United States Consul General to Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo has maintained that the security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States of America (U.S.A) has neither been halted nor frozen.
The Consul General was reacting to an alleged suspension of sale of weapons to Nigeria by the U.S Congress.
Pierangelo spoke on Saturday evening onboard the visiting United States Ship (USS) Hershel “Woody” Williams at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) jetty in Apapa, Lagos State.
The envoy emphasised the commitment of the U.S.A to supporting Nigeria’s defence requirements.
She said: “Let me address first the questions of the role of the U.S Congress in terms of selling weapons. All foreign military sales, regardless of which country needs congressional notification threshold, must have completed the statutory congressional review process prior to the sale being completed and any equipment under that sale being delivered.
“So, there’s a very robust process in the United States congressional notification. No military sales can go forward without that being done and no military sales will ever be delivered or scheduled whilst subject to any kind of congressional hold or any statutory restrictions.
“The U.S is committed to supporting Nigeria’s defence requirements while also ensuring that respect for democracy and human rights remain a key priority in the bilateral relationship.”
