Security measures threatens Nigerian, US relations

Nigeria\'s Information Minister said the imposition of stricter security measures by the United States for travelers from that country could affect the relations between both countries.



Dora Akunyili said she is disappointed with the US decision, which came after a Nigerian born man attempted to blow up a plane on Christmas Day.



Nigerian officials confirmed they had officially asked the US to scrap the new rules.



The Nigerian Information Minister said the government views this action as having the potential of undermining longstanding and established US-Nigeria bilateral ties.



Nigeria has distanced itself from the attack, noting that the man left the country at the age of 10.



In the meantime, a US grand jury has indicted Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on six counts over an alleged bomb plot.



The charges against the 23-year-old include attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder of 290 people on board the plane.