Sad News: Bombing in Nigeria, A Worrying Sign, What Next for Nigeria

On what should have been a day of reflection and recognition of its 50th anniversary on October 1, the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, was rocked on October 1 by two car bombs, killing at least 12 people. First sympathies go out to the nation, and to the families of all those who lost their lives and were injured in this terrible bomb blast. Current reports are that elements of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, better known as MEND (a loose umbrella organization of militants and militant groups) perpetrated this act to underscore the issues in the oil-rich Niger Delta Region. Peaceful political and civil society groups have highlighted over many, many years the need to end corruption of oil wealth and to increase development in all sectors (education, health, agriculture) in the Niger Delta as well as the right of the Niger Deltans to have more say and influence in how resources and profits from the oil wealth are used to help improve the lives of those living in the Region. These are very legitimate issues, which need to be addressed. There are five key Nigerian states that make up the main oil states in the Niger Delta Region (Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akom Ibom, Cross River), and acts of sabotage, kidnapping, and disruption of oil infrastructure had been the tactic of choice of not only MEND but other militant groups in the Region.
This is the second time in nearly 8 months that elements of MEND have used the car bombing tactic. I was in Nigeria the first time MEND used this tactic earlier in 2010 in Warri, a city in Nigeria's Delta State in the Niger Delta Region, and also another militant group attacked a facility in the commercial capital, Lagos during the same period. In addition, over the last 2 years, elements of MEND have threatened, through letters sent and written to the press, such attacks in Abuja, but this is the first time that they have followed through on that threat and this is a very worrying sign and trend as the country grapples with trying to get its election process right so key social sector issues can be better addressed everywhere in Nigeria and particularly in the Niger Delta.
There is a lot to be done to move Nigeria further forward than it is now, and changing the paradigms in the area of education, health, agriculture, fighting corruption, and better utilization of its oil wealth to benefit the Nigerian people are all things that need to be addressed, but peacefully. All of these sectors need more assistance and more improvement so Nigeria cannot only become the Giant that we all want it to be, but because it is necessary for the next generation of Nigerians to have a better life.
MEND is not known to have been a totally cohesive group in the past, with a singular leader, but more of a loose affiliation of different militant interests. It is unclear now with this attack, which certainly would have required detailed planning and strategies, whether the affiliation has or is morphing into something different from the loose associations of the past of various militant interests. In addition since the amnesty for militants in 2009 and despite all the many problems with truly implementing the amnesty rehabilitation program with more consistent progress on training opportunities for militants, militant-related violence had diminished somewhat in the Region. This car bomb attack in the capital presents a new and worrying trend for Nigeria that we all need to pay attention to and work to bring those who perpetrated the act to justice. No one doubts the legitimate issues in the region, but we all must assist the nation in addressing and correcting these issues in the Niger Delta Region by supporting both political and civil society groups who want to make changes in the Region and improve its development and use of resources but through peaceful means.
(BlogSpot views on blogitrrs are personal and do not represent views of the U.S. Government, or any other institution.)

Media Clips on Dr. Sanders

"From all indications, time constraints and lack of funds are among the major problems Jega has identified as the problems threatening the conduct of the 2011 elections. The international community is equally worried by the dark cloud which now hangs over the January date of the 2011 elections. It is against this background that Robin Sanders, the United States ambassador to Nigeria last week appealed to President Jonathan to release enough funds for the commission to carry out its functions. She said the president should do so, “even if it means taking money from the excess crude accounts and the huge external reserves.”

The American envoy insisted that “it is critically important that Nigeria holds a credible, free and fair elections in 2011” and INEC should be adequately funded to do a good job. “This is your election. It must be funded not by development partners, but by yourselves. You have enormous resources. We urge the Nigerian government to properly and adequately fund INEC. You are the major or only stakeholders in the process,” Sanders said."

Road Blocks to 2011 Polls Written by Chris Ajaero, Newswatch (Wednesday, 28 July 2010) (pdf Print)

"The outgoing envoy, Sanders, in her farewell address, said her country was unwavering in its encouragement for Nigeria’s upliftment of democratic ideals especially between November 2009, and March 2010.

She however pointed out that FG’s promise of credible elections should be transformed to reality so that Nigeria can enjoy true democracy.

“I have had the opportunity to interact with the new Chairman of INEC, and I wish him all the best. He has a tough task ahead of him but he really has a good vision for where he wants to go and what he wants to do. He is new and we have to support him because the election future rests on his ability to execute and we all have to be 100% behind him.

“Remember democracies are messy as they are about a clash of ideas, they are not about violence, they are not about corruption, but they are about transparent and credible elections.”"

FG Seeks Continued US Support, Condoles Pakistan: US envoy expresses confidence in Jega from Damilola Oyedele, ThisDay in Abuja, 07.30.2010

"Abuja — Outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Robin Renee Sanders was at the weekend showered with praises as she prepares to depart Nigeria at the end of August after a meritorious service that spanned about three years as the US envoy.

Nigeria's president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, said during a colourful ceremony in honour of Sanders at her residence, that Dr. Sanders had distinguished herself with candour, knowledge and intellect in the dispensation of her career demands.

He stressed that Sanders epitomized the warm diplomatic relations between US and Nigeria, which had flourished over the years and carved a niche for herself in propagating the great image of America just as her predecessors did.Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also added his voice to the glowing tributes, saying that Sanders embodied mutual respect and passion for industrial and commercial initiatives, which had immensely contributed to the development of Nigeria.

In her remarks, Dr. Sanders recounted her memorable experience serving in Nigeria and the incredible support she got from Team Nigeria. She thanked the Nigerian government for the warm treatment she received during her service as an ancestral sister of the soil and a friend.

She declared US support for Nigeria in her quest for transparent elections as she advocated total rehabilitation of the Niger Delta militants. She admonished the country in her "My at 50 list for Nigeria" message to give sincere priority to credible elections, food security and education.

Her words: " you are at a point where speaking out for credible elections must turn into reality- and thoughtful consideration as to how you get there, what choices you make, what path you take to have a transparent election so that the conduct of your polls can secure your democratic destiny. And I know that the new INEC is trying to do these things"."

Nigeria: Tributes as Sanders Bids Farewell By Innocent Odoh of Leadership (Abuja) 1 August 2010

My Interview with THISDAY Newspaper

On Thursday, July 8, 2010, I was interviewed by THISDAY Editors when I was received at the Ikoyi residence of THISDAY Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. The story was titled: Sanders: 2011 is transformative for Nigeria with a rider Govt free to pursue legal case in NLNG bribery scam. The highlight of the interview was featured on the July 9th edition of the newspaper.

