Nigeria–U.S. Relations at a Crossroads: Tony Elumelu Hosts Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Strengthen Ties
Nigeria–U.S. Relations at a Crossroads: Tony Elumelu Hosts Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Strengthen Ties
Nigeria–U.S. Relations at a Crossroads: Tony Elumelu Hosts Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Strengthen Ties
The longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United States, defined by shared values, economic cooperation, and deep social connections, is at a pivotal moment. This reality was underscored yesterday when a bipartisan delegation of six U.S. Congressional leaders visited Transcorp Hotels Plc in Abuja, hosted by The Chairman of UBA Group (United Bank for Africa) is Tony O. Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist with deep ties to both nations.
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The meeting provided a platform for candid dialogue on the opportunities and challenges defining bilateral relations. During the engagement, the U.S. lawmakers interacted with government officials, business leaders, and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in areas beyond security, including health, education, energy, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
The UBA chairman, whose family and business roots extend across the U.S. and Nigeria, highlighted the importance of sustainable private sector-led partnerships. “Private enterprise 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,” he noted.
Economic ties between the two countries are robust: Nigeria is a significant exporter of crude oil to the U.S., while American wheat, rice, and manufactured goods find a strong market in Nigeria. Additionally, the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S. is one of the most educated and economically successful communities, with over 60% holding bachelor’s degrees and more than half working in management, business, science, or the arts.
The delegation reaffirmed bipartisan support for reviving the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in January 2026, a move expected to bolster trade, attract investment into manufacturing and value-added sectors, and create jobs at scale.
The UBA chairman also emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance: “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.”
Members of the Congressional delegation included:
- Rep. Bill Huizenga, Chairman, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion & Subcommittee for South and Central Asia, House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HFAC)
- Rep. Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Africa, HFAC
- Rep. Keith Self, Chairman, Subcommittee on Europe, HFAC
- Rep. Jim Baird, Member, Subcommittee on Africa, HFAC
- Rep. Jefferson Shreve, Member, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee & Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, HFAC
- Rep. Michael Baumgartner, Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development & Member, Subcommittee for Middle East and North Africa, HFAC
The visit reinforced the message that sustained engagement, direct dialogue, and partnership between the private sector and government institutions are critical to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and strengthening U.S.–Africa relations.
The UBA chairman concluded: “When Nigeria and the United States engage as partners openly, respectfully, and pragmatically, we unlock not just bilateral gains but shared global progress.”
Nigeria–U.S. Relations at a Crossroads: Tony Elumelu Hosts Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Strengthen Ties
