The United States Chamber of Commerce has invited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to a bilateral trade dialogue with the U.S.-Africa Business Centre. 

In a letter signed by the president of the centre, Scott Eisner, Mr Abubakar was invited to hold an “off-record” discussion on his perspective on how the U.S. corporate community can best support Nigeria’s economic advancement and how the two countries can deepen bilateral relationships. 

“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC). I would like to extend to you an invitation for a bilateral meeting with the U.S.Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Centre during your visit to the United States,” stated the USAfBC invite. “We would like to propose the meeting to be held on Tuesday. November 1, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, DC. We are happy to consider an alternative date if the proposed date is not suitable.”

The letter specifically mentioned that the deliberation would be “an off-the-record discussion to hear” Mr Abubakar’s “perspective on how the U.S. corporate community can best support Nigeria’s economic development,” especially the opportunities for expanding the economic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. 

“As you may know, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organisation in the world, operating in all 50 states and in over 100 countries to promote free enterprise and advance American trade and investment globally, representing companies of every size and from every sector, working with state and local Chambers and over 100 AmChams around the world, including the American Business Council (ABC) in Nigeria,” the organisation added. 

USABC “is the only institution of its kind” representing the interests of both the U.S. and African business communities and are “vocal advocates” for increased bilateral and regional trade with African nations.

“We are proud to represent the largest U.S. investors in Nigeria,” the letter said. 

Mr Abubakar unveiled his economic agenda in June, where he pledged support for the privatisation of key sectors of Nigeria’s economy in what he describes as “breaking government monopoly,” committing to the free market principles, allowing market forces to determine prices.