According the newspaper, "United States ambassador to Nigeria Ms Robin Renèe Sanders has urged the Nigerian government and Nigerians to muster enough political will to make democracy work by ensuring free and fair elections next year. She also said the Federal Government is free to initiate a legal case against companies such as Halliburton who have been heavily fined by the US for giving bribes to Nigerian public officials in order to secure contracts..."

Furthermore, I encouraged "the voters and politicians in Nigeria should do the right thing by choosing their candidates and show they are committed to democracy." I was quoted as saying that my "country's offer of technical assistance as no sufficient guarantee for free and fair elections, stressing the need for adequate political will from all participants in the process which 'must have to be enforced by someone down the line'.”

I told them ... “It is your election. It is your voice and your choice and all about voting for a change that would make Nigeria strong and vibrant... We provided technical assistance in 2007 and we’re providing a lot of technical assistance now…2011 is a transformative time for Nigeria. You’ve got to have the political will to get to a point where a lot of things would happen in a sustainable manner.”

On the visa revocation of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, I was quoted by the paper that “Yes, we revoked the visa and that’s how it was, the rest is a privacy issue. I won’t go into the details of why there was a visa revocation."

On whether Nigeria should receive part of the $338 million fine which a US court ordered Technip to pay, in respect of the $180 million bribe allegedly paid to unnamed senior government officials by Halliburton, I said “The department of justice has executed the case and they were fined after criminal charges…Nigeria's attorney-general is at liberty to pursue his own case against the companies"

On the blacklisting of Nigeria by the US after the attempted downing of a Detroit-bound Delta Airliner by Umaru Farouk Abdulmutallab last December, I said that “the type of policy we had that time was not a nationality designated one. I and my staff had to go through the same security check as well. It was not a nationality designation and unfortunately that is how it is viewed here. It is a worldwide policy and we had a number of meetings with Nigerian aviation authorities to enforce safety regulations.”

On whether US President Barrack Obama may likely visit Nigeria in the near future, I noted that that President Obama and President Goodluck Jonathan met in April and held fruitful discussions.

The following is quoted directly from the paper:

"She recalled the speech of the US president where he stated the importance of Nigeria on the world scene including the leadership role the country has to play on the African continent.
'They talked about credible election, development and moving forward. We have respect for the leadership role of Nigeria on the continent and you’re now a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. We want the best for Nigeria because you are one of our best friends,' Sanders said. On Nigeria’s quest to become a permanent member of the UN, she said that the US currently supports article 23 of the world body which outlines the steps to becoming a permanent member."

"The ambassador also spoke on the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission, explaining that the working group on the Niger Delta would meet soon. On food security and agriculture, she stated that the 'US is doing a lot towards food security and Nigeria is one of the recipients of the largest food security programmes that we have and this year, $25 million will be worked out as the year goes forward,' she said."

My One-one-One Interview with NTA

I appeared on One-on-One, a live interview program on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the largest TV network in Africa, on Wednesday April 21, 2010 from 13:30-14:30. I answered questions on the positive impact of the Nigerian Acting President Jonathan’s visit to the United States and whether this strengthened the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship. I said yes. I also talked about the newly established U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC), Niger Delta, visa issues, food security, current political events in Nigeria and other general issues of importance to the U.S.-Nigeria relationship. Discussing Acting President Jonathan’s meeting with President Obama and the signing of the BNC by Nigerian Secretary of Government, I noted that they were landmark events underscoring the strong friendship between the U.S. and Nigeria. Gbenga Adewusi was on the other side of the table with inputs from the general public. This was my first major television interview after Acting President Jonathan's visit to the United States. Read the transcript here

My Interview with Allafrica.com

Nigeria: 'We Want Nigeria to Succeed,' But Nigerians Have to Want That Too - U.S. Ambassador (April 8, 2010)

Interview

The failed attempt on December 25, 2009 by the young Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, to detonate hidden explosives on a flight to Detroit created an additional layer of complexity for U.S. relations with Africa's most populous nation and leading oil producer. Managing those ties day to day is the job of Robin Renee Sanders, the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria. Sanders is a career foreign service officer who was appointed to the post by President George W. Bush in late 2007 and previously served as ambassador to the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). The Abdulmutallab incident led the U.S. government to add Nigeria to the 'country of interest' list, which resulted in increased scrutiny of Nigerians flying to the United States and angered many Nigerians who felt their country was being unfairly punished.

This week, the U.S. administration took what Secretary of State Hilary Clinton called a "concrete step forward that will strengthen and deepen the partnership between our two nations" with the launch in Washington, DC of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission. The high-level forum includes working groups on good governance, transparency and integrity; energy and investment; food security and agriculture; and Niger delta and regional security cooperation. Next week, Nigeria's acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, is scheduled to visit Washington to take part in the Nuclear Security Summit at the White House, where he is also expected to have talks with President Barack Obama.

Prior to departing for Washington to take part in the launch, Sanders, in her first interview since the December incident, spoke with AllAfrica's Reed Kramer about the current state of relations between the two nations. Excerpts follow:

Acting President Jonathan has asked President Obama for a reconsideration of the classification of Nigeria as a 'country of interest' with regard to terrorism. Has Nigeria taken steps that would assist in that regard?

The country-of-interest process is an ongoing inter-agency review here and in Washington. One of the things that Nigeria has done is sign an air marshal agreement with the United States. We see that as a step in the right direction. Also, Nigeria does not have counter-terrorism legislation. We've been in dialogue with them on that. They are in the process of installing body scanners around the various airports in Nigeria. We worked with them on body scanners, and even before the incident of December 25 we had installed five scanners at their international airports in partnership with them. They're installing additional scanners and training their personnel to use them.

How do you assess the security situation in Nigeria now?

The Nigerian government is realizing they are not immune to the global terrorist threat, and it is working hard with us in sharing information and having dialogue on these global threats. We have a good cooperative relationship.

How will the Binational Commission contribute to improved relations between the United States and Nigeria?

The secretary of state when she was here in August highlighted a new strategic framework. With the commission, we are moving that forward in a more formal manner where we have a working dialogue on issues ranging from democracy and good government to anti-corruption and credible elections.

What is your view of how the Nigerian government is functioning?

There's a general sense that Nigeria remains fragile. It is an uncertain environment right now, but there have been some indications over the last couple of weeks that give us hope that things might be moving in the right direction. We want Nigeria to have credible elections, put a framework in place to fight corruption, put a framework in place to strengthen its democracy. These are paramount issues moving forward. We hear that from Nigerians all across the country. They want to believe in elections; they want to have a transparent government; they want to have institutions that can propel the country's economy and political system forward. With a new cabinet in place, we are hoping that these issues can be addressed in a coherent and cohesive fashion with ministers that are capable, diligent and forthright in their efforts to be representative of the Nigerian people.

