US Lists Four Conditions For Nigeria To Exit Watch List

Abuja Feb 11, (THEWILL) - The United States government has said it would consider removing Nigeria from the list of countries with ties to terrorism if the country fulfills four conditions, foreign affairs minister, Ojo Maduekwe told members House of Representatives committee on foreign affairs in Abuja on Thursday.

The conditions include public condemnation of any form of terrorism anywhere in the world; improvement of security in the nation's airports; deployment of air marshals on board aircrafts, and passing legislative laws on anti-terrorism.

Committee chairman, Bature Umar told reporters that the meeting was convened to enable the minister brief the committee members on the alleged Christmas Day bomb attempt of Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, which was the reason for Nigeria's inclusion on the list.

Quoting Maduekwe, Umar said Nigeria got commendations in 2009, 2008 and 2007 from the US for its campaign against terrorism and noted the countries assistance during the September 11 twin tower bombing.

Explaining what it meant to be on the US list of countries of interest, he said anybody flying from or through Nigeria, irrespective of his citizenship would be monitored.

The Nigerian Christmas Day bomber is being prosecuted in the United States for the attempt.