Nigeria, US to strengthen security ties

Nigeria, US to strengthen security ties

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Africa, Ambassador Vicki Huddleston says that her country and Nigeria will strengthen ties in the field of Security.

Huddleston disclosed this on Friday in Abuja when she paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, in her office.

She said that she came to have talks with the minister because of the meeting between US President Barrack Obama and President Goodluck Jonathan on some issues bordering on security.

Military cooperation

“We want to discuss with you on how we can further our cooperation on security. Security is a critical issue for Nigeria; it is a critical issue for West Africa and, indeed, the whole world. The best way is for the military to ensure peace and security, so as to engender good governance, prosperity and development,’’ she said.

Huddleston said that Nigeria and the US could partner in developing security programmes, while contributing to peace in the region by expanding cooperation in military issues.

Responding, Obada expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the US support in addressing its security situation as well as in other areas.

She welcomed the US request for greater military cooperation to strengthen Nigeria's abilities in the field of security.

Training and re-training

"We can assure you that we need the collaboration with the US because of the challenges we are facing in the Gulf of Guinea and also in the waters between the Republic of Benin and Nigeria. It is not just the Niger-Delta, the activities in the Gulf of Guinea and the waters between Benin Republic and Nigeria are a source of concern, as people come to cart away our fish and prawns; thereby depleting our economic prosperity,’’ she said.

Obada thanked the US for its assistance in training and re-training Nigerian military personnel.

“I want to assure you that Nigeria appreciates the efforts of the US in all these areas and I hope we will be working together for the greater benefits of our countries,’’ she said.

Huddleston was accompanied on the visit by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley and other top US officials.

NAN/Hajia Sani