary Sullivan announced a $1.3 million project to address the shortage of gas available for gas-fired power plants under the Power Africa Initiative.
Finally, in addition to supporting the security and economic growth of Nigeria, the United States recognizes that good governance is necessary to sustain both over the long-term. Fighting corruption and ensuring free and fair elections, will make the government of Nigeria more accountable to its people and better equipped to secure its citizens and keep its economy growing.
The United States looks forward to working with Nigeria to reach their shared security, development and governance goals.
