The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Lagos, in partnership with the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s Kaduna Chapter and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), held a roundtable discussion on agricultural trade policy on September 25–26, 2025. The event focused on innovative approaches to agricultural trade aimed at promoting economic growth and food security in Nigeria.
Participants included Nigerian agricultural trade policy advisors, legislative representatives, agribusiness leaders, researchers, regulators, and U.S. agricultural trade associations. The discussions centered on how Nigeria’s current agricultural trade restrictions affect food prices, local production, and investment. Presentations highlighted successful international practices that could be adapted for use in Nigeria.
A key feature of the event was the presentation of research conducted with input from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). The findings indicated that existing trade restrictions have led to higher food prices for consumers, an increase in informal trading channels—which reduces government revenue and oversight—and regulatory uncertainty for businesses involved in agriculture. Recommendations from this research suggested adjusting these restrictions to stabilize food prices and ensure steady access to raw materials.
Experts at the roundtable also discussed alternative policies such as tariff rate quotas and mechanisms where private-sector export trading companies distribute import quota benefits transparently among domestic stakeholders for purposes like scientific or educational programs.
Matthew Obogbaimhe, Chairman of NACC’s Kaduna Chapter, stated: “Revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector requires more than trade restrictions; it demands innovation, sustainable practices, and investment in infrastructure. This vision is why the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce chose to partner with FAS to drive agricultural innovation and trade across Africa.”
Christopher Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor for the FAS office in Lagos, commented: “The roundtable provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and explore innovative agricultural trade policies that benefit the consumers and farmers from Nigeria and the United States. By fostering dialogue, we discussed innovative solutions to strengthen agricultural trade, reduce costs for agribusinesses and consumers, and drive prosperity for American and Nigerian farmers.”
Jafar Umar, Director General of NABG added: “As the leading voice of agribusiness in Nigeria, we believe this roundtable is both timely and highly relevant to the national discourse on advancing trade and strengthening food security. We are happy to partner with FAS on this important initiative, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration through many more impactful engagements in the future.”
The FAS office expressed its intention to continue working with Nigerian authorities and industry stakeholders to implement recommendations from the roundtable discussions. The goal is to advance innovative policies that can improve food security, support value-added processing opportunities, attract investment into agriculture sectors in both countries, and strengthen bilateral trade relations.