US Consulate Celebrates 249th Independence Day in Lagos, Strengthens Economic Ties with Nigeria
In a vibrant ceremony held at the U.S. Consul General’s Residence in Lagos, the United States Consulate marked its 249th Independence Day by reaffirming its strategic and longstanding ties with Nigeria. Acting Consul General JoEllen Gorg addressed a high-profile audience of political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, and business executives, emphasizing shared values of freedom, opportunity, and excellence as the foundation of the U.S.-Nigeria relationship. She stressed that these ideals continue to inspire deeper economic and diplomatic collaboration between the two nations.
Central to the celebration was the unveiling of the new US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, removing non-tariff barriers, and boosting investment across key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Gorg highlighted that Nigeria is one of just five African countries selected for this type of strategic agreement, which is expected to create mutually beneficial job opportunities and spur growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
Gorg underscored the U.S. government’s shift from a traditional aid-based model toward commercial diplomacy, aligning with the Biden administration’s vision of Africa as a partner rather than a recipient. She referenced the recent U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola, where several landmark deals were signed, reinforcing the pivot toward enterprise-focused engagement across the continent.
The Consul General also noted the impressive scale of current economic relations, citing nearly $13 billion in two-way trade and $6.5 billion in U.S. foreign direct investment in Nigeria in the past year—a 5.5% increase from 2022. She praised the positive impact of over 80 U.S. companies operating in Nigeria and highlighted the Nigerian-American diaspora, now over 750,000 strong, as a vital link in sectors like healthcare, technology, and finance.
In closing, Gorg issued a diplomatic reminder to Nigerian travelers about respecting U.S. immigration laws and urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively in removing trade bottlenecks and boosting investment flows. She expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to be a global economic influencer, affirming that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership stands as a model of mutual benefit built on shared values and people-to-people connections.
Source: The Sun