Beverly Hills, CA January 6, 2010-The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA (NICOCUSA) is appalled by the United States Federal Government's decision to add Nigeria to its Terrorist List, thus federally mandating stricter screening of Nigerian nationals entering the United States. The US' haste decision to quickly add Nigeria among known terrorist nations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Somalia is unfounded. Nigeria should not be typecast with a group of nations that have repeatedly demonstrated their disdain against the United States and its policies on several occasions. Nigeria is neither a breeding ground for terrorists nor does it wish to be further demoralized as a sovereign nation of 150 million Africans. If Nigeria is to be added to the US' Terrorist List then, the United States, Spain, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ireland, Britain, and an array of other nations should also be added to the US' Terrorist List. During the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, several of their nationals were implicated of the crimes. So, why wasn't Kenya and Tanzania added to the US' Terrorist List? Why has this isolated incident involving a Nigerian warranted such a harsh and poorly contemplated response from the US? Nigeria has once again been mislabeled and treated with gross injustice by this US policy.
According to a 2003 survey on World Values, Nigerians were ranked as the happiest people on earth. Nigerians seamlessly assimilate into Western society making them the largest group of contemporary African immigrants worldwide. There are over 20 million Nigerians pursing different goals from acquiring an education to starting their own businesses in the Diaspora. Nigerians are competitive, goal oriented, and successful. Most importantly, Nigerians are in love with life. A suicide rate or shall we say "suicide bomber" rate is virtually nonexistent in Nigeria.
Nigeria boasts a robust cash-based economy. In fact, it is commonplace for Nigerians to purchase brand new vehicles or homes with cash. Nigeria has enjoyed a stable democratic government and is the largest US trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the crown jewel of Africa, Nigeria has outstretched its boundaries at several moments in history signing bilateral trade agreements and extradition treaties with the United States.
Nigeria does not deserve to have its moral character bastardized. The US's decision to add Nigeria to its Terrorist List sends the wrong message about the Obama Administration and it will reverberate throughout Nigeria and the entire African continent for years to come. As we approach Nigeria's 50th year of sovereign rule we demand that the US Government immediately rescind this callous decision and issue the Nigerian Government a formal apology.
The Nigerian Chamber Commerce-USA's remains committed to Nigeria's economic development through commerce between the United States and Nigeria and shall not cease to agitate for equality until justice prevails.
Sincerely,
Gregory Ihenacho,
Founder and CEO
468 North Camden Dr. 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: 310-860-7622
