The U.S. Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to the problem of Nigerian criminal activity. It is being actively pursued on the law enforcement and foreign policy fronts. Senior-level meetings chaired by the Department of State, and attended by members of the U.S. intelligence community and U.S. law enforcement officials, including the U.S. Attorney General have been ongoing concerning Nigerian criminal activity. A U.S. Government working plan has been drafted to combat this issue, and a number of recommendations have been implemented. Internationally, in 1996, the Political Eight (G–7 plus Russia) met in Lyon, France, to coordinate enforcement efforts against transnational crime. One outcome of the meeting was the formation of a subgroup dedicated to combating Nigerian criminal activity.

The United States and 38 other governments have raised the issue of Nigerian criminal activity with the Nigerian Government to impress upon them the serious nature of this problem. The best defense against Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud is public awareness. To receive additional information on Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud, contact the Financial Crimes Division of the U.S. Secret Service (see page 29) for assistance. District Offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce (see pages 28–30) and the Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos. Nigeria, also stand ready to assist any U.S. firm seeking information about a particular Nigerian company or the Nigerian business climate in general.