Nigeria Becomes US’ Second-Largest Trade Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa After Nearly $15bn Trade

Nigeria has become the United States’ second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with trade between both countries reaching nearly $15bn in 2025.

The figure was disclosed by Keith Heffern, chargé d’affaires of the US Mission in Nigeria, during the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebration in Lagos.

According to him, two-way trade between Nigeria and the US grew by 14 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.

The development points to the growing commercial relationship between both countries, especially as the US continues to deepen its trade and investment presence across Africa.

Trade Between Nigeria and US Hits Nearly $15bn

Heffern said Nigeria’s trade relationship with the United States has moved beyond diplomacy into stronger business cooperation.

He noted that more than 100 American companies currently operate in Nigeria.

These companies are active across different sectors and are expected to contribute to jobs, investment, technology transfer and wider economic growth.

For Nigeria, the figures show that the country remains one of the most important commercial markets for the US in Africa.

For the United States, Nigeria’s population, energy resources, consumer market and private sector make it a major gateway into the continent.

US Pushes Trade and Investment Agenda

The envoy said trade and investment remain central to America’s engagement with Africa.

He explained that one of the key priorities of the US Mission in Nigeria is to help American companies succeed in the Nigerian market.

This is important because Nigeria remains a difficult but attractive market for foreign investors.

While the country offers scale, talent and demand, investors still face challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory uncertainty, foreign exchange pressure and security concerns.

The US appears to be positioning itself to work more closely with Nigeria in areas that can unlock long-term commercial growth.

Five-Year Commercial Partnership Takes Shape

Heffern also pointed to the US-Nigerian Commercial and Investment Partnership, a five-year memorandum of understanding between the US and Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The agreement is now in its second year.

According to him, the partnership has brought together nearly 50 US and Nigerian companies, business leaders and policymakers.

The aim is to remove barriers to trade and investment between both countries.

In January, Lagos hosted the first ministerial-level meeting under the partnership.

The initiative has focused on three major sectors: agriculture, the digital economy and infrastructure.

Agriculture, Digital Economy and Infrastructure In Focus

The three sectors selected under the partnership are critical to Nigeria’s growth plans.

Agriculture remains important because of food security, exports, rural jobs and industrial processing.

The digital economy is also a major opportunity, especially with Nigeria’s young population, fintech growth, software talent and expanding technology ecosystem.

Infrastructure remains one of the biggest areas of need. Better roads, power, ports and logistics systems are essential for reducing business costs and attracting investment.

If properly executed, cooperation in these areas could strengthen trade flows and improve private sector growth.

Security Cooperation Supports Trade

Heffern said security cooperation is also an important part of the US-Nigeria relationship.

According to him, stability is needed to protect shared interests and create the right conditions for long-term prosperity.

He cited cooperation between Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration in dismantling a major transnational criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

This shows that the relationship between both countries is not only about trade.

It also covers security, law enforcement and efforts to fight cross-border crime.

US Expands Support For Agricultural Trade

The US has also expanded support for agricultural trade with Nigeria through the export credit guarantee programme of the US Department of Agriculture.

The programme, known as GSM-102, is designed to support financing for agricultural exports.

For Nigeria, such support could help improve access to agricultural products, strengthen trade flows and deepen commercial links between both countries.

Agriculture remains one of the most important parts of Nigeria’s economy, and deeper trade cooperation could help support food supply, agribusiness and investment.

Why This Matters For Nigeria

The nearly $15bn trade figure is important because it confirms Nigeria’s strong position in US-Africa commerce.

It also shows that despite local economic challenges, Nigeria remains a market that global investors cannot ignore.

However, the bigger question is whether Nigeria can convert stronger trade numbers into real economic gains.

Trade growth must support jobs, manufacturing, exports, infrastructure and local business expansion.

If the relationship remains driven mainly by imports and foreign company activity, the wider benefits may be limited.

But if Nigeria uses the partnership to improve local production, attract investment and expand exports, the impact could be stronger.