VZCZCXYZ0004
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUJA #2172/01 2340958
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 220958Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6868
INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 4863
RUEHDK/AMEMBASSY DAKAR 0299
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC

UNCLAS ABUJA 002172 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
TREASURY FOR LUKAS KOHLER/DAN PETERS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EFIN OTRA KJUS SNAR NI
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR DOT ADVISOR SUSAN STRAWN 
 
REF:  DAKAR 2009, EMAIL QUAST/STRAWN 08/21/06 
 
1.SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Because of the security situation in 
Abuja, Nigeria, Motor Pool vehicles are not authorized to leave the 
city between the hours of 2300 and 0600.  Flights arriving/departing 
during these hours will not be supported by motor pool.  Travelers 
using the British Air flight for arrival will need to wait at the 
airport until 0630 for Motor Pool pick up.  Travelers wishing to 
leave the airport on their own during these hours need to request a 
waiver via cable to the Chief of Mission. 
 
¶2.  U.S. Mission Nigeria warmly welcomes and grants country 
clearance to DOT Advisor Susan Strawn, from August 22-24, 2006 to 
attend the Fifth National Seminar on Economic Crimes in Abuja, 
Nigeria. 
 
¶3.  Control Officer for this visit in Abuja is Gregory Moore, 
Economic Officer who can be reached on the following numbers: 
 
       234-9-461-4378  (OFFICE) 
       234-803-665-1100 (CELL) 
       234-9-461-4273  (FAX) 
       234-9-413-0090  (HOME) 
       MooreGA@state.gov (UNCLASSIFIED EMAIL) 
 
 
¶4.  AmEmbassy Abuja will facilitate local transportation to and from 
the airport and hotel for Ms. Strawn. Reservations have been made 
for your stay in Abuja at the Sheraton at $160 per night. Travelers 
are responsible for paying the hotel directly for the cost of their 
hotel bill and the hotel account must be settled prior to traveler's 
departure from post.  It is required that USG employees who will 
have accommodation exchange privileges bring sufficient U.S. dollars 
to pay hotel deposit for at least 2-4 nights lodging until they are 
able to get to the Embassy/Consulate cashier (closed nights and 
weekends) for accommodation exchange.  Non-US Government 
employees/contractors are not extended accommodation exchange 
privileges and must bring sufficient dollars (no travelers checks 
please) to cover their expenses while at post.  It is the policy and 
practice in Nigeria to pay a deposit when checking into a hotel. 
 
¶A.  The following procedures for TDY support are in effect in 
Mission Nigeria (ref: STATE 209562, dated 18 Jul, 03).  Costs 
associated with visiting VIPs will be funded with fiscal data from a 
visiting delegation prior to a visit.  ICASS services are not 
charged to TDYers who are (a) temporarily filling vacant positions 
or staffing gaps, (b) providing support for ICASS services, or (c) 
providing post-to-post assistance (TDYers sent from one overseas 
post to another to provide temporary support/assistance). 
 
¶B.  Each visitor, regardless of length of stay, must provide fiscal 
data to pay for direct costs of the visit.  Each agency, 
organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual 
costs attributed to their visit.  Direct charge costs include, but 
are not limited to: American and LES staff overtime (e.g., 
expediter, accommodation exchange, representational event support), 
field travel, lodging and M&IE by Embassy employees, vehicle 
rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office 
supplies and all other costs that are directly attributable to the 
visit. 
 
¶C.  For TDYers over thirty (30) days, there is a charge for ICASS 
support services (basic package, CLO, and health services).  A TDY 
invoice will be prepared where the ICASS services provided to that 
agency cannot be direct charged and the cumulative amount billed to 
the agency billing code exceeds $2,500.  If your sponsoring agency 
is not signed up for ICASS services at post, please be prepared to 
sign a MOU for ICASS support services upon arrival.  The agency 
should provide post with a written communication, generated by the 
traveler's headquarters that confirms the agency agreement to pay 
ICASS charges for the TDYer, provides the agency ICASS billing code 
the TDY support charges should be applied to, and authorizes the 
traveler to sign the ICASS invoice generated by the TDY module. 
 
¶5.  The Mission strongly discourages the use of credit cards 
anywhere in Nigeria.  Visitors should carry cash (U.S. dollars). 
Visitors should verify the identification of anyone presenting him 
or herself as a Consulate or Embassy employee, by checking 
identification badges. 
 
¶6.  Visas are required for entry into Nigeria and must be obtained 
prior to traveling. Airport visas are not/not an available option. 
 
¶7.  Photography: Permission is required to take photos of buildings, 
airports, bridges or official-looking areas. These sites are not 
always clearly marked. Permission must be obtained from local 
security personnel. Penalties range from confiscation of equipment 
to arrest.  Some Nigerians object to their photos being taken; 
always ask permission before taking pictures of individuals. 
 
¶8.  Checked baggage is frequently lost or delayed from 24-72 hours 
en route to Nigeria.  Travelers are therefore advised to pack 
clothing and essentials in their carry on luggage. 
 
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MEDICAL 
------- 
 
¶9.  Malaria prophylaxis should be started at least one week before 
arrival, continued through the length of stay and at least four 
weeks after departure.  Post also suggests that visitors ensure that 
their immunizations are up-to-date and carry their entire yellow 
shot record with them.  Documentation of yellow Fever vaccination is 
required for entry into this country. 
 
¶10. Persons coming to post TDY without requirement for a medical 
clearance (TDY for less than 60 days) with chronic medical 
conditions (diabetes, heart and lung conditions) are advised that 
CRITICAL/EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (US Standards) does not exist in 
this country.  People with chronic medical conditions are STRONGLY 
ADVISED to contact the staff at the Mission Health Unit (either 
Abuja or Lagos) for further information and advice about available 
medical support to manage chronic health conditions.  Please refer 
to Post Medical Capabilities Report located on the Office of Medical 
Services web site for specifics regarding available medical 
facilities/specialty care. 
 
¶11. Medevac insurance coverage is REQUIRED for persons NOT COVERED 
under a medical care program with the State Department. 
 
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SECURITY 
-------- 
 
¶12. Security regulations govern access to U.S. Government facilities 
and to classified information and classified information processing 
equipment.  Implementation of these regulations requires that the 
Regional Security Officer be notified of the full name and type of 
security clearance, if any, held by the visitor.  Without this 
notification, visitors will require escort in facilities where 
classified information is stored, produced or discussed.  Visitor 
may use their diplomatic or official passports or State Department 
building passes, along with a copy of this cable, to obtain a 
temporary Mission identification card, which is required to access 
and remain on any USG office compound in Nigeria. 
 
¶13. U.S. Mission of Nigeria acknowledges the security clearance held 
by Ms. Strawn. 
 
¶14.  There is no specific terrorist threat against American citizens 
or American interests in Nigeria.  Rather, the main threat to U.S. 
citizens and U.S. interests is mostly criminal based upon prevailing 
economic conditions.  Violent crime is endemic throughout the 
country.  Armed street robberies, carjackings, sexual assaults, 
residential burglaries and credit card fraud threaten every person 
in the country, foreigners and Nigerians alike.  U.S. citizens and 
official travelers have not been singled out, but they are generally 
perceived to be affluent and are subject to the same threat as all 
other persons in Nigeria.  There have also been incidents of violent 
communal unrest outside Abuja and Lagos during the past several 
months, and innocent bystanders have suffered.  RSO has determined 
that most violent crimes around Abuja take place between the hours 
of 2400-0500.  Post, in consultation with the RSO, has placed a 
temporary travel restriction on embassy Abuja motor pool vehicles. 
Embassy vehicles are not permitted to travel outside of Abuja 
between the hours of 2400-0500.  Since the airport is outside of 
Abuja, travelers should arrange their arrival/departure flights 
accordingly. 
 
¶15.  The security environment in Nigeria mandates that the Regional 
Security Officer be notified of all travel outside Abuja at least 
TWO WORKING DAYS prior to the proposed travel.  Travelers need to be 
aware that many areas in the country are significantly less safe 
than the capital city of Abuja.  Travel outside Abuja should be 
undertaken with caution and scheduled to insure return to Abuja, or 
another major city, before darkness. 
 
¶16.  Poorly maintained roads and vehicles are a danger to travelers. 
 Highway robberies and other violence are real threats.  Public 
transportation, especially buses, is extremely risky and is not 
recommended.  Vehicular accidents are common and frequently draw 
large, confrontational crowds.  Roadside assistance is sometimes 
non-existent.  Always use Embassy/CG Motor pool or a reliable car 
hire service.  TDY visitors under Chief of Mission authority who 
will be in country more than ten working days are required to 
receive a mandatory security briefing by the Regional Security 
Office.  Your sponsor will provide you with the date and time of 
your briefing. 
 
¶17.  FOR VISITORS TO LAGOS:  Due to the critical crime threat, all 
official Americans, be they permanent or temporary duty, under the 
authority of the Chief of Mission are to follow latest mission-wide 
travel policies which may require the use of lightly armored 
vehicles (LAVs) and/or armed escort.  Nighttime travel outside of 
Lagos is restricted. 
 
¶18.  Scams:  Nigeria-based scams are infamous for their cleverness 
and their ingenuity. These so called "419" scams target foreigners 
worldwide posing both a financial loss and personal danger to 
participants. Scams are frequently initiated by credit card use, 
telephone calls, and unsolicited faxes or letters.  No one should 
provide personal or financial information to unknown parties. 
 
¶19.  Hotel security: Hotels used for TDY employees and visitors are 
relatively safe.  Guests should not venture off of the hotel grounds 
to shopping areas on the street without being accompanied by a 
seasoned visitor or hotel representative.  Also, use of taxis or 
other vehicles or drivers not specifically arranged by the hotel is 
strongly discouraged.  Visitors must always be cognizant of the 
presence of commercial sex workers who frequent the casinos, 
lobbies, pools bars and, at times, brazenly knock on individual 
hotel room doors, offering their services. If confronted, be firm 
and the solicitation will usually end.  Persistent solicitors should 
be brought to the attention of hotel security. 
 
-------------- 
PUBLIC AFFAIRS 
-------------- 
 
¶20.  If your office has issued a press release on your visit, please 
fax a copy to the Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) at 
234-9-523-5228, so that we can accurately answer any questions from 
the local media.  PAS frequently arranges press releases, background 
briefings, press conferences, or one-on-one interviews with Nigerian 
and resident international press correspondents to help promote USG 
objectives.  U.S. Mission Nigeria can work with you to place op-eds 
before, during, or after the visit that can advance understanding of 
the issues.  Visitors who will be keynoting or making remarks at the 
conferences should provide PAS with copies of remarks and handouts, 
which can reach additional audiences through magazines, newspapers 
or niche publications.  Please advise whether you anticipate or want 
any media events during your visit. To communicate directly with 
PAS, please contact in Abuja, Rudolph E. Stewart, CPAO (Country 
Public Affairs Officer) at 234-9-461-4202 (office phone), 
234-9-461-4011 (fax), StewartRE@state.gov (e-mail) or in Lagos, Atim 
George, PAO, atim_eneida_george@hotmail.com , 234-803-408-0352 
(mobile), 234-1-261-5753 (office), and 234-1-263-5397 (fax). 
 
-------------- 
COMMUNICATIONS 
-------------- 
 
¶21.  Email accounts:  As a policy, post does not create email 
accounts for TDY personnel.  If you wish to check your email while 
in Nigeria please bring the IP address or name of your home email 
server. 
 
22  The U.S. Mission wishes you a safe journey and a pleasant stay 
with us. 
 
CAMPBELL