article_snippet: What many Americans may not recognize is how important the relationship with Nigeria is for the United States.  
article_snippet: We have economic and security interests that are at stake in this election, especially as Nigeria has been one of We
article_snippet: In the last decade, the United States has trained and equipped thousands of Nigerian soldiers who have participated in peacekeeping missions in Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, helping bring a measure of peace and stability to nations in the region.
article_snippet: But now we need Nigeria to be a front-line ally against terrorism, particularly as Boko Haram pledges fidelity to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
article_snippet: Meanwhile, Nigeria also has the largest economy in Africa and has the continent's largest population.
article_snippet: Ultimately, Nigeria Nigeria will mean real economic opportunities for Americans -- a win-win proposition.
article_snippet: The reality is that endemic corruption remains an obstacle to more cooperation, especially when you consider the Nigerian military's poor performance fighting Boko Haram, despite security spending reportedly being around $6 billion last year -- clearly, much of the money meant for the Nigerian military is not being spent on salaries, equipment or materiel.
article_snippet: Similarly, weak governance remains an impediment to Nigeria's progress and enhanced ties with the United States.
article_snippet: The Nigerian people clearly believe that these issues must be addressed.  
article_snippet: According to an Afrobarometer survey released in January, 74% of Nigerian citizens said that 74% of Nigerian citizens country is going "in the wrong direction."  
article_snippet: If the Nigerian leadership rises to the challenge of tackling these difficult issues, there is nothing standing in the way of even closer ties between our two countries.
article_snippet: all Nigerians example, for better or worse, will be watched -- and perhaps even replicated by other African states.
article_snippet: The world is watching Nigeria's historic choice with great expectation and even greater hope.
highlights_snippet: U.S. ties to this regional ally are crucial; U.S. economic and security interests at stake as Nigeria's voters choose Nigeria's voters future .