Has there been any progress in preparing for elections?

We noted that the unedited election reform committee report recently went forward to the national assembly. The committee report has been edited and presented in many forms, edited. We were delighted to hear that the acting president finally sent that report to the national assembly unedited. Action on election reform is now in the hands of the national legislature. The U.S. and the United Kingdom jointly funded an independent electoral assessment early this year at the request of the Nigerian government, and that's all part of this process of looking at election reforms and committing to credible elections.

In my conversation with the acting president, he's very clear that one of the things he wants to do is to make sure that the voices of the Nigerian people are heard and credible elections are held here in Nigeria. Moving the unedited report to the national assembly is certainly a step in the right direction. Of course, there are other needed steps. We would like to see an Independent National Electoral Commission that is really independent and really transparent, which is key to its ability to hold elections that people can believe in. This was not the case in 2007.

What has been the reaction to recent outbreaks of violence in the north and what additional action should the Nigerian government take to avoid future problems?

We've just had [a visit] by the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom [a U.S. government entity whose bipartisan members are appointed by congress and the president].

They were engaged with a cross-section of interlocutors. I attended those meetings, and it was interesting to see the seriousness with which elements of the government are responding. Arrests have been made, which is a departure from the past in terms of how quickly they've done that.

Interfaith leaders here are engaged in addressing the crosscutting issues that seem to encourage the cycle of violence in the Jos area every couple of months. There's a myriad of challenges which the interfaith leaders are trying to address – economic and land issues, religious, sectarian and ethnic issues. I know it often gets boiled down to one or two issues, but there is a broad spectrum of problems that can spark violence. We all want to see the fundamental issues that keep causing these cycles of violence addressed.

The international community, including the United States, has offered humanitarian assistance. If we receive an official response from the Nigerian government, we are prepared to do that, particularly with regard to shelter and the needs that have come out of the violence there. We are working with number of partners in the Jos area to address some of those issues. We are in dialogue constantly with faith leaders to be supportive of their actions to address the issues.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian economy at this time and how that is impacting the country?

Nigeria needs to address corruption issues in a more comprehensive fashion. We do see the ongoing banking reforms as a step in the right direction. We recognize that several of the banks' leadership took advantage of the shareholders, and we hope that those individuals are brought to justice. That should help to underscore that corruption will not be the order of the day.

Looking at the indicators for economic growth, Nigeria is not doing too badly, given the global economic situation. Part of that has to do with the banking sector reforms. There has been some growth outside the oil sector that has helped Nigeria as well, including a slight increase in exports to the United States of products under the African Growth and Opportunities Act. So we see that the macroeconomic policy framework is in place and is making a difference even in this very difficult global financial environment. I'm not saying that it's perfect. I am saying that there are some reforms that are ongoing that we think are the right reforms to do, particularly in the banking sector.

What about situation in the Delta region – the oil-producing area in Nigeria?

The amnesty the ailing president put in place last year has pretty much held up until recently. We've been in dialogue with the Nigeria government about moving forward so that they don't have a roll-back on the amnesty dividends. The acting president has met with militant leaders, which we're hoping is an indication that efforts have been restarted to not only keep the amnesty but to try to broaden that to re-integration and rehabilitation of the young men and women that were active in militancy so that the Delta can have a future that is peaceful, stable, and create an environment for education and development.

Will Nigeria, which currently accounts for 15 percent of U.S. petroleum imports, continue to be a reliable supplier of oil to the United States?

Yes. Until there's a comprehensive peace environment in Nigeria that's longstanding, there will always be ups and downs on security challenges. But I think that Nigeria will remain a reliable partner in that area.

But I want to say something broader than that. There's tremendous potential for Nigeria, not just as a strategic oil partner with the United States. Eighty percent or more of its population is agriculture-based, and Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and to be an exporter of agricultural products. If you think of Nigeria as an emerging market, as I do, there are a number of other areas for potential growth - from infrastructure development to information science and technology, IT. I don't want us to lose sight of that.

Do you see increased interest on the part of American and other foreign investors in those potential areas of growth in the Nigerian economy?

Yes, particularly in IT and agriculture. My personal focus is on agriculture. I've traveled around and seen the potential in that sector. We have a food security program of about 25 million dollars. [One aspect] is a market program, which has helped with the rural-to-urban movement of agricultural products. [It] is reaching 10,000 or more farmers, increasing yields of key crops such as yams and cassava [and] providing jobs in the agro-business sector.

We have a strategic agriculture forum once a year in partnership with a number of private sector institutions to look at developing agriculture infrastructure and agro-business, so that the bulk of the population can change the paradigm of their lives by ensuring that they have income not only for their families but also to introduce entrepreneurship into their communities and into the agriculture sector.

We see more and more American investors moving into the agriculture sector and into the IT sector, and we're encouraged by that. But I would also like to say that we don't have enough Americans here. This is a dynamic and creative environment. The emerging market potential here for American investors is tremendous, and we need to encourage many more Americans to come here and look at these sectors as potential areas of growth for their own businesses.

Whatever the country's potential, would you agree that Nigeria's negative image discourages investment?

Clearly, the image issue is something that Nigerians grapple with all the time. We as partners can work with them on some of those issues, but we can't want more for Nigeria than Nigeria wants for itself. We want to see a stable and prosperous and democratic Nigeria with credible elections, but we can't want that more than Nigeria wants it for itself. We have heard from Nigerians that they want a stable environment, they want a prosperous nation, they want investment. But you're absolutely right; the framework has to be there to make that happen.

We consider Nigeria an extraordinary friend of the United States of America and the American people. We want to see Nigeria succeed.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201004080001.html

A Handshake with the Nigerian President and Meetings with Governors

May 22-23 had me traveling to Imo and Abia states in southeastern Nigeria following my second visit to Rivers State in the Niger Delta. Not only did I have fruitful discussions with both Governors, but I visited a school and presented school supplies to the most gifted students of the Orlu secondary school and also visited a potential site for our next American Corner. On May 25 I had the singular honor to be with the President of Nigeria and a U.S. Company to sign an agreement on U.S. investment.

Ambassador's Scholarship Fund Makes a Splash in Rivers State

May 21 - I just had a great time speaking to 620 Niger Delta students in River State in the city of Port Harcourt about Peace in the region and their dedication to better lives and education. I also met with the USG-funded Peace Clubs through the IFESH CALM project who sang and danced for Peace!

Key U.S. NGO Figure and I talk about Election Reform

Over the last three days I had the privilege, with IFESH President Dr. Julie Sullivan, of listening to issues from over 100 representatives of Nigerian civil society from all over the country expressing their views about the need for progress on key Nigerian democracy issues from election reform, building voter awareness and women's issues, to helping young people. On the Niger Delta, protecting civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict and finding a peaceful comprehensive settlement to issues so that education and development can thrive was extensively discussed. The U.S. Government helps in development in Nigeria, including in the Delta, and calls for the protection of all civilian lives.

