The Nigeria-US Parliamentary Friendship Group of the House of Representatives has urged the United States of America (US) not to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC).
This advocacy followis concerns over potential US plans to include Nigeria on the CPC list due to ongoing insecurity and violence across the country.
Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, chairman of the group, made this known during a recent six-day diplomatic mission in the US, where the group engaged American lawmakers, including Congressman Christopher Smith.
“Placing Nigeria on the CPC list could hinder us from accessing technology to combat crime effectively,” Onuakalusi stated at the Nigerian House in New York, emphasizing that the security challenges stem from criminal activities and the proliferation of small arms.
Onuakalusi also pushed for Nigeria’s long standing bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, highlighting the country’s contributions to peacekeeping missions and its significant youth population as assets for global partnership and investment.
He further underscored Nigeria’s shift from seeking foreign aid to promoting business collaborations, citing the nation’s demographic and economic potential. “We are no longer interested in aid, but business investments.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and legislative ties with the US, with the aim to enhance Nigeria’s role in international peace and security decisions
During their US visit, the Nigerian delegation reportedly met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, where they emphasized the need to leverage existing UN agencies for mutual benefit.
Dabo Ismail Haruna, representing Toro Federal Constituency and chair of the subcommittee on Protection of Critical National Assets, also echoed concerns about the potential consequences of Nigeria being designated a CPC by the US.
He highlighted that negative reports from some Nigerians abroad are influencing US congressional deliberations, which could result in sanctions. According to him, the group appealed directly to US lawmakers, including the Minority Leader and key committee chairs, urging that Nigeria not be added to the CPC list.
The lawmaker called for deeper parliamentary engagement. “We will provide genuine information to strengthen our relationship with them”, he said.
