Senior representatives from the United States and Nigeria, along with business leaders from both countries, gathered in Abuja to initiate the working group meetings of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP). This partnership was established under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. The aim is to enhance bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities.
The dialogue was led by four senior officials: Ambassador Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria; Julie LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honorable Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; and Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr., expressed his satisfaction during the inaugural session stating that "The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria." He emphasized that the CIP demonstrates the United States’ commitment to enhancing bilateral commercial ties and creating opportunities for both nations.
Discussions focused on three working groups: agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure. These groups consist of participants from both countries' private sectors who began their work by nominating group leads and identifying non-tariff barriers to trade and investment. Their goal is to foster job creation and recommend solutions to policymakers for challenges in these sectors.
Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa stated that “The U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership reflects our shared commitment to deepening economic ties.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and digital economy for sustainable growth.
The officials agreed to review progress biannually and identify future cooperation areas. The next formal meeting will occur in Fall 2025.