LAGOS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian Senate says it has resolved to send a delegation to meet with the U.S. Congressmen to assist in removing the country from the terror list.

The Senate moves against the backdrop of an attempt by Nigerian Farouk Abdulmutallab to blow up a Detroit-bound plane in December.

Nigeria has been listed among 14 countries by the United States with directives that passengers traveling from the country to the United States by air face extra security screening.

The U.S. decision came after Abdulmutallab, a 23-year old Nigerian, attempted to blow up a jetliner as it approached Detroit after a flight from Amsterdam but failed on Christmas Day.

The Nigerian Senate in Januray described as unacceptable the U. S. decision to list Nigeria as a terrorist nation.

But David Mark, Nigeria's Senate president, informed visiting U. S. Assistant Secretary of State on African Affairs Jonnie Carson about the planned visit in Abuja on Thursday.

Mark told Carson that the planned visit by the Senate committee on foreign affairs is to urged the government of the United States of America not to treat Nigeria as potential terrorist state.

According to him, the attempt by Abdulmutallab to bomb the plane was unfortunate.

The Senate leader asked the U. S. government to take a second look at the decision, noting that Nigeria should be seen as a friendly nation.

"Nigerians are not violent people and we do not support the action of Abdulmutallab. We abhor it and condemn it in its entirety," he told Carson.

He asked the visiting envoy to speak in defense of Nigeria, saying "all our actions and policies are opposed to terrorism."

Carson in his response admitted that Nigeria is a great country and ranks top among nations of the world.

He said Washington is proud to be associated with Nigeria, but did not comment on the listing of the country.

He expressed satisfaction that Nigeria is on course for democracy and constitutionality.

Abdulmutallab is accused of trying to blow up a Northwest Airlines Airbus as it made its descent to Detroit on Dec. 25, 2009 from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

He is alleged to have boarded a plane at the Lagos Murtala Muhamed International Airport, and transferred onto a trans- Atlantic flight at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.