US pledges more investments in Nigeria

The United States Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday said that the US would increase its investments in Nigeria and improve on diplomatic relations between the two countries. The embassy’s Economic Officer, Kelly Moon, led a team of officials to the National Assembly in Abuja where they assured Nigerian lawmakers of the readiness of the US to continue to support Nigeria, especially in transportation and health services. On the team was also the Political Officer of the Embassy, Martin Hardinger, who said the US was prepared to key into the country’s new agenda of diversifying its economy. A lawmaker from Edo State, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, received the team at the House of Representatives. Agbonayinma currently heads the House ad hoc committee investigating Nigeria’s railway modernisation and rehabilitation projects. Agbonayinma, while addressing the team, recalled the US’ support for the growth of democracy in Nigeria and other services it had provided in the health and transportation sectors. He stated that one lesson to learn from the US, was the “belief in selfless service” to others. “The US played a role in supporting Nigeria’s democracy. “They have been useful to us in the areas of health services, transportation and security”, he added. However, Agbonayinma called on the United States Agency for International Developments and other US agencies to continue to work with Non-governmental organisations to take services to rural communities and constituencies in the country. He made a similar appeal to the US Department of Education, soliciting help for study grants to students and jobs. Agbonayinma and the team later went into a closed-door session after the opening phase of the meeting.