Trade Officials from US, Nigeria Highlight Opportunities in Bilateral Commerce

On Thursday, April 16, the U.S. Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade, and Investment (USNC) convened a dinner in Washington, DC on the margins of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Bradley McKinney and Federal Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole headlined the event.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests to the dinner and expressed optimism about the recent efforts between the two countries to re-energize their commercial relationship as the bilateral security partnership takes on a new dimension.

DAS McKinney, joining the Council for the second time following his keynote address at the dinner in Lagos in January 2026, detailed his continued prioritization of US commercial ties to Nigeria and outlined the wide range of economic opportunities for US companies in Nigeria.

H.E. Minister Dr. Oduwole shared remarks about the strength of the working relationship between her ministry and their US counterparts, striking an optimistic tone for what this productive dynamic will bring for US-Nigeria trade.

USNC Senior Advisor, Aubrey Hruby, then moderated a discussion that included contributions from Nigerian and US entrepreneurs and investors. Following the formal portion of the event, the Council was honored to welcome Federal Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, H.E. Wale Edun, during the post-dinner reception for informal engagements with members and guests. The Council has been fortunate to count the Honourable Minister as a close partner and had the privilege of hosting him for keynote remarks during its April 2024 dinner.

The USNC is pleased that this annual event has become a staple of the Spring Meeting schedule of business leaders invested in the US-Nigeria commercial relationship and was thrilled with the interest and engagement registered from stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic.

The value of this conversation was evident throughout the evening, and we were particularly pleased to welcome many USNC members.