NEW YORK, NY—On Friday, September 23, the U.S. Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade, and Investment (USNC) convened a breakfast focused on Nigeria’s status as a hotbed of opportunity for ensuring food and energy security around the world. The event was held on the margins of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City and was attended by executives of leading companies from the United States and Nigeria, entrepreneurs and investors from both countries, and key officials representing both governments. The USNC was pleased to host Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, His Excellency Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, as guest of honor.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests, while Dilawar Syed, the Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, shared an update on his efforts to improve commercial ties between U.S. companies and their foreign counterparts. Subsequently, the Honourable Minister discussed the strides Nigeria has made in recent years to boost its agricultural output and insulate its energy industry against internal and external shocks, as well as to inculcate a business environment that is conducive to growth and foreign investment.
USNC Senior Advisor Aubrey Hruby then moderated a discussion that included Africa Finance Corporation President and CEO Mr. Samaila Zubairu, Bank of Industry CEO Olukayode Pitan, Lori Systems Co-Founder and Chairman Mr. Josh Sandler, and NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams, among many other leaders from a wide range of sectors in both countries.
The USNC was thrilled to return to in-person programming for the first time since 2019. The growing desire for greater discussion and collaboration was evident throughout the event, but no more so than by the participation of many USNC members, including John Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria and Honorary Co-Chair of the USNC, Ambassador John Negroponte, Vice Chair of McLarty Associates and Honorary Co-Chair of the USNC, Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando, Dr. Bryant “ABC” Orjiako, Seplat Energy Chairman and Co-Founder, and Ani Orugboh, International Government Affairs Director at Chevron.
If you would like to learn more about the USNC and our future programming, please email USNC Director of Operations Jonathan Dörnhofer at jdornhofer@usnigeriacouncil.org.