|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-US, Nigeria Deepen Economic Ties with Launch of Strategic Partnership
– CIP Working Groups to Tackle Trade Barriers, Boost Private Sector Participation
The United States and Nigeria have officially launched the Working Group Meeting of the US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), signaling a major step toward strengthening bilateral trade and unlocking economic opportunities.
The US Mission in Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday, confirmed that the launch ceremony held in Abuja brought together top representatives from both governments. The partnership operates under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2024 by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
The CIP is designed to deepen commercial cooperation, promote job creation, and expand private sector engagement in key economic sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.
Leading the high-level dialogue were:
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Ambassador Richard Mills, US Ambassador to Nigeria
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Julie LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Officer, US Department of Commerce
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Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
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Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Mills described the launch as a major milestone.
“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as US Ambassador to Nigeria, so it gives me immense pleasure to see the launch of the working groups come to fruition.
“The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations.”
Thomas Bruns, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, also reaffirmed the initiative’s significance.
“The CIP reflects our shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for businesses in both nations.
“By strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth—including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy—we can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth.”
According to the joint statement, the CIP working groups—comprising private sector leaders from both countries—have begun operations by nominating group leads and identifying non-tariff barriers to trade and investment. The teams aim to propose policy-based solutions that address key commercial challenges.
The initiative will be reviewed biannually by both countries to assess progress and explore new areas of cooperation. The next formal meeting is scheduled to take place between September and December 2025.
The focus remains clear: drive sustainable economic growth, encourage private sector participation, and deepen strategic cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and one of its most significant global partners.
