The United States Consulate in Lagos has highlighted the increasing impact of the American Business Council (ABC) on Nigeria-US bilateral trade, revealing a rise in trade volumes from $10 billion to $11.3 billion over the past year. This milestone was celebrated during a Thanksgiving event co-hosted by the consulate and the ABC in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, US Consul-General Will Stevens praised the collaborative efforts that have strengthened ties between the two nations. “We’ve done so much to build and grow our relationship, from increases in bilateral trade to the incredible work by US companies, the mission, and local communities to strengthen Nigeria,” Stevens said.
Stevens underscored the contributions of US businesses and mission initiatives in Nigeria, highlighting programs like EducationUSA, which supports Nigerian students pursuing education in the US, and a network of 27 American Spaces that promote cultural and educational exchanges.
“Wherever you see US companies invested, you see them investing not just in business and trade, but in the people and communities where they work,” Stevens noted. He lauded the dedication of American businesses to uplifting local communities through capacity-building and social impact projects.
As Stevens prepares to conclude his tenure in Nigeria, he reflected on the progress made during his time in the country. “It has been the honor of my life to spend the last two and a half years living in Nigeria and working with the amazing people here,” he said. He pointed to key milestones, including the Binational Commission meeting in April, as evidence of deepening ties. Stevens reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria-US relations from Washington, expressing optimism about future collaborations.
Margaret Olele, CEO and Executive Secretary of the ABC, emphasized the Council’s pivotal role as a voice for American businesses in Nigeria, representing over 91 companies. Olele highlighted the Council’s focus on long-term social impact and recent collaborations, such as a partnership with the United States Agency for International Development and a Silicon Valley-based startup university to train Nigerian youths in digital solutions through cybersecurity hackathons.
“US companies are not here for a sprint but for a long race,” Olele said. “You’ll see us in various sectors, building capacity and providing value.”
The event served as a celebration of the growing trade relationship between Nigeria and the US and the shared commitment to fostering innovation, development, and cultural exchange.