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Nigeria is one of the pivotal states of Africa and is extremely important to U.S. diplomatic and economic interests on that continent. However, Americans' general lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of Nigeria undercuts our interactions with this crucial state to the detriment of both sides. Nigeria is considered a key power on the African continent, not only because of its size, but because of its political and economic role in the region. In the southern Niger Delta region, local grievances related to oil production in the area have fueled simmering conflict and criminality for over a deca