The United States has reaffirmed its dedication to deepening trade, investment, and business relationships with Nigeria, emphasising that American commerce in the country extends beyond the exchange of goods and services to creating opportunities, driving innovation, and improving livelihoods.
The declaration came during the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” awards ceremony held in Abuja, an event aimed at celebrating the impact of American products and ideas on Nigerian communities and enterprises.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lee McManis, the Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, explained that the initiative was designed to showcase the breadth of the economic partnership between the two nations.
He highlighted the pivotal role American goods, services, and innovations play in supporting Nigerian businesses, boosting local economies, and fostering community development.
“Expanding trade and investment remains a central priority of the U.S. Mission,” McManis said. “Our economic cooperation with Nigeria is rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.”
He recalled the signing of the Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The five-year memorandum of understanding focused on key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure development, and the digital economy, and positions Nigeria among only five African countries with such an agreement with the United States.
McManis further noted that more than 100 major American companies currently operate in Nigeria across industries such as manufacturing, energy, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
These businesses, along with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, are credited with generating employment, fostering innovation, and driving mutual prosperity.
“These companies are not just trading goods; they are transforming lives and creating opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.
The awards ceremony also celebrated the winners of the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” video contest, which received entries from participants across the country.
Contestants showcased, through creative skits, how American-made products and innovations are integrated into daily Nigerian life.
Raheedat Fagbenle from Lagos State was declared the overall winner, while Tito Abumere, also from Lagos, secured second place.
Third place went to Janefrancis Ugwu from Abuja, followed by Cyril Usheshe from Cross River State in fourth, and Timileyin Durotoye from Osun State in fifth position.
McManis observed that the contest entries underscored the reliability and quality of American products while demonstrating how U.S. technologies empower Nigerian entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesses to access new skills, knowledge, and global markets.
He stressed that the initiative went beyond brand promotion, reflecting the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Nigeria.
“Commerce between our two nations is about people entrepreneurs, students, families, and communities working together to build a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
The event highlighted the multifaceted nature of U.S.-Nigeria economic engagement, underlining trade, innovation, and collaboration as key drivers of shared growth and development.
