Attached are three copies of the Policy Planning Paper for Nigeria, as
approved by the members of the NSC
Interdepartmental Group for Africa.
The paper constitutes an official statement of US policy towards Nigeria
and should be used as a guideline by all elements of the Embassy in the
preparation of policy statements, action plans and future budgetary
projections.
Enclosure
Paper
Washington, June
1971
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NIGERIA: Policy Planning Paper
A. U.S. Interests in Nigeria
1. Nigeriaʼs population of 60 million, its economic vitality and
potential, and its military strength (250,000 men) make it one of
the major centers of influence and power on the African
continent.
2. U.S. investments in Nigerian oil (production and marketing) have
increased to $600 million recently. The outlook is for further
expansion. Nigeria also is a supplemental and back-up source of
supply for petroleum, particularly for Europe.
3. There is a growing mutual awareness between the black community in
the United States and in Nigeria and a growing interest in each
otherʼs problems.
4. As the worldʼs ninth most populous country, Nigeria holds promise
as a market for U.S. exports.
B. U.S. Objectives Over the Next Five Years
1. To put our bilateral relations with Nigerian leadership, both
civilian and military, on a firmer basis and permitting a more
effective dialogue.
2. To encourage Nigerian leadership to continue their moderate
outlook.
3. To encourage economic growth and the development of political
structures which can promote stability and maintain unity within
present boundaries.
4. To increase U.S. access to resources and markets.
5. To bring Nigeriaʼs economic potential to bear on African regional
development efforts.
C. Nigeriaʼs Objectives Vis-a-Vis the United
States
1. To develop access to U.S. civilian and military resources,
technology, training and development funds, but not at the expense
of accepting significant U.S. influence either on Nigerian policy or
on Nigerian individuals.
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2. To gain U.S. support for Nigeriaʼs economic and diplomatic
objectives, particularly the end to white rule in Africa.
3. To further reduce the “Biafran” propaganda apparatus and other
anti-Nigerian voices in the United States.
D. Recommended Courses of Action
1. Concentrate resources available through the AID program on Nigeriaʼs most critical
reconstruction and development needs as expressed in the new Four
Year Plan and continue to stress rapid implementation of prior
commitments (See Annex D).
Specifically:
(a) Provision of reconstruction assistance through program lending in
FY 1971 and, assuming a continuing consideration of additional
capital assistance, through either program or sector lending in FY
1972. Support to the police in FY 1971 or FY 1972 for construction
of a new Police College.
(b) Continuation of technical assistance, emphasizing agriculture,
education, and other productive sectors where our capabilities and
interests coincide with the wishes of the GON.
(c) Timely execution of existing capital projects and early
completion of relief and rehabilitation activities.
(d) Development, preferably on a multi-lateral basis, of regional
assistance programs which promote closer economic ties between
Nigeria and its neighbors, such as the Lake Chad Basin
Commission.
2. Maintain cultural and educational exchanges, both official and
private, including contacts between distinguished Nigerians in all
official and private fields with their American counterparts.
3. Provide civic action-oriented military training under MAP. Supplement MAP with sales of conventional military training
courses and, if requested, of equipment.
4. Maintain police training programs. 5. Encourage contacts between
U.S. and Nigerian trade unions.
6. Keep before Nigerian leaders, policymakers, and men of influence a
clear picture of U.S. progress, improvements,
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and policy in the field of race
relations. With regard to southern Africa problems, make clear the
distinctions that exist between U.S. interests and policy toward
southern Africa and those of some of our allies.
7. Encourage Nigeria to maintain a favorable climate for foreign
investment.
8. Continue to bring trade and investment opportunities to the
attention of American businessmen, assure that America business is
not discriminated against, and acquaint Nigerians with American
products. The Export-Import Bank should maintain the flexibility
necessary to enable U.S. firms to meet a high degree of
competition.
9. Continue stressing to Nigerians the benefits of generalized tariff
preferences. If Nigeria renews overtures to associate with the
EEC, try to assure that the
agreement does not set up reverse preferences or further complicate
the emergence of a system of generalized preferences.
10. Discourage the activities of residual pro-Biafran groups in the
United States.
