Why Strong Nigeria–U.S. Relations Matter

TONY ELUMELU 

The relationship between Nigeria and the United States has long been defined by friendship, shared values, economic ties, and deep connections. As an entrepreneur, my role models have been those business titans who shaped modern America. Their philanthropic model drives my own philanthropic philosophy. I studied in the U.S.; my family are doing the same. I chair the only African bank, UBA Group, licensed to do business in America. UBA employes Americans and leads in catalysing business relationships between Africa and the US.

Our relationship has also been strategic: Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa, a bulwark of civil society values in an increasingly volatile region. The U.S. has been a major importer of Nigerian crude. Nigeria is a significant market for American wheat and rice. The Nigerian diaspora in the US is one of the most economically successful. Nigerian Americans are among the most educated groups in the U.S.: over 60% aged 25 or older hold a bachelor’s degree, and 17% a master’s. More than half work in management, business, science, or the arts.

Today, our relationship stands at an important crossroads. Recent developments, including heightened U.S. attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and the designation of Nigeria as a country of concern, have brought global focus. It is a time for dialogue, clarity and emphasis on the mutually beneficial aspects of this relationship.

This context informed my hosting a bipartisan delegation of six U.S. Congressional leaders at Transcorp Hotels Plc , Abuja, yesterday. The evening was marked by candid interactions, honest conversations, and a shared enthusiasm for a partnership that confronts our challenges.

I was frank about the importance of Africa to the US – and to the world. Africa is rich in minerals. We see global powers jostling for position. Africa will not repeat its errors of the past and Africans must control our destiny. On a demographic basis alone, our success is a global responsibility. The triple threat of unemployment, insecurity and extremism is fueled by poverty and a lack of economic opportunity.

Nigeria’s challenges are real. Security concerns affect lives, livelihoods, and investor confidence. But Nigeria is also a country of resilience, reform, and immense opportunity. These truths must coexist in policy conversations.

Such visits matter. The visiting bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation are committed to strengthening bilateral engagement between our two countries. They have shared optimism at the commitments made so far and look forward to the corresponding actions to be taken.

Sustainable partnerships are not built on headlines, but on direct engagement with those living and investing in the realities on ground, government, faith leaders, and critically, the private sector. Constructive engagement, recognising that partnership, rather than isolation, is the most effective way to strengthen institutions and protect citizens.

That is why I salute:

Rep. Bill Huizenga, Chairman, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion & Chairman, Subcommittee for South and Central Asia, House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HFAC)

Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Africa, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC)

Congressman Keith Self, Chairman, Subcommittee on Europe, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC)

Congressman Jim Baird, Member, Subcommittee on Africa, House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HFAC)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve, Member, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia House Foreign Affairs Committee

Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Vice Chair for the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development and Member, Subcommittee for Middle East and North Africa, House Foreign Affairs Committee.

For taking the time to visit, to interact and learn.

The visit also reflects a broader truth: cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. must extend beyond security concerns to include health, education, energy access, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. As an investor across power, energy, banking, and hospitality, I have seen firsthand how policy certainty and international confidence directly affect growth and job creation.

Private enterprise is not a peripheral actor; it is central to stability. Businesses create jobs, reduce poverty, and give young people alternatives to despair. Any bilateral strategy that sidelines the private sector risks being incomplete.

This same logic applies to trade. During our discussions, members of the Congressional delegation reaffirmed bipartisan support to revive and prioritise the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in January 2026. AGOA has been one of the most consequential trade frameworks between the United States and Africa, granting eligible countries, including Nigeria duty-free access to the U.S. market, eliminating tariffs on a wide range of exports and providing certainty of market access. Its revival would send a powerful signal of U.S. confidence in African economies, support export diversification, attract investment into manufacturing and value-added sectors, and create jobs at scale.

Looking ahead, there are clear pathways to improving Nigeria–U.S. relations:

1. Shift from designation to partnership: Labels may attract attention, but collaboration delivers results. Joint problem-solving builds trust faster than unilateral assessments.

2. Deepen private sector–led engagement: U.S. capital, Nigerian entrepreneurship, and blended finance can unlock growth in energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

3. Expand cooperation beyond security: Health, education, climate resilience, and youth employment deserve equal strategic priority.

4. Support institution-building, not dependency: Nigeria does not need aid; it needs partners who support reforms, accountability, and capacity building.

5. Maintain bipartisan continuity: Long-term partnerships outlast political cycles. Consistency in U.S. engagement with Nigeria is critical.

Nigeria matters to Africa, and to the world. The U.S. matters to Nigeria, not just as a security partner, but as an economic ally and development collaborator. And most fundamentally, as a friend.

I am convinced that when Nigeria and the United States engage as partners openly, respectfully, and pragmatically, we unlock not just bilateral gains but shared global progress.

– Elumelu is the Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Group Chief Executive of Heirs Holdings.