US, Nigeria Launch Trade Pact to Drive Investment, Create Jobs

By: Uju Nwachukwu

In a bid to deepen commercial ties, drive mutual prosperity, the United States and Nigeria have launched the working group phase of their Investment Partnership in Abuja.

The initiative, anchored on a five-year agreement signed in 2024, by US. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Doris Uzoka-Anite, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities in both nations

The initiative also brings together senior officials and private sector leaders from both countries to accelerate trade, unlock investment, and boost job creation in key sectors.

Leading Tuesday’s high-level dialogue were US. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, US. Senior Commercial Officer Julie LeBlanc, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Permanent Secretary Ambassador Nura Rimi.

Ambassador Mills, described the initiative as a milestone in US. Nigeria relations, saying the partnership “underscores America’s firm commitment to advancing shared economic growth.”

The working groups, focused on agriculture, digital economy and infrastructure, kicked off deliberations by appointing group leads and identifying barriers to investment, including non-tariff constraints.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns, said the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to strengthen innovation, create long-term jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

The groups are expected to submit progress reviews twice a year, with the next formal meeting set for the fall of 2025.