By Mark Longyen

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills says his top priority is to enhance bilateral commercial and investment ties with Nigeria to foster economic growth, and create beneficial opportunities for their citizens.

Mills made this known at the official unveiling of a meeting of working groups of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the working groups, which will focus on agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure, comprise senior U.S. and Nigerian government representatives, and private sector leaders.

The CIP, which Memorandum of Understanding was earlier signed in July 2024, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities for people from both countries.

According to the ambassador, he has identified the CIP as a top priority of his tenure because it underscores the U.S.’ government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.

“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. the Ambassador to Nigeria.

“The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties.

“It will foster economic growth, and create opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations,” he said.

Mr Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle-East and Africa, described CIP as reflecting the shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding business opportunities in both countries.

He said the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, being the government’s private sector voice, was proud of its work to foster international commerce.

Bruns explained that by strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both countries including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy, adding that he was thrilled to witness it.

“We can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term,” he said.

NAN also reports that participants nominated group leads to identify non-tariff barriers to trade and investment aimed at fostering job creation, encouraging private sector engagement, and addressing key challenges in the prioritised sectors.

Four senior officials from both sides comprising Mills; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Amb. Nura Rimi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Julie LeBlanc, U.S. State Department, Commerce, led the dialogue.

The quartet agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation, while the next CIP formal meeting is scheduled to hold later in the year. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim