ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The newly inaugurated leadership of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has pledged to strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking recently in Lagos, NACC President Sheriff Balogun reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to facilitating trade through enhanced dialogue and meaningful engagement.
Balogun, who was sworn in as the 20th President during a ceremony marking the chamber’s 65th anniversary, declared “Under my leadership, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce will double down on its mission to facilitate trade and investment between our two nations through high-level dialogue, strategic missions, and stronger engagement with US businesses and government entities. We will forge deeper and more impactful commercial ties.”
He presented his strategic vision against the backdrop of a shifting global economy that, he emphasized, continues to affect Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently suspended tariffs on 90 countries and the broader trade tensions with China.
Balogun noted “The current international trade regime, shaped by shifting tariffs, geopolitical uncertainties, and fluctuating investment trends, has deep implications for the world economy. Being in Africa, Nigeria is not immune to these developments.”
He added “These dynamics inevitably affect our trade relationships with the United States and require adaptive strategies and proactive engagements.”
According to him, the evolving global economic environment offers Nigeria “valuable opportunities as trade routes are redrawn and values redefined.” Urging decisive action, he said.
“We must ensure Nigeria is not left behind; we must seize this moment with clarity and courage.”
Balogun further stated that his agenda for the chamber rests on three key pillars: expansion, innovation, and impact.
Balogun has outlined plans to grow the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) by expanding its footprint both locally and internationally.
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He revealed that his administration will establish new chapters across Nigeria and in key locations in the United States to enhance trade support.
Explaining the move, Balogun stated, “These chapters will bring the chamber closer to businesses, enabling them to participate in opportunities across Africa, and with access to foreign support. Thirdly, we will focus on building new e-commerce, ensuring our members’ businesses prosper.”
He added that the chamber will roll out initiatives to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while also facilitating access to finance, encouraging partnerships, and championing entrepreneurship.
“We will launch initiatives and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, unlock access to finance, encourage partnership, and promote entrepreneurship. We will engage public and private sector stakeholders to attract resources, open new markets, and boost Nigeria’s exports to the US,” he said.
In a related development, the NACC announced progress on the construction of its permanent headquarters in Lagos, dedicating an entire floor to former Kano State Governor and businessman, Col. Sani Bello. Balogun praised the structure as “not merely a structure, but a symbol of our ambition, resilience, and enduring legacy.”
The inauguration event also featured the induction of new members and the presentation of awards to notable Nigerians and Americans affiliated with the chamber, including public service and government figures.
Among the honorees was the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who reaffirmed her commitment to deepening collaboration between the ministry and the chamber.
Chairman of the inauguration, Samaila Zubair, who also serves as the CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, urged members of the Nigerian-American business community to work together to drive mutual growth.