Nigeria, US’ Strategic Partner, Says Campbell
11.01.2007
Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has said that Nigeria remains an indispensable partner of the United States.
"Our ties are thick, rich and valuable," he said during an audience with Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State.
Shekarau is leading a government delegation and a group of businessmen from the state on a visit to the US aimed at fostering economic and educational relations with some US cities.
"The US regards Nigeria as an indispensable partner, always ready to work with it to promote growth and development and to also achieve global peace and security," Campbell said.
He said due to the importance the US Government attached to Nigeria, it constructed one of its biggest chanceries in the world in Abuja, adding that "we are also relating well with the present government to stabilise democratic governance," Campbell said.
He commended Nigeria's role and contributions to regional and international peace-keeping and support to international organisations.
Campbell said the U.S. government would encourage American investors and corporations to invest more in Nigeria by exploring the non-oil sectors."
Although, there are so many American investments in Nigeria than in any other African country, they are more in the area of oil and gas industry.
So we want our investors to venture intoother sectors in the country. It is now our intention to focus investments on new areas that will employ more labour to enable Nigerians to be gainfully employed, as well as check poverty."With more American investments in the non-oil sector, it will help Nigeria's economic growth and open up larger market access for U.S. investors," he said.Responding, Shekarau thanked Campbell for being a goodfriend of Nigeria and commended him for "asuccessful and fruitful tenure," in Nigeria.
