Trade between Nigeria and the United States increased by 14 per cent in 2025 to nearly $15 billion, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as the United States’ second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Keith Heffern, has said.
Heffern disclosed this during the U.S. Mission’s celebration of the 250th Independence Day of the United States, held at the U.S. Consul General’s Residence in Lagos.
According to him, the growth in bilateral trade reflects expanding commercial relations between both countries, driven by increased investment, stronger private sector collaboration and new opportunities across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
“As the United States places trade and investment at the heart of our engagement across Africa, dynamic cities like Lagos—with its energy, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit—play a critical role in driving economic growth and expanding commercial ties between our two nations,” Heffern said.
“Nigeria is now the United States’ second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2025, two-way trade between our countries reached nearly $15 billion, a 14 per cent increase over 2024. These aren’t just numbers. With more than 100 U.S. companies operating in Nigeria, they represent jobs, opportunities and economic transformation for Americans and Nigerians.”
He described trade and investment as central pillars of U.S. engagement across Africa, noting that Lagos remains a strategic hub because of its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing innovation landscape.
To strengthen commercial relations further, Heffern said the U.S. Mission is partnering with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the five-year U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership.
Now in its second year, he said the initiative has become a flagship platform for advancing bilateral economic cooperation.
“As a private sector-led initiative, we have nearly 50 U.S. and Nigerian companies bringing together business leaders and policymakers to remove barriers to trade and investment. In January, Lagos hosted the first ministerial-level meeting under the partnership,” he said.
He added that the partnership has focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, the digital economy and infrastructure to promote long-term economic growth and shared prosperity.
Beyond economic ties, the U.S. envoy said security cooperation remains essential to creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable development.
He cited recent collaboration between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which led to the dismantling of a transnational criminal network involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Heffern also highlighted growing cooperation in maritime security, noting that the participation of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa Vice Commander during the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening regional security through African-led and U.S.-supported partnerships.
“We are also working together to strengthen maritime security. Last month, the U.S. Naval Forces Africa Vice Commander joined the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening regional security through African-led, U.S.-supported partnerships,” he said.
The diplomat further noted that cultural exchanges continue to strengthen relations between the two countries, pointing to the global success of Nigerian Afrobeats alongside America’s rich musical heritage.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the new U.S. Consulate General complex in Eko Atlantic, describing it as one of the largest U.S. diplomatic infrastructure investments globally and a lasting symbol of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
