Obama Meets Buhari, To Help Expose Nigeria's Looted Funds

The United States is set to help Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive led by President Muhammadu Buhari to track down billions of dollars in stolen assets. America will also increase military assistance to fight Boko Haram terrorists as Washington seeks to “reset” ties with Africa’s biggest economy.

President Buhari's visit to Washington is viewed as a chance to set the seal on improving ties.

US cooperation with Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, had virtually ground to a halt over issues that included his refusal to investigate corruption by people highly placed in his government.

“President (Barack Obama) has long seen Nigeria as arguably the most important strategic country in sub-Saharan Africa. The question is: would there be an opportunity to deepen our engagement? That opportunity is now,” US Deputy Secretary of State, Tony Blinken, told Reuters.

Since Buhari’s election, Washington has committed $5m in new support to a multi-national task force set up to fight the group. This is in addition to at least $34m it is providing for Nigeria and others.

“We’ve made it clear. There are additional things that can be done, especially now that there is a new military leadership in place,” a senior US official said.