By Samuel Ogidan
Abuja
The United States of America has promised to ensure that no stolen funds from Nigeria
will be laundered through its banking system.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, made this promise during the 239th US Independence celebration at the weekend in Abuja, adding that his country would support the growth of the Nigerian power sector by assisting companies to build more electricity infrastructure, especially, environmentally-friendly power generation.
The envoy said America had continued to maintain a robust engagement in Nigeria for many years, noting that the US partnership with Nigeria “runs deep.”
Entwistle stated that he cannot wait to see what Nigerians can do and what America can do with the nation for freedom from fear, want, sickness, and freedom from corruption.
He said: “As you fight corruption, we offer technical assistance, training for investigators and prosecutors, and a commitment to ensure that no stolen funds are laundered through our banking system.
“As you improve the business climate, we encourage trade and investment. As you increase your commitment to healthcare and education, we support those efforts too”, he added.
He pledged that the US would not stop assisting Nigeria in its fight against the violent Boko Haram sect.
“As you fight Boko Haram and secure and rebuild the North-east, we will continue to help in every appropriate way. As you lead the effort to provide humanitarian aid to those driven from their communities and help them return home, we assist with food, medical care, and education programmes,” he promised.
Entwistle celebrated the heroism of the 56 men who signed the American Declaration of Independence, and risked their lives, property and reputations “because they believed they could make the world a better place.”
