Intelligence officers from the United States on Monday held a collaborative meeting with their Nigerian counterparts in Abuja. The meeting was aimed at providing solution to the menace of the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The US team was led by the Deputy Assistant Secretary, William Fitzgerald, while the Nigerian group was led by the Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs ministry, Amb. Martins Uhomoibhi. The National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, was in attendance
The meeting was held under the auspices of the Nigeria, United States Bi-National Commission.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for many attacks in the country since it started its bombing campaign against the Nigerian government, including the weekend's attacks on Kano and Bauchi in which almost 200 people died.
In his opening remarks at the inaugural meeting Fitzgerald observed that the security situation in northern Nigeria had reached "a significant dimension."
He noted that regional security cooperation was required to address the Boko Haram onslaught.
He explained that the regional security cooperation had been divided into two parts. One part, he said, would be a focus on the terrorism acts in the northern part of the country while the other would seek to address the issues of the Niger Delta.
Fitzgerald said, "Today marks a new beginning, security issues in the North have taken up new significance, so we have chosen to split the regional security cooperation and the Niger Delta.
"The regional security cooperation has its own working group which will meet today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday).
"I bring on behalf of the US government the deepest condolences on the heinous attacks that have taken place during the past few days, first in Kano and then Bauchi State.
"We deplore swiftly the reign of terror that has existed in the north of the country for many months. And we stand with you to work together to find a way to bring peace to the north."
The US official recalled that his home government and its Nigerian counterpart had since 2010 been working on a number of subjects of mutual interest.
These issues, he said, included governance, transparency, energy, industry, Niger Delta, national security and agriculture and food security.
He also reiterated the commitment of the US government to assisting Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies.
In furtherance of the anti-corruption war, he urged the National Assembly to pass a strong Petroleum Industry Bill that will ensure transparency in the oil and gas sector.
He said, "We look forward to the governance issues in the coming years particularly our joint commitment to build the capacity of Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies.
"We are eager to see a strong Petroleum Industry Bill passed by the National Assembly that will ensure transparency and oversight in the oil and gas sector.
"Early next month, we will be leading a trade mission to four countries in Africa, including Nigeria, with private investors to discuss foreign direct investment in Nigeria's electricity distribution network as well as power generation."
Commenting on food security, Fitzgerald said, "Finally, looking forward to the next food security in agriculture working group which will convene in Washington and with 70 per cent of Nigerians engaged in agriculture or related trade, stronger implementation of Nigeria's agricultural policy commitment can provide large and inclusive economic…for the country."
Uhomoibhi said the meeting between the two countries was based on mutual respect and understanding.
"To us as Nigeria, we do consider it as the basis for developing very close relations based on the implementation of specific programmes in such areas as agriculture, food security, good governance, power, energy and general security issues," he said Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I do not trust these Americans... They creep into our government, talk some bullshit and take advantage (that has always been their style).
ReplyDeleteWe have the resources we need, they come for the resources that they want.
OUR LEADERS, BE CAREFUL WITH THESE PEOPLE!
Black people black minds if the americans have been thinkin like us am sure we will be in the same level developing countries. Nigerians we nid 2 wash our minds is too black. Wake up!
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