Related story: U.S. Ambassador Hosts Second Series of Civil Society Forums on the Values of Democracy and Election Reforms (Abuja, Monday May 19, 2009)

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at the Lagos Business School Executive Breakfast

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders

The Economic Hard Choices We All Need To Make For Our Nation

Lagos Business School Executive Breakfast
Lagos Business School
March 3, 2009

• Professor Doyin Salami, Host of LBS Breakfast Session
• Members of the Lagos business community
• Members of the U.S. Mission
• Faculty and students
• All other distinguished ladies and gentlemen
• All other protocols duly observed.

I have been wanting to do this breakfast for several months now, and I am happy we were finally able coordinate our schedules to make it happen. This advanced educational institution, while still young, has contributed significantly to the training and development of business leaders, and has provided a forum for practical learning and discourse through events such as this monthly Executive Breakfast session. It is apropos for me to come here this month as one of my last activities in the U.S. Mission to Nigeria’s two weeks of National activities and following the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States, President Barak Obama.

As business leaders, I imagine that you are focused on the global economic crisis which is really going to be the platform for my remarks today. I want to begin with the U.S. approach to the economic crisis; discuss the challenges that Nigeria may be facing; the way forward in the U.S. as outlined by my President; and what and how the cooperation between the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and Nigerians can affect these challenges, including what we see your government doing to address these issues.

On February 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- an economic stimulus package designed to create over 3.5 million jobs while investing in priorities like health care, energy, and education that will jumpstart economic growth in the U.S. The Act focuses on investing in several things, from new technologies to produce clean energy, to science and infrastructure development to improving our health care system and schools. All together, these changes will lay the foundation for our nation for a rebirth in our values and American leadership.

But how did we get to this point?

President Obama attributed the current U.S. financial crisis and economic slow-down to the "greed and irresponsibility on the part of some" and "also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age," the Information Age. The rising rates of unemployment, housing foreclosures, and businesses going under have forced Americans to examine what went wrong and why and to recommit ourselves to the hard work of rebuilding the economy, reinvesting in the growth of American society, and remaking our institutions, particularly our banking sector, to being more transparent with effective macro economic solutions. The President, through his Treasury Secretary, has instituted for example, the Financial Stability Plan will:

Infuse fresh capital into banks deemed healthy and with at least $100 billion in assets;
Establish a public-private investment fund with up to $1 trillion to buy and manage bad asset-based securities; and;

Expand effort for small business lending, commercial mortgages, and consumer loans.
In addition, I know there are questions about the “Buy American Provision,” but that is just what it is, a provision, not protectionism. It does not apply to iron, steel , and manufactured goods produced by least developed countries or LDC’s. It will ensure that our trading partners will continue to have access to procurement in accordance with current WTO and FTA agreements. And, it does not apply to all manufactured products. It only applies to public buildings and public works that are funded by money appropriated by the U.S. Congress.

My president has also said he plans to increase our foreign assistance to our overseas friends from $25 billion to $50 billion, pending of course approval of the U.S. Congress, which will help if passed, all of our friends and all of our partners such as Nigeria.

Now turning to Nigeria. What are your challenges? I think you know them as well as I do.

First and foremost, I want to state for the record that I think Nigeria has the potential to be one of the largest burgeoning emerging markets in the world. Although there was a lag of about six months from when the global financial crisis hit the developed world and when it caught up to the developing world, there is no doubt that it has now arrived in Nigeria.

So what are we seeing here: problems to access capital markets, high interest and lending rates in your banking sector, pressure on the naira, signs of inflation, and economic growth around 3.5 per cent, down from earlier estimates of 6 to 7 per cent for 2009. There is a constriction in your economy registering itself slowly, but surely as the economic downturn takes hold here.

Your Government, under the able leadership of your new Finance Minister, has created several economic committees to look at macro economic issues, to review Nigeria's financial and monetary health, calling on the service of public and private sector experts, which I understand include a few members of this very audience to holistically examine what can and should be done, including action-to-consequence scenarios to help Nigeria weather this financial storm. These will protect some of the good economic decisions that have been made in the recent past and develop workable solutions to include enhancing financial transparency, better utilizing your revenue and wealth to help the common man, and diversifying your economy, with particular focus on the revitalization of your agricultural sector. Other issues on the top of this list include further reducing restrictive trade bans and barriers to help spur investment, particularly on Foreign Direct Investment and enhance trade relations with the U.S. and other countries.

As for the U.S. – Nigeria bilateral business relationship, we think the current economic environment might serve as a platform to encourage more two-way trade, lower trade barriers, and for Nigeria, to better utilize the benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA which Nigeria has been eligible for since 2000, but has failed to fully capitalize on using this provision.

Nigeria was the second largest export market for U.S. goods and services in 2007, totaling $2.7 billion dollars with the total two-way trade figure between our two countries standing at $35.5 billion. However, for me the real indicator of the potential in our trade relationship is that total U.S. imports from Nigeria were $33 billion. This figure constituted about 48% of all U.S. imports from all of Sub-Saharan Africa with over $70 million coming from non-oil imports, up 45 per cent from 2006.

But the United States and Nigeria can do better as trading partners. Let's be honest, it is in both our best interests to do so.

We at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria will continue to seek ways in which we can engage and assist the Nigerian government, Nigerian businesses and Nigerian civil society in addressing key issues during these difficult financial times under our Framework for Partnership.

What we have been doing over this last year has been: helping spur more business ties through our export credit workshops; holding nation-wide AGOA related workshops to help explain the AGOA legislation and what it takes to be export ready for the U.S. market; sending Nigerian business people and poultry farmers to U.S. trade shows; and holding energy sector seminars with our export-import bank and our trade and development agency to demonstrate our commitment to help Nigeria in this sector.

I cannot forget, however, our efforts to help Nigeria reach international aviation standards through our seminars and workshops so that it achieves category one status and TSA approval, so Nigerian airlines can at last fly direct to the United States. However, both your airline industry and regulator still have a lot of work to do.

Going forward, we plan to continue our practical workshops, focused particularly on agriculture through 2009 and have asked other U.S. government agencies to send experts on power and energy issues to dialogue with your government and the private sector.

We hope that we can really jump start, and further advance negotiations with your government on our U.S. -Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, or TIFA, as well as at last have a Bilateral Investment Treaty or BIT, so that we can have the same trade frameworks that we have with so many other countries, but not with Nigeria, and not for our lack of trying to do so. As long as we have been friends, we have not had these standard trade frameworks with Nigeria.

