NIGERIA: VP ATIKU ON MPRI AND AVID RECOVERY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000937

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RAS, PM/HDP
LAGOS FOR GREANEY
EUCOM FOR POLAD


E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/22/2012
TAGS: PREL MASS MOPS NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: VP ATIKU ON MPRI AND AVID RECOVERY


Classified by Ambassador Howard F. Jeter; Reasons 1.5 (b) and
(d).



1. (C) Ambassador Jeter called on Vice President Atiku
Abubakar March 19. In addition to a wide range of economic
issues (septel),Ambassador stressed the need for a quick
decision on the FY02 MPRI payment; without that decision, the
program would be cut. On Operation Avid Recovery, Jeter said
the Operation should not only assist with the immediate UXO
problem in Ikeja, but also should be used to prevent future
disasters by providing a safety assessment of other
ammunition storage facilities in the country.



2. (C) The Vice President said that he personally could not
decide either issue. However, he committed to discuss EOD
assessments with the President once Obasanjo returns home.
The Vice President also said that he would work to ensure a
quick written response from the GON on the MPRI program.
Jeter