Against the backdrop of Lagos’ commercial heartbeat, the United States Consulate General marked the 249th Independence Day of the United States with a powerful message of partnership, prosperity and enduring friendship between the US and Nigeria.
Welcoming a distinguished gathering of political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers and business leaders at the Consul General’s Residence, Acting Consul General JoEllen Gorg, highlighted the values that have shaped America for nearly two and a half centuries, adding that those same values are driving a deeper partnership with Nigeria.
“Every Fourth of July, across the United States, millions of Americans reflect on values that have defined us for nearly 250 years: freedom, excellence, and opportunity,” Gorg said. “These ideals not only fuel our national spirit but underpin our international relations. Today, as we celebrate American independence, we also celebrate our enduring partnership with Nigeria”, Gorg said.
The celebration, attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior officials, was not just ceremonial but strategic, spotlighting a growing economic and commercial collaboration.
Gorg highlighted the newly launched US-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year initiative designed to boost trade, dismantle non-tariff barriers, and attract strategic investments in agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure.
“Nigeria is one of only five African countries selected for this type of agreement,” she noted. “Through this partnership, we aim to unlock investment and create well-paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Reinforcing the US pivot toward commercial diplomacy, Gorg said the Biden administration’s emphasis is shifting from aid to enterprise.
“We want to work with African nations not as aid recipients, but as commercial partners,” she stated, citing the recent US-Africa Business Summit in Angola where landmark deals were sealed.
Gorg also pointed to the strength of existing ties: “Two-way trade in goods and services between our nations totaled nearly $13 billion last year, and US foreign direct investment in Nigeria hit $6.5 billion, a 5.5 per cent increase from 2022.”
She praised the impact of over 80 major US companies operating in Nigeria and celebrated the Nigerian-American diaspora, now over 750,000 strong, whose influence spans technology, healthcare, and finance in the U.S.
“That’s the power of people-to-people ties, and it’s the bedrock of our economic future,” Gorg declared, highlighting the enduring significance of educational, cultural, and business exchanges between the two nations.
In a gentle but firm reminder, she encouraged all Nigerian travelers to respect U.S. immigration laws. “Each traveler from Nigeria is an Ambassador for your country,” she said.
Gorg ended her remarks with a rallying call to stakeholders: “Let’s seize this opportunity to tackle trade bottlenecks, reduce investment barriers, and unlock the full potential of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership. The world’s eyes are on Nigeria—not just because of its size, but because of its growing influence.”