On energy, we have also invited your financial leaders to attend a sub-Saharan Africa infrastructure conference in May 2009 in Dakar where your officials can interact with U.S. private sector representatives about shaping the legal and regulatory framework to assist in your efforts in the power sector.

On development, we are working with other donors and your government on a Country Partnership Strategy to ensure Nigerian Government priorities are reflected in donor efforts to increase the effectiveness for Government of Nigeria assistance and foster Nigerian ownership of its development strategy.

On agriculture, through our $25 million Global Food Security Response Program, we are focusing on your agricultural sector with capacity building, value chain and processing improvements, including help with crop yields.

In the Niger Delta, we have conflict abatement programs and a range of development projects that help with clean water – particularly in the oil-polluted creeks of the Niger Delta, and helping with vocational and educational programs.

Of course, I cannot leave out education, which is one of our key areas where we have educational exchanges and training for teachers as well as scholarships for primary school children.

Much remains to be done, and the U.S. Mission is ready to work with willing and able partners to advance our common goals of ensuring economic freedom and prosperity for the Nigerian people and for generations to come.

We thank you for being our friend and for your regional leadership in so many areas, certainly your political stance on Zimbabwe, your peace keeping efforts in Darfur, and we are counting on your fulfilling your promise to send troops to Somalia.

I must close, however, by stating something that I truly believe. Nigeria is a country with incredible natural as well as intellectual wealth. You, in this room, are an example of this. I have a challenge for you and it is my expectation of you. Your country faces challenges economically as we have already highlighted, politically, certainly with the need for election reform, and on ethno-social issues with pockets of religious tension, particularly in the Niger Delta.

You are leaders here with impressive knowledge and talent, and the best solutions for Nigeria must come from you. You need to be engaged with your leaders and your populous, particularly civil society in making things better for the overall Nigeria public. This is what I expect from you. And this is what I know the Nigerian people want from you. We can be supportive, but you must lead.

Thank you.

Ambassador Sanders' Policy Speech at University of Benin

Remarks of Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders

POLICY SPEECH
Work to Be Done: Your Role As the Next Generation

University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
February 26, 2009

Protocol:

• Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof (Mrs.) Uche Gbenedio
• University Librarian, Mr. Samuel Ogunrombi
• Acting Registrar, Mrs. Ojomo
• Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwoye
• Faculty and Staff of the University of Benin; Students;
• Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press
• All protocols observed.

Thank you for welcoming me this afternoon to this historic university and this historical city. I have always wanted to come here and I am happy to be able to make my first visit not to long after returning from the U.S. following the historic transition of power that took place in my country with the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama.

With the ushering in of his administration, there is a new face and a new energy underscoring traditional American values. You may be asking what these values are, what should these mean to me and what does democracy really mean? I think if the new U.S. President was here today, he would tell you that democracy is what you want for your country based on the enduring principle that everyone has the right to life Liberty Justice, food to eat clean water education good health care faith in their government and the right to have better future.

Today more than at any other time in our modern history, Americans are harking back to these basics that we had walked away from for many, many years and in some cases forgot what made us strong, what made us respected, and what we needed to do to ensure that America’s tomorrow are not only bright for us in the short-term, but more importantly for the next generation of American leaders. He has said that the way for us to do this is through education, including rebuilding our educational structures, retraining our teachers, and focusing on science and technology to name just a few steps.

Our President has called "education the currency of the Information Age,” a “prerequisite" that we as the current leadership generation owe to the next generation, making sure a college education is within reach of every American – particularly those who volunteer for public service.

But before we get there or achieve these lofty goals that reconnects us to our enduring values, my leadership generation has a lot to do to correct the past mistakes in mismanagement of our financial and economic resources in order to pave a better path for our next generation. This applies to Nigeria as well. Just as my leadership generation must not further squander our wealth Respect financial and economic security neither must your current leaders do that to you.

Your leadership generation is responsible now to you to ensure you have a good education job opportunities better health care services end corruption and poverty and provide food to eat by developing your agricultural sector. My team and I have focused on all these issues through our Framework for Partnership with the people of Nigeria, particularly on poverty alleviation, educational exchanges, micro credit programs, and assisting farmers by helping them increase their crop yield and by providing them with partial loan guarantees from Nigerian banks.

For the people of Nigeria, it is about how you see your future. You must ask yourself do I like what I see? If not, why not? What do I need to change? What do I want to change in my country and how do I go about being a change agent for a better Nigeria. It is for you to choose act and decide to improve your economy and your democracy, have better election processes, end your pockets of ethno-religious tensions, and find peace and development for the Niger Delta.

President Obama has said in a renewed America that from the “grandest capitals of the world to the smallest villages of Africa” America is a friend of each and every nation man woman and child who seeks a future of peace dignity and prosperity. This means that the United States commitment to Nigeria will not change, but in fact will be stronger.

For example President Obama has been one of the strongest advocates for the Millennium Development Goals, which prior to his inauguration, the U.S. Government did not totally endorse. In his administration he has embraced the MDG’s and some of the particulars of his policy for my government to help the developing world achieve these Goals include:
-- Doubling our annual foreign assistance from $25 billion to $50 billion;
-- Lifting the 33% cap on US contributions to the Global HIV/AIDS Fund … ensuring that at least 4.5 million people are on Anti-retroviral treatment by 2013 … preventing 12 million new infections; and,
-- Focusing more on malaria treatment and prevention by
building on the USG‘s current $1 billion dollar per year commitment.
-- On education -- for Nigeria -- we have given 1,200 primary school scholarships, and trained 20,000 primary school teachers.

These additional tools by the Obama Administration will be used by my Mission to further enhance our partnership with you and your generation, and also continue to seek ways to assist the Nigerian government Nigerian businesses and Nigerian civil society.

Let me also speak briefly on the topic of Peace and Security. President Obama has repeatedly and explicitly rejected the notion that security can be bought at the price of human rights. Only by defending our core values - respect for human dignity, diversity, equality, and freedom of conscience and expression - can the United States ever be secure.

Enduring peace and security can never be based on force and compulsion. It can only rest upon deep-seated mutual understanding. This is why the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is actively engaged in supporting development projects in the Niger Delta and seeks to encourage non-violent solutions to the conflict there. We believe that by addressing the causes of the unrest rather than the symptoms lasting peace can be created and spur development, like our programs to: promote cultivation of export quality cassava; our technical assistance to the Lift Above Poverty Organization our efforts to expand access to credit for small and medium-size enterprises in Rivers Bayelsa Delta and Edo States; and, our CALM project that develops non-violent solutions by raising cross-cultural and inter-religious awareness and sensitivity.

