U.S. and Nigeria Strengthen Economic Ties with Launch of Business Working Groups

In a significant move to deepen bilateral trade relations and unlock fresh investment opportunities, representatives from the United States and Nigeria convened in Abuja for the formal inauguration of a series of Business Working Groups. These groups are an integral component of the U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), a framework designed to promote commercial cooperation and long-term economic growth for both nations. The CIP stems from a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite. The agreement outlined a mutual commitment to fostering sustainable economic engagement by supporting cross-border trade, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and facilitating investments across key sectors.

Collaborative Leadership and Strategic Focus Areas

The leadership of the newly launched working groups includes four senior officials from both countries: U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills; Senior Commercial Officer of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Julie LeBlanc; Nigeria’s current Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi. Their combined expertise and commitment aim to ensure the smooth coordination of sectoral objectives between both governments and their private sectors.

Ambassador Richard Mills described the launch of the working groups as a defining moment and one of the top priorities of his ambassadorial tenure. “It gives me immense pleasure to see the launch of the working groups come to fruition. The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that benefit people across our great countries,” he stated during the inauguration.

The inaugural meetings featured active participation from private sector leaders across agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure sectors. The sessions began with the nomination of group leads and moved into substantive discussions on identifying and addressing non-tariff barriers that hinder trade and investment flows between the two countries. The collaborative approach is expected to result in pragmatic recommendations, increased deal flow, and the establishment of stronger commercial linkages.

According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the CIP is expected to act as a catalyst for greater market access, improved trade facilitation, and investment promotion. With agriculture and infrastructure serving as traditional cornerstones of Nigeria’s economy, and the digital economy presenting newer frontiers for innovation and job creation, the chosen focus areas reflect the priorities of both countries in aligning growth with sustainability and inclusion. As the working groups begin to operationalize their agendas, stakeholders from both the U.S. and Nigeria are optimistic that the Commercial and Investment Partnership will serve as a transformative platform for unlocking untapped potential and expanding the horizon of mutual prosperity. The launch not only reflects diplomatic goodwill but also a shared vision for a future where commerce and collaboration remain central to international development.