SGF Lists Gains Of Nigeria-US Agreement

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, on Friday said the bilateral agreement signed between Nigeria and the U. S. would reinforce mutual respect between the two countries.

“The specific benefits will be the reinforcement of mutual respect between Nigeria and the U.S. and identifying faulty areas whereby we will continuously review them for the purpose of making sure that we do everything correctly and rightly,’’ he said.

Correspondents say both countries signed the agreement during the inauguration of the Nigeria–U.S. Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Washington D.C on Tuesday.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Muhammad International Airport on his way to Abuja, Ahmed noted that the agreement would help improve the Nigerian economy.

“There are specific sections on energy and investment and the American government is encouraging the private sector there to come and invest in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The SGF added that the agreement would strengthen the Nigerian democratic reforms and bring about stability and economic prosperity for the country.

“Indeed the electoral reforms are on course before the 2011 elections but we will also see significant changes in terms of how we conduct ourselves,’’ he said.

Ahmed noted that the two countries had existing bilateral relationship which they acknowledged and honoured.

“We have existing bilateral relationship and agreement with them which we are both honouring.

“U.S. also depends on us on peacekeeping internationally, and they mentioned during my visit that Nigeria is highly respected,’’ he said.