Nigeria now US’ second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa after nearly $15bn trade in 2025-Envoy
Nigeria has emerged as the United States’ second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa after both countries recorded nearly $15 billion in bilateral trade in 2025.
Keith Heffern, chargé d’affaires of the US mission in Nigeria, disclosed this on Wednesday during the US 250th Independence Day celebration held in Lagos.
According to Heffern, the trade volume represents a 14 percent increase compared to 2024, reflecting growing economic ties between both nations.
“Nigeria is now the United States’ second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
“In 2025, two-way trade between our countries reached nearly $15 billion. These figures represent more than statistics; they reflect jobs, opportunities, and economic transformation for both Nigerians and Americans.”
Heffern noted that over 100 American companies currently operate in Nigeria, adding that supporting US businesses in the country remains a major priority for the US mission.
He also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the US government and Nigeria’s ministry of industry, trade and investment through a five-year memorandum of understanding known as the US-Nigerian Commercial and Investment Partnership.
The envoy said the agreement, now in its second year, has become a major platform for strengthening bilateral commercial relations between both countries.
He explained that the initiative, which is driven by the private sector, brings together nearly 50 American and Nigerian companies alongside policymakers to address obstacles affecting trade and investment.
Heffern recalled that Lagos hosted the first ministerial-level meeting under the partnership in January.
He added that the collaboration has focused on three strategic sectors — agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure — with the aim of promoting long-term economic growth and shared prosperity.
Speaking further, Heffern said security cooperation between Nigeria and the US remains an important aspect of the bilateral relationship, helping to promote stability and safeguard shared interests.
He referenced a joint operation earlier this year involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the dismantling of a transnational criminal network linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
The envoy also commended the progress made in US-Nigeria relations and disclosed that Washington is making one of its largest global investments in Lagos.
In April, the US government announced expanded support for agricultural trade with Nigeria through the GSM-102 export credit guarantee programme of the US Department of Agriculture
