WASHINGTON, DC—On Wednesday, October 27, the U.S.-Nigeria Council (USNC) hosted a virtual roundtable with Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States H.E. Dr. Uzoma Emenike. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests, while Chevron’s General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Middle East, Africa, and South America Mamadou Beye introduced Ambassador Emenike. USNC Honorary Co-Chair Ambassador John Negroponte closed the event with a vote of thanks to the distinguished participants.
Ambassador Emenike began by underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the United States. She referenced the US Department of Agriculture’s prediction that Nigeria will boast the 19th largest economy in the world by 2030, stressing that it provides a large market for U.S. companies and service providers. Ambassador Emenike said that Nigeria’s democracy is “still in its infancy stage,” and that she hopes to encourage strong communication and discourage disagreements between the two countries.
Following these remarks, USNC Senior Advisor Aubrey Hruby moderated a discussion between Ambassador Emenike and USNC members participating in the discussion. Topics included Ambassador Emenike’s priorities for her time in Washington, the Petroleum Industry Act and its potential implications for Nigeria’s oil exports and U.S. investment into the petroleum sector, and the recently launched eNaira and its impact on U.S.-Nigeria commercial ties.
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