First Working Group of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, May 25-27

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman


For Immediate Release

May 20, 2010

Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs María Otero to Launch First Working Group of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, May 25-27

Under Secretary María Otero will lead the U.S. delegation to launch the Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity (GTI) Working Group of the Binational Commission in Nigeria on May 25-27. This is the first of four working groups to convene on this issue. In Abuja, she will engage with senior government officials and non-governmental stakeholders on critical topics including the promotion of democratic institutions and processes, and fighting corruption. She will also hold meetings with senior government officials on global issues including health and trafficking in persons.

On May 26, Under Secretary Otero will participate in several preliminary discussions with stakeholders, including a dialogue with Nigerian civil society leaders to discuss good governance, transparency, and integrity in Nigeria. This session will be followed by a meeting with officials on states’ roles in good governance, as well as a discussion with private sector representatives on building stronger enabling environments for business and investment.

Undersecretary Otero and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajumogobia will co-chair the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission Working Group Meeting to be held on May 27. The dialogues will discuss efforts to create an environment for free, fair, and transparent Nigerian general election in 2011, progress and implementation of electoral reform, and enhancing anti-corruption efforts.

Under Secretary Otero will hold a press availability to discuss this meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on May 27. Please contact David Renz at +234 9 461 4093 or RenzDX@state.gov for more information.

As Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Otero oversees the bureaus of Population, Refugee and Migration; Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. She also serves as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.



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