The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, has inaugurated the Nigeria–U.S. Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) Working Group Forum to advance bilateral economic cooperation through targeted policy reforms and strategic collaboration in agriculture, digital trade, and infrastructure.
The Nigeria–U.S. Commercial and Investment Partnership is an evolution of the 2017 Nigeria–U.S. Commercial and Investment Dialogue. Restructured in 2023 into a more agile and implementation-driven framework designed to foster dynamic engagement between businesses and governments on both sides, with a strong focus on agriculture, digital trade, and infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural session in Abuja, Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the CIP as a strategic tool to unlock Nigeria’s trade and investment potential while addressing non-tariff barriers and promoting innovation.
She emphasized the role of the partnership in catalyzing regulatory reform, encouraging private sector collaboration, and enabling inclusive economic growth.
In his remarks, Richard M. Mills, Jr, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, also addressed participants, describing the CIP as a cornerstone of his mission’s economic agenda in Nigeria. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening commercial relations and fostering mutual prosperity.
Gertrude Orji, Director of the Investment Promotion Department, representing Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of FMITI, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the partnership. She noted that the collaboration would promote investor confidence, improve the business climate, and foster joint policy initiatives between the two countries.
According to a statement signed by Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press & Public Relations, FMITI, the forum convened high-level officials from both governments, including Julie LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Officer of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and technical experts who have worked behind the scenes to shape the new working group framework.
