Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has urged the United States to enhance the exchange of Nigerian agricultural products. 

“Trade is increasing, but we are hoping to have increased market access for our agricultural products in the framework of AGOA, the African Growth Opportunities Act mechanism that is in place to help to promote African access to U.S. markets for African countries,” Mr Onyeama said on Thursday. 

Mr Onyeama stated this during a joint press conference in Abuja with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

His comments come after Mr Osinbajo spoke on the importance of improved quality products as Nigeria continues to expand its exports to the rest of Africa in the African Continental Free Trade Area and the rest of the world.

Mr Osinbajo, on Wednesday, said locally manufactured products will not do well in Nigeria and abroad if they did not adhere to international quality standards.

The U.S. invests heavily in Nigeria, providing foreign direct investment for petroleum/mining and wholesale trade sectors as well as education and creative sectors.

While it exports wheat, vehicles, machinery, kerosene, lubricating oils, jet fuel, civilian aircraft, and plastics to Nigeria, under the AGOA, Nigeria exports include crude oil, cocoa, cashew nuts, and animal feed.

The AGOA has served as the basis of U.S.-Africa bilateral relationships, spanning over two decades. The act will expire on September 30, 2025.