Nigeria facing serious threats from extremism –Clinton

United States Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton, has expressed concern about the “serious threats” posed to Nigeria by extremism.

At a short meeting with staff of the US Embassy in Abuja on Thursday night, Clinton said the situation informed the extraordinary security measures around the mission and restrictions imposed on the movements of diplomatic staff.

She met with the embassy staff shortly after holding talks with President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Security Council, as part of her whistle-stop to Nigeria on her way to Accra in Ghana, going by a transcript of the meeting obtained by our correspondent on Friday.

Although she admitted that the measures had been “a burden” to staff, she explained that it was for their safety.

“I also know that the security measures we have put in place, the curfew and travel restrictions to keep you safe, can be a real burden.

“But please know that nothing is more important to us than your safety, and making sure you have secure places to live and work is our top priority.

“So we are counting on the efforts moving forward toward completing construction on the new Embassy annex and a new residential compound,” Clinton stated.

She said that since her last visit to Nigeria three years ago, the nation had “made a lot of progress.”

She added, “We’ve seen elections that were free and fair, a government working to institute transparency and reform, admirable leadership in regional and global affairs.

“And at the same time, we know Nigeria is facing serious threats from extremism. But through every one of these issues and many, many more, you have provided invaluable assistance to the Nigerian people.”

The US top official commended Ambassador Terrence McCulley for keeping the mission going through the difficult times that had marked his duty tour in Nigeria in the last one year. She noted that it was commendable that the embassy was not grounded at any point.

She said, “And I especially want to thank the Ambassador. Ambassador McCulley, you have led this mission through all the difficulties of the last year.

“You endured terrorist threats against the Embassy, the bombing of the UN headquarters, a strike that brought Abuja to a standstill, and still you and this team kept going. You all never wavered or put off your responsibilities.

“I understand that some of you were leaving home at 3 or 4 am to get to work before protesters barricaded the roads back in January. And that kind of dedication is extremely admired.”

Clinton paid tribute to Nigerian victims of the Dana Air crash of June 3, who had close dealings with the embassy before their demise.

Four of the victims – Anthony Okara, Benson Oluwayomi, Obinna Akubueze and Taiwo Lamidi – were staff of the US Defence Department’s Walter Reed Programme in Nigeria and died in the crash as they were flying to Lagos to attend a workshop.