But these things alone will not solve all your challenges. Knowledge and creativity must be combined with hard work, teamwork and commitment to goals. We know that hard work courage and tolerance are all virtues which Nigerians have in abundance. I have seen this as I have traveled throughout Nigeria. These virtues can become the energy for growth here in Nigeria no less than they are in America. These attributes along with unity of the nation and a refusal to allow diversity of opinion to tear the fabric of the nation apart are the attributes of the common people of Nigeria. These are core values of the American people and we know these are also the core values of the Nigerian people. One of the key phrases from the U.S. Declaration of Independence is "all men were created equal." President Obama from his own experience knows how hard one has to work to achieve one's destiny and to ensure that equality.

I think this is an important message for Nigerian youth. I know that sometimes when you look at the environment around you it is easy to get discouraged. But that is no reason for not trying to change those things. You are responsible for your destiny. You are responsible for the legacy of your life and the legacy of your nation. But this journey, your journey cannot be for the faint-hearted or for those who prefer leisure over work or seek only riches and fame. Rather you of the next generation must be the risk-takers the change agents and the change makers for Nigeria ensuring that it is free of corruption improves its democratic base through free and open elections and provides the best enabling environment for the development and well being of all Nigerians

So that generations that follow you can look back and be proud of the foundations that you have laid and be able to turn around and say to you job well done!

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at the Island Club's Business Luncheon

Remarks of Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders

The Role and the Responsibility of the Nigerian Private Sector in the Current Global Financial Environment

Island Club's Business Luncheon
Lagos, February 24, 2009

• Chairman, Island Club
• Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth
• Chairman, Island Club Board of Trustees
• Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
• Ladies and gentlemen of the press
• All protocols duly observed.

Good afternoon! Let me start by thanking the Island Club for the invitation to be your Guest Speaker this afternoon.

As I looked at what I wanted my topic to be today, for a group of august, current and former business persons and business academics, it was not hard to determine what I wanted my message to be, or what I wanted you to leave here thinking about! We all recognize that we are in a new economic environment where the rules and regulatory frameworks that we all had become so accustom, are being reexamined, reviewed and redressed.

These are tough economic times for both the developed and the developing world and each and every segment of our societies has a responsibility to ensure that they examine what they can do for their nation, and that brings me to you.

As current or retired business people and business academics, you have a responsibility to help your government and help your fellow Nigerians figure out what Nigeria can do to weather this economic and financial storm. You cannot sit back and criticize, be concerned without action, or fail to step up and provide your expertise to policy makers at this time. Nigeria still has – even in these tough economic times – the potential to become a burgeoning emerging market. The question is, whether the global financial crisis is going to further derail this path, or are you going to tread water, or are you going to really survive with a paradigm shift, particularly in development.

As Nigerian business people, I would hope that you would choose the later option – surviving by developing the right macro economic policies that further insulate Nigeria, allowing it to still grow, even in these difficult times. This is where politics and regionalism need to be set aside so that the vast intellectual capacity that I have seen that exists in this country can be used for unity of purpose – unity of better economic management, unity of sacrifice, when sacrifice is needed. Although I am outside of your economic framework we follow the same signs that you do. So what are they for Nigeria: pressure on your currency; trade barriers that need to be revisited and changed; 70 per cent of your population living below poverty; endemic corruption; insufficient energy for your needs; red flags in certain banks; and the need to diversify your economy, particularly toward agriculture – not only so farmers can feed the nation, but so Nigeria can become a net exporter of key commodities. Today you are the second largest importer of foodstuffs.You are far behind this now, but the real kicker is – that with all your wealth, and all your creativity this should not be the case!

Yes, these are worrying signs, signs that have always been there, but become more exacerbated in tougher financial times. You in this room have the answers, even though you many not know it, but I would find that hard to believe. No one says that all the answers rest with policy makers, but the answers to all of these issues do rest with you as Nigerians and you must extend yourself in that direction.

You know, we just had a unique, historic transition of power in the United States of America with the election of the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama. His focus for America is on the same issues I have outlined above for Nigeria. President Obama came to office at a time when America as a nation faces enormous economic crises of such scale and magnitude not seen since the Great Depression in the 1930s. To address our myriad of issues, President Obama has reached out to all in America- political opposition, academics, legislators, and the average American through a website www.recovery.gov- in an effort to have our best and our brightest, our hard working citizens, and their families, our creativity and our values- all helping us to find our way. You may want to do the same for Nigeria, but this is up to you.

As further examples, President Obama moved boldly and forthrightly to address our economic challenges by signing into law a comprehensive economic stimulus package called the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan designed to jumpstart the American economy, address issues in our financial framework, assist homebuyers with their mortgages, and support our banking sector. The Plan also will help save, or create, up to 3.5 million jobs and re-awaken American values on improving human development, taking care of our teachers and taking care of our future. As of yesterday, if you were watching the news as I was, you saw my President lead his first ever White House Fiscal Responsibility Summit with the nation's governors, legislators, and other eminent personalities, with a health care summit next week and a major address to the nation- all to address the issues on the minds of Americans.

In America, as in any democratic society, the people form and shape the fabric of democracy, and the ultimate success, or failure, of an initiative depends on the buy-in of the people. In your case, you must reach out to the Nigerian people to hear their plight and struggles, and then you and you alone are responsible as the private sector to work with your policy makers both in the executive and legislative branches to ensure that what is being done is not only being done in the name of the Nigerian people, but what the Nigerian people have said they want, they need and they desire.

President Obama had instilled a sense of hope in the American people for a better time ahead, and he succeeded in doing so by inspiring us around one goal – a goal for us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, recognize the hard task ahead, and work even harder and longer to get it right, and change the past – all under the umbrella of the commitment to the Rule of Law and transparency. When he talks about transparency he is clear – it is the “end of deceit, and corruption,” and using the public good and wealth for personal gain. He reminds us that America's strength comes not just from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from our enduring values. I know and have seen the enduring values of Nigerians. And I know that these values are shared in so many ways between our two nations.

These are the questions you must answer as the elite of Nigeria. What is your role and what is your responsibility in these troubling financial times? I shared with you today what my President is doing, the outreach of my President across all spectrums of political and religious views.

What is Nigeria going to do? Do you want a Fiscal Responsibility Summit, and Development Summit, a War on Poverty Summit -- or all three? And what about the Niger Delta? What are you going to do for peace, security and development there? It is for you to use your leadership positions as members of the private sector in some way to change or improve Nigeria’s economic, political (especially election reform) and development outlook. We, the U.S. Government, can support your efforts but you must be in the lead on things like anti-corruption, fiscal transparency and an independent electoral commission.

