The United States is set to relax the restrictions on Nigeria in its ability to procure weapons from America and its allies under the country’s Leahy Law, US congressman, Rep Darrel Issah, said monday.
The Leahy Law is a US human rights law that prohibits its Department of State and Department of Defence from providing military assistance to foreign military units that allegedly violate human rights.
Issah made the statement while fielding questions from journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with service chiefs and Ministry of Defence officials at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja monday.
Issah, who led the US delegation, said discussions centred on a wide range of issues, especially the area of technical support in fighting the Boko Haram terror group.
He said the lifting of restrictions was a fallout of the policy of the new military command with regards to the ongoing military operations in the country.
“There were a number of things that were discussed at the meeting but basically the need for additional technical support including overhead surveillance. This was discussed because it is important in the fight against Boko Haram.
“This is because of the trust in the new regime which has began the process of ensuring that the military’s professionalism in the battle field is made in a way that we all can be confident that the rule of law is followed.
“Following this development, we have began the process of lifting restriction under the Leahy Law but the vast majority of the support US provides will be given regardless of the restrictions.
“The vast majority of support the US provides will continue regardless of the restrictions. The support will also include training, technical support and equipment supplied will never stop but will continue.
“We are looking to work with the president (Muhammadu Buhari) and new general staff (chief of defence staff and service chiefs) to work to make sure that the people of Nigeria have the confidence in the professionalism of the military, something the people can rely on.
“To make the military something that the people will rely on as the nation tries to clear insurgents and protect the civilians; that is important to the new president of Nigeria, our president (Barack Obama) and it is also important to the congress.
“But we are looking forward to a great difference in the relationship, a proactive relationship and one in which we can provide a greater level of support,” he said.
Issah promised that the US would provide other forms of support that would not only boost the Nigerian military’s capabilities but would also create the environment to rebuild devastated communities.
He said the US through its agencies in Nigeria would help to rebuild and rehabilitate communities and victims of insurgency in the North-east.
The congressman said both countries still remained partners and allies, despite the seemingly lack of support for the preceding administration of President Goodluck Jonathan due to the limitations imposed by the Leahy Law.
He assured that a window of opportunity had been opened with the emergence of the new administration and a process put in place to lift the Leahy Law-induced ban on the sale of weapons to Nigeria.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Ismaila Aliyu, said the visit was a sign of the renewed confidence in Nigeria’s military on the global scene.
He said Nigeria now enjoyed a greater level of confidence and trust in the international community, stressing that it would impact positively on the nation’s efforts in repositioning its economy.
“The US believes in Nigeria, they have trust and confidence in Nigeria, that is why they are here.
On the issue of human rights, the US is pleased with what we have been doing in recent times to address the gaps that may have existed in the past.
“This visit is a follow up to Mr. President’s visit to the US, we have said it and will continue to state that the visit was of great benefit to Nigeria, it has rekindled confidence in the relations between the two countries,” he said.
Issah led a delegation from the US Congress Judicial Committee to the meeting with Nigeria’s top ranking defence officials.
Other issues that dominated discussions between officials of the two countries include justice reforms and support for devastated communities, among others.
