Washington, DC, US - Africa's most populous nation and one of the continent's economic giants has again been left out as US President Barack Obama plans to embark on his third trip to Africa, and the second to sub-Saharan Africa, since he was first elected into office.


Nigeria is conspicuously absent on the President's 26 June to 3 July itinerary that includes Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.

President Obama, born to a Kenya father and an American mother, chose Ghana for his first visit to Africa after his landmark election and assumption of office in January 2009

His only other visit to Africa was to Egypt also in 2009.

It is not known why the President of the world's most powerful nation has yet to visit Nigeria, widely regarded as an engine of growth in the continent.

But analysts said despite successful transition from one administration to another since the end of military rule in 1999, the country is yet to be seen as a model of democracy and good governance.

PANA reports that elections held since 1999 have fallen short of international standards, while successive administrations have neither met the standards of good governance nor fight the cankerworm of corruption that has held the resource-rich country down.

In announcing President Obama's impending visit to Africa, in Washington, DC, on Monday, the White House said the President and the First Lady look forward to traveling to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.

'The President will reinforce the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders.

'The President will meet with a wide array of leaders from government, business, and civil society, including youth, to discuss our strategic partnerships on bilateral and global issues. The trip will underscore the President’s commitment to broadening and deepening cooperation between the United States and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity,' the White House said in a statement.

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