I have been told by Nigerians that Nigeria has a long road to travel on these issues. Democratic institutions need to be strengthened, democratic principles and values need to percolate through every level of government, federal, state, and local. Economic growth, fiscal transparency and pro-human development go in tandem. But there is no real growth, no real change for the Nigerian people that can come at the expense of development for the Nigerian people. As the elite you need to roll up your sleeves and develop ways to reach a hand back and help out in whatever way your expertise will allow. In the end it is about leadership, your role and your responsibility as citizens of Nigeria to ensure, that this wonderful county, on the cusp of being an emerging market, weathers through the financial clouds, and comes through this period with all Nigerians being better off.

As I conclude, I want to go back to something President Obama said recently, invoking the words of another famous American President who himself was seen as a change maker: "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men [and women]. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. [but] Pray for powers equal to your tasks." These words were originally those of President John F. Kennedy but can aptly be applied to both our nations today. Our tasks in today‘s environment, both for the American people and the Nigerian people are great. And it will take all of our powers to ensure that both our countries enter out of the financial storms stronger than ever with a secured future for the next generation. These will be the tasks that your powers will face!

Thank you.

Ambassador Sanders' Remarks at the U.S. National Day Reception, Abuja 2009

Remarks

U.S. Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders

U.S. National Day Reception, Abuja
“My Country that Is!”

(As prepared for delivery)

For Immediate Release Abuja, Nigeria February 20, 2009

“My Country Tis of Thee.” My Country that is! I chose this song -- that was so wonderfully song by Nigeria’s incomparable Onyeka Onwenu, and our fabulous American Grammy award-winning artist Chris Thomas King -- to highlight this American national day because it not only speaks to our shared values with our friends in Nigeria, but it is a phrase that can be and should be on the minds, reflective of the spirit, of all global citizens who care about what their country does, whether it is respected internationally and how each and every one of us feels about our nation, our values, our home.

One needs to be able to follow the phrase "my country that is," with "it is fair," "it is generous," "it is diverse" -- all while striving to improve democracy with every step, with every generation, with every person.

We all know that it is our values as people that define us as a nation … freedom … liberty … justice and democratic principles. These are the values that are core to the American people, values that inspire us, that emotionally move us. They are also universal values as they go to the essence of the rights in a democracy. We must never forget this.

America must continue to reaffirm “the greatness of our nation,” by also understanding “that greatness is not a given” but that it must be earned. We want to encourage our friends here in Nigeria to reaffirm their enduring spirit for democracy, choosing a history free of corruption with the noble ideas that I have heard and seen as I travel through this great nation. We want, as Americans, to be partners with you on this voyage.

Together, we can reach all Nigerians yearning to be free of hunger and of want; helping those who desire education, jobs, and a better future for their children, peace and dignity for their families.

We are here to support, not to lead, YOUR efforts to move Nigeria forward -- not backward -- but forward in having peace and development in the Niger Delta, better fighting corruption and improving governance, instituting electoral reform and balancing political differences with the more humble values of respect for diversity and humankind.

On the 20th of January 2009, America and the world witnessed a unique transition; not only a transition of power, but a rebirth, once again, in American values -- emulated by and in the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. We are as our President said on that day and in that moment a nation (and I would add a world) of “Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus,” and so many other religions. Today, I would like to say that we must remember that the world is shaped by every language and every culture, drawn from every corner of this Earth. And, in this regard “As the world grows smaller,” said President Obama, “. . . America must play its role in [ensuring a] new era of peace.”

America and Nigeria -- we are old, old friends. And, these are the messages that we share with our old friend this evening. The partnership between the American people and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will remain high even through these cloudy financial times.
Our American National activities in northern Nigeria this week and in southern Nigeria next week underscore what we are doing to help in sectors from agriculture, to HIV/AIDS, to community development, capacity building, and humanitarian projects, to spurring more two-way trade between our two great nations.

To my dedicated staff at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and their families, proud Americans today on this Two Hundred and Thirty-Third celebration of America’s independence, I want to thank you as Team Nigeria for helping me build mutual understanding with our old, old friend.

So I close this evening by noting that I believe that at last, we as a global family are on the right path at the right time and for the right reasons -- At last. I Thank You.
# # #

Ambassador Sanders' Policy Speech at The American University of Nigeria

Policy Remarks

WHAT DEMOCRACIES DO FOR THEIR PEOPLE:
STRONG INSITUTIONS AND SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders
American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State
October 17, 2008

Remarks as prepared for delivery

All protocols duly observed

My remarks today are just one of many programs we are holding throughout Nigeria to celebrate democracy and explain how democracy is practiced in the United States. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you today on this excellent campus of the American University of Nigeria not only about democracy, but also the role that students like you play in a democracy.

Democracy is about the governed, not the government. It rests firmly on the principle that the people of a nation have the inalienable right to choose how best to govern themselves and through their government how best to invest in the nation's people, grow the nation's economy and ensure the nation's peace and security. It is from the people that governments derive their authority, and it is to the people that government is accountable.

In a few short weeks, on November 4th, the people of the United States will once again go to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to choose those they will entrust with the responsibility to represent the American people in their government. As Americans here at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, the 2008 U.S. Elections are an opportunity for us to celebrate and share our traditions of democracy with our friends in Nigeria. For us and for the United States they also mark the beginning of a time of transitions, to new leadership and to new opportunities.

We are all looking forward to election night. This year, the U.S. Mission is hosting election night events in Abuja and Lagos featuring early U.S. election coverage, programs and information on the U.S. election process, and most importantly, the opportunity to share our democratic traditions with our friends in Nigeria. I am deeply encouraged by the interest of the Nigerians in the U.S. Election. And just as the transition from one U.S. administration to the next will take place over the next several months, so too will our commitment to support democracy and good governance through our partnership with the Nigerian people. Our support for just and democratic governance in Nigeria is one of the central pillars of our partnership with the people of Nigeria.

Our democratic institutions reflect the unique history and traditions of America, as reinterpreted and adapted through many transitions in government. In Nigeria too, democracy must be respectful of the traditions of the Nigerian people, while honoring and reflecting the will of the people through fair, transparent and orderly transitions from one elected government to the next. This is where you come in. It is the responsibility of Nigerians like you to define, ensure, and make your democracy in Nigeria a success. Your education here at the American University of Nigeria, a partner with the American University in Washington, plays a vital role in making you open-minded, but self-assured and strong enough to challenge the things you want to see changed. It will be voices like yours that ensure that corruption is fought at every turn, that you achieve transparent elections and an independent election commission.

What is also important as you learn who you are and what you want for your nation is to know what democracies should do for you: fair and transparent elections; a corruption-free environment; reliable health care and access to education. Your time at AUN will give you the tools to address all these things.

American democracy is firmly rooted in our tradition of representative government- government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" in the words of President Abraham Lincoln. Yet it took many elections and many transitions to ensure that women and African Americans were given an equal opportunity to choose their government.

This year, the Democratic and Republican parties have nominated the most diverse presidential tickets in our history- diversity in age, race and gender. Democrats and Republicans chose their candidates through a nominating process of primaries and caucuses that give the decision not to party bosses operating behind the scenes, but to ordinary citizens expressing their will through fair, open and transparent elections and caucuses.

Our national elections are a wonderful reminder that democracy works for the people. The 2008 U.S. Elections have generated tremendous voter interest, because voters know that the outcome will have a direct impact on the issues that matter most to them. What are the issues that concern voters this year? You may be surprised to know that they are not dissimilar from the issues that concern Nigerians.

Far and away, the top issue on voters' minds is the economy. In the United States and throughout the world, the past few weeks have seen tremendous turmoil in global financial markets. American voters are demanding that the candidates demonstrate that they have the vision and ideas needed to restore confidence in the markets and address the underlying weaknesses in our system that brought on this financial crisis.

Other domestic issues have also moved to the fore. Chief among these are access to affordable health care and the soaring costs of energy. Americans remain concerned about peace and security in the world. Questions about the proper direction for American foreign policy, the threat of international terrorism, and the role of America's military are also among the leading issues identified by Americans in this election.

These issues, as I have traveled around Nigeria, are what I have heard that Nigerians say are important to them. Remember, as Nigerians, and the future of this country, rest with you, you should keep in mind, that the fundamental strength of a democracy is the control it gives you as ordinary citizens to address issues through the power of the vote.

American's choice of their next president, their representatives and senators, and their state and local officials will determine the policies our next leaders will apply to these global and domestic issues. As these new leaders know, as do countless politicians before them, that their performance will be measured by the voters and the power of their vote in future elections.

These political transitions are part of the fabric of democracy in America. Transitions bring change. No doubt, you are wondering what our political transition will mean for Nigeria. While it is not for me to predict the policies of our next administration, I am confident that the framework of partnership between the American people and the people of Nigeria will remain. Nigeria is a leader in the region; the United States and the international community want you to do well. We recognize you face important challenges: instilling the principles of good governance and anti-corruption efforts at all levels of government; implementing electoral and institutional reforms to address the flaws of past elections and ensure the integrity of future elections; developing the human capital and physical infrastructure needed to meet your economic and social goals, ensuring peace and security throughout Nigeria and continuing as a leading contributor to peacekeeping operations throughout the region. Know that through our framework for partnership, whatever the results of the U.S. elections, we will continue to work with you to address these challenges.

For example, just for education alone, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria through our U.S. Agency for International Development activities are increasing numeracy and literacy skills of primary students, improving access to education services, increasing the quality of teaching, and fostering community participation in the educational process. In our five-year COMPASS program, a $25 million budget is supporting Interactive Radio Instruction, teacher training and instructional materials development, and grants to parent-teacher associations to improve the quality of educational services. We are working closely with government ministries, parastatals, the National Assembly, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholder groups through the ENHANSE program to strengthen and support the policy environment necessary for successful social sector programs in Nigeria. Through the Ambassador’s Girls’ Scholarship Program, we are providing about 1,200 scholarships and mentoring to girls and boys in all regions of Nigeria. We provide in-service training to more than 20,000 primary school teachers to improve their teaching skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Our programs also increase girls' primary school enrollment, retention, attendance and completion, especially in the North. Our Youth Exchange and Study program allows secondary students to attend school in the U.S. for one year while living with American families.

We will also work with you to strengthen your institutions of democracy and just government. Since the 2007 elections, Nigerians have signaled a new commitment to the rule of law and respect for the independence of the National Assembly and the courts. Judges and legislators have responded to this by demonstrating unprecedented independence. Electoral tribunals which had, in the past, merely rubber-stamped flawed elections, many- not all- are now overturning at least some of the most egregious polls.

As a friend and partner, the U.S. Government is working with Nigerians to strengthen all these positive trends: developing institutional capacity within the National Assembly, providing technical assistance to improve accountability and transparency in all three branches of Nigeria's federal government, as well as with state and local governments. This includes technical assistance to the Electoral Reform Commission to support its efforts to identify best practices in electoral reform, while also supporting the work of state legislators from Nigeria's 36 states to develop their input to the electoral reform process.

On a democracy's responsibility on health care: we are helping Nigeria through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program, which combines comprehensive prevention, care and treatment programs to support the Nigerian Government's response to the HIV epidemic. Last year alone, the U.S. Government's PEPFAR program provided $447 million dollars to Nigeria on HIV/AIDS programs, including support to clinics.

On a democracy's economic responsibility to its people: we are partnering with Nigeria to encourage a more open trading system, including signing a bilateral investment treaty; facilitating investment in micro and small enterprises; and partnering to bring U.S. advisors to assist in natural gas development and with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. We also encourage Nigerian businesses to take greater advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA.

Our agricultural programs support a wide range of crop development programs, such as the Cassava Enterprise Development Program, which partners with the private sector to promote the production, processing and marketing of cassava products using improved technologies, and the Development Credit Authority loan portfolio facility, which provides partial loan guarantees for agricultural financing for framers.

Democracies also provide peace and security for their people, so we stand ready to support Nigeria’s work to ensure peace and security in the country and throughout the region, such as through the African Union. We commend your government’s position on Zimbabwe calling for the voice of the Zimbabwean people to be heard freely and fairly, and your leadership on the African Union Peace and Security Committee. We work closely with your military on capacity building to provide training and equipment to your peacekeeping forces, and aid in technical assistance to the Nigerian Police Force to build the capacity of police training for students and instructors, including training to investigate allegations against police. We are providing financial forensics and criminal investigation programs to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and other financial crimes institutions. U.S.-funded full-body scanners and other detection equipment are helping to stop narcotics trafficking through Nigeria’s international airports, and on human trafficking we work closely with your National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to prevent this horrible act. On the Niger Delta we have just begun work with some states on youth development needs, education, and vocational training, and have offered to do more if requested by the Nigerian government.

All of these areas: education, health services, a corruption-free environment, peace and security, are the things you as the future of Nigeria must expect from your democracy. We are with you, as you can see from the range of our policy programs, in your road toward a fuller democracy. Thus, our partnership with you is based on mutual friendship and a common desire to see Nigeria, as well as each and every one of you, achieve the full potential that is your future. I have talked a lot about what democracies can and should do for you, and also what your role is. As we celebrate the upcoming U.S. Elections we want you with us to share in one of the key democratic pillars- a dynamic, exciting and transparent election. We want this for America and we know Nigerians want this for Nigeria.

Thank You.