The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, announced on Wednesday that bilateral trade between the U.S. and Nigeria has surged to nearly $13 billion since last year.
He made the disclosure at a dinner hosted by the U.S. Mission in Abuja to commemorate the 249th anniversary of American independence.
Ambassador Mills emphasized that the growing trade relationship has created economic opportunities and jobs for both Nigerians and Americans. “I am very proud that last year our trade with Nigeria soared to nearly $13 billion,” he said.
“This growth has fostered economic opportunities for Nigerians and created jobs for Americans and Nigerians alike. By stimulating trade, we are building a future where both nations thrive as commercial partners.”
He further explained that the partnership between the two countries continues to evolve, centered on a commitment to shared prosperity through increased commerce and expanded opportunities for workers in both nations.
The event also served to celebrate shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as to bid farewell to the departing staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Ambassador Mills praised USAID’s efforts, which have transformed lives by delivering critical health and education programmes and empowering Nigerians with hope and opportunity.
“As USAID’s work concludes at the mission, I assure all Nigerians that the life-saving programmes we built together will continue, sustained through our partnership with Nigeria,” he affirmed.
In a subsequent interview, Ambassador Mills highlighted that U.S. diplomatic efforts with Nigeria are now focused primarily on enhancing commercial and trade ties. He pointed to the recent launch of the Commerce and Investment Partnership (CIP) with Nigeria’s Ministry of Trade, describing it as a landmark initiative.
“We call it CIP, and it brings Nigerian and U.S. companies together with senior officials from both governments to discuss how to ease doing business and trade between our countries,” he said.
“This initiative will significantly support business and trade development over the coming years.”
Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed, the ministry’s permanent secretary, acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, noting their shared histories of resilience and diversity. Tuggar highlighted the importance of democracy as a pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa and global affairs.
“We have each navigated complex terrains to build remarkable societies that seek to give voice and opportunity to all citizens,” he said.
“As we celebrate U.S. independence, we also celebrate the shared resilience of our two nations and our unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges together.”
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Niger State Governor Mohamm (report cuts off).
