By Bunmi Yekini
Lagos, Nigeria — The U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria hosted over 450 Nigerian companies at the prestigious Networking with the USA (NUSA) Awards and Business Networking Event, held at the Civic Center in Lagos. The event celebrated Nigerian businesses fostering U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, contributing to a two-way trade volume of $11.2 billion in 2023, an increase from $10.4 billion the previous year.
In a recorded address, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills, Jr., praised the efforts of Nigerian businesses in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. “Your contributions are vital to the robust and growing U.S.-Nigeria trade relationship,” Ambassador Mills said.
Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg, delivering the keynote speech, highlighted the collaborative efforts of both countries. “The United States and Nigeria share a strong commercial relationship, and our NUSA network stands as a testament to our commitment to strengthening these ties and fostering economic growth,” she noted.
The event also reviewed the achievements of the 2024 NUSA activities, including 10 official trade delegations to the U.S., 20 trade events in Lagos and Abuja, and over 7,000 business-to-business meetings facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service. Testimonials from NUSA members emphasized the transformative impact of these initiatives on their businesses.
Julie LeBlanc, Commercial Counselor for the U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria, reiterated the importance of the partnership. “Our mission is to create opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, and the success stories we hear today underscore the immense potential of U.S.-Nigeria trade relations,” she said.