By Olukayode Idowu
The United States (US) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnership with Nigeria.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the visit of the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, Ramin Toloui to Lagos between November 5-8.
A statement by the US Embassy said Toloui’s visit focused on ways the United States can support Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its already flourishing creative sector, which is driving economic growth and workforce development.
The statement revealed that Assistant Secretary Toloui engaged in substantive discussions with government officials and prominent creative sector
stakeholders, emphasizing our mutual interest in promoting African and Nigerian growth and development.
Toloui was quoted to have said during his visit, that: “I am here because the United States government seeks to strengthen partnerships and support the growth of Nigeria’s vibrant creative industry. I had the privilege to meet some of the remarkable individuals leading Nigeria’s creative sector, which has been fueled by surging global demand for Nigerian content. This growth creates jobs and drives innovation. At the same time, it underscores the importance of intellectual property protection within the creative sector. Our engagement across Africa, our infrastructure investments, and our collaboration with Nigeria reflect our shared dedication to advancing prosperity and development,”
According to the statement, the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
highlighted the U.S. commitment to expanding and deepening American partnership with African countries, institutions, and people.
Assistant Secretary Toloui’s