[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 51 (Monday, December 27, 1999)]
[Pages 2655-2656]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Lifting the Ban on Direct Flights Between the United States 
and Nigeria

December 22, 1999

    Earlier today, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater announced 
that the United

[[Page 2656]]

States is lifting our ban on direct flights to Murtala Muhammed Airport 
in Lagos, 
Nigeria.
    I congratulate President Obasanjo and his government for taking the 
steps necessary to remove this ban, including the overhauling of 
Nigeria's airport security system. These important reforms provided one 
more indication of the Nigerian administration's commitment to good 
governance. They offer new evidence that Nigeria is reversing the damage 
that years of corruption and mismanagement inflicted upon its 
international reputation.
    I am deeply gratified to see a government chosen by the Nigerian 
people earning the trust and respect of the world. I look forward to 
strengthening our partnership with Nigeria even further over the coming 
year.

Note: In his statement, the President referred to President Olusegun 
Obasanjo of Nigeria.