Nigeria has emerged as the United States’ second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa after bilateral trade between both countries climbed to nearly $15 billion in 2025, according to the US mission in Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos during the celebration of the 250th Independence Day of the United States, Keith Heffern, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission in Nigeria, said two-way trade expanded by 14 per cent compared to 2024, underscoring the growing strength of commercial ties between both countries.
“Nigeria is now the United States’ second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” Heffern said.
“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 US companies operating in Nigeria, they represent jobs, opportunities and economic transformation for both Americans and Nigerians.”
Heffern said expanding trade and investment remains a central pillar of Washington’s engagement with Africa, adding that one of the US mission’s priorities is helping American businesses thrive in Nigeria.
He highlighted the US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding jointly implemented with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as a key driver of deeper economic cooperation.
Now in its second year, the initiative brings together nearly 50 Nigerian and American companies to identify and remove barriers to trade and investment.
He noted that the partnership held its first ministerial-level meeting in Lagos earlier this year and has since focused on expanding cooperation in three strategic sectors—agriculture, digital economy and infrastructure—to support long-term economic growth and shared prosperity.
Beyond trade, Heffern said security collaboration remains a critical component of the bilateral relationship.
He cited recent cooperation between Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which led to the dismantling of a major transnational criminal network involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
The envoy also revealed that the United States is making one of its most significant investments anywhere in the world in Lagos, describing it as another demonstration of Washington’s long-term commitment to Nigeria.
In April, the US government announced expanded support for agricultural trade with Nigeria through the GSM-102 Export Credit Guarantee Programme administered by the US Department of Agriculture, further strengthening commercial ties between both countries.
