Abuja: The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, announced that bilateral trade between the U.S. and Nigeria has surged to approximately $13 billion. This announcement was made during a dinner hosted by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to celebrate the country’s 249th independence anniversary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mills emphasized that the growing trade relationship has created economic opportunities for both Americans and Nigerians, fostering job creation in both countries. He expressed pride in the trade milestone and highlighted the importance of stimulating trade to build a mutually beneficial future for the two nations.
The ambassador noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership continues to evolve, grounded in a commitment to shared prosperity. This includes enhancing commerce and trade and expanding opportunities for workers in both countries. The event also served as a farewell to departing staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), whose efforts have significantly impacted health and education programs in Nigeria.
Mills elaborated that U.S. diplomacy with Nigeria is now focused on developing commercial and trade relationships. As part of this commitment, the U.S. recently launched the Commerce and Investment Partnership (CIP) with Nigeria’s Ministry of Trade. This initiative aims to facilitate business and trade by bringing together companies and government officials from both nations.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and the U.S., underscoring their shared commitment to democracy and resilience. He noted that both nations serve as global reference points for innovation and influence, shaping their foreign policy directions.
The event was attended by significant figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, among others.
