The Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group held a significant roundtable on Wednesday, underscoring the enduring commitment to foster closer ties between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, Jr., and leaders from the American Business Council in Nigeria, highlighting the potential for expanded cooperation in critical sectors that impact both countries.
The session, led by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), Chairman of the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, showcased both nations’ shared goals of strengthening economic growth, promoting job creation, and advancing social development within Nigeria.
Ukpong-Udo expressed gratitude for the American Business Council’s role in Nigeria’s economy, noting that the collaboration between the two countries has fostered a resilient and productive partnership with benefits for both sides. He further underscored the importance of this continued partnership, remarking, “We are encouraged by the American Business Council’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape and remain committed to deepening our engagement with the United States across various sectors. By working together, we can unlock the potential that exists within our partnership and make meaningful progress for our citizens.”
Key figures in the private sector were present, reflecting the comprehensive reach of this collaboration. Among them were Fatai Folarin, CEO of Deloitte Nigeria and West Africa Leader; Nonye Ujam, Government Affairs Lead, African Emerging Markets at Microsoft; Chinwe Odigboegwu, Executive Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs at ATC Nigeria; and Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer at IHS (Nigeria) Ltd. Additional influential voices included Gimba Mohammed, Director of Government & External Relations at IHS (Nigeria) Ltd., Zainab Obagun, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at CHI Limited, and Joseph Myapurgi, Regional Regulatory Manager at ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Ltd.
The participation of these leaders underscores the depth of U.S. corporate involvement in Nigeria’s economy and the mutual benefits arising from this engagement. Margaret Olele, CEO and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council, along with Joy Lawal, Consultant at the Council, were also present, reflecting the Council’s active role in fostering a business-friendly environment conducive to growth and cooperation.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the House of Representatives spokesman, expressed optimism for future developments arising from this dialogue, stressing the importance of building on the existing goodwill between Nigeria and the United States. “We look forward to further collaboration with our American counterparts, exploring additional opportunities for development, and reinforcing the friendship that has long characterized Nigeria-U.S. relations,” he stated.
The meeting marks a proactive step by both Nigerian and American stakeholders to deepen economic and legislative ties, fostering a cooperative spirit poised to address mutual challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The House of Representatives sees this as a platform to build on mutual interests, with a focus on sustainable development and a thriving economic landscape beneficial to both nations.
