Understanding the political economy of Nigeria is needed to reveal the
root causes of its many ethnic, religious, economic, and political
problems and address them for the long term. The pressures now weighing
on Nigeria could literally fracture the state along deep fault lines if
rampant corruption and partisanship continues. As mutually important
partners for both of our interests in Africa, the United States should
assist in specific but indirect ways to help Nigerians overcome their
political economic problems. Within such assistance, the role of the
U.S. military is particularly delicate but needed through focused aid to
specific programs and sharing of expertise, all best managed through
employing units that are regionally aligned to Nigeria or West Africa.