THE INAUGURATION OF US-NIGERIA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION LAUNCHED IN ABUJA May 26-27, 2010

The U.S- Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) held its first Working Group meeting on Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity (GTI) in Abuja over the course of two days May 26-27, with pre-meetings May 25 with the private sector and civil society. I participated alongside of the U.S Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero , Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, William Fitzgerald and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Dr Daniel Baer to move USG and Nigerian Government efforts forward on transparent elections in 2011. This forum provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian delegation made up of federal legislators, state governors, private sector, civil society and other stake holders to share insights into best practices for Good Governance and credible elections in support of democratic principles. The U.S delegation also met with Nigerian President Jonathan in which he reiterated his commitment to ensuring credible elections in Nigeria. During the GTI-BNC working group, the USG underscore its commitment to support Nigeria's efforts to fight corruption, achieve credible elections, improve governance and support institutional capacity building. The next BNC working will meet in Washington D.C from June 10- 11 2010 to launch the BNC Energy and Investment Working Group.

Ambassador Sanders (right) with Undersecretary Maria Otero (middle) and Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State

From left - Governor Fashola (Lagos), Ambassador Sanders, Undersecretary Otero and Governor Shema (Katsina)

Ambassador Robin Sanders (Middle) introduces Governor Fashola of Lagos State (left) to Undersecretary Maria Otero (right).

Ambassador Robin Sanders with Governor Fashola.