U.S. ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills says his top priority is to enhance bilateral commercial and investment ties with Nigeria to foster economic growth and create beneficial opportunities for their citizens.

Mills said this at the official unveiling of a meeting of working groups of the U.S.–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership on Tuesday in Abuja.

The working groups, which will focus on agriculture, the digital economy, and infrastructure, comprise senior representatives from the U.S. and Nigerian governments, as well as private sector leaders.

The CIP, which a memorandum of understanding was earlier signed in July 2024, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities for people from both countries.

According to the ambassador, he has identified the CIP as a top priority of his tenure because it underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.

“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria. The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties.

“It will foster economic growth and create opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations,” he said.

Thomas Bruns, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Middle East and Africa, described CIP as reflecting the shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding business opportunities in both countries.

He said the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, being the government’s private sector voice, was proud of its work to foster international commerce.

Mr Bruns explained that by strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both countries, including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy, adding that he was thrilled to witness it.

“We can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long term,” he said.

Four senior officials from both sides, including Mr Mills, Nigeria’s trade minister Jumoke Oduwole, Nura Rimi, the ministry’s permanent secretary, and Julie LeBlanc, led the dialogue.

They agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation, with the next CIP formal meeting scheduled for later in the year.

(NAN)