USNC Briefs Members on New US Administration

WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, March 14, the U.S. Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade, and Investment (USNC) hosted a webinar briefing on the new US administration and its policies towards Nigeria (and Africa).

After introductory remarks by the USNC’s Senior Country Director for Nigeria, Kelechi Ekugo, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman, Terence McCulley, and USNC Senior Advisor, Aubrey Hruby, gave an overview of the challenges and opportunities they see in the shifting nature of US engagement with Nigeria and other African countries. Amb. McCulley noted the potential impacts of the closure of USAID and the reduction of US embassy staff across the continent. Aubrey highlighted opportunities around critical minerals deals and a potentially strengthened US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) when it is reauthorized later this year.

Aubrey then moderated a question-and-answer session with the 83 attendees, with questions focusing on approaches for companies to develop visibility with the Trump administration and the potential for improved dealmaking under a US government more focused on the private sector.

The USNC put on this event to respond to keen interest demonstrated by members from both the United States and Nigeria in understanding the policies and priorities of the new Trump administration. We were particularly pleased to welcome many USNC members, including Founding Member John Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria and Honorary Co-Chair of the USNC, Ani Orugboh, International Government Affairs Advisor at Chevron, Jumoke Lambo, Partner at UUBO, and USNC Board Members Franklin Amoo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Baylis Emerging Markets, and Peter Bazos, General Counsel at Flour Mills of Nigeria.

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.