The new U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle, yesterday presented his credentials to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at a brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Ambassador Entwistle on August 1, after he was nominated for the position by U.S. President Barack Obama on May 23. He was sworn in as Ambassador to Nigeria on October 28 in Washington, D.C.

In testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ambassador Entwistle emphasised the importance of good governance and accountability as keys to Nigeria’s realisation of its enormous potential. “I will continue focusing U.S. efforts on partnering with Nigeria to develop measures to more effectively fight corruption and advance transparent and accountable governance,” he said.

He expressed his commitment to expand bilateral trade and promote U.S. investment in Nigeria as a vehicle for economic growth.

Ambassador Entwistle said that he would work with the Nigerian government to assist security forces to increase public confidence in government efforts to address violence and terrorism. He also told the committee that it was necessary to address the legitimate economic needs of communities vulnerable to violent extremism.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service at the rank of minister counselor, Ambassador Entwistle most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He served as the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 2007 until June 2010. From 2003-2006, Ambassador Entwistle served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with simultaneous accreditation to Maldives.

Ambassador Entwistle joined the Foreign Service in January 1981. He served in Yaounde, Douala, and Niamey from 1981-1986. From 1986-1990, the ambassador was a watch officer in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the desk officer for Kenya and Uganda in the Bureau of African Affairs. From 1991-1994, he headed the Refugee Assistance Unit at Embassy Bangkok with extensive travel to Cambodia. After serving as deputy chief of mission in Bangui 1994-1995, Ambassador Entwistle worked in the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State until his assignment as counselor for political affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1999-2003.

Ambassador Entwistle is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina. His foreign languages are French and Thai. He is married to Pamela G. Schmoll. They have two children.

•Photo shows Ambassador Entwistle presenting his credentials to President Jonathan with Minister of Foreign Affairs Professor Onwuliri watching. Photo by Callistus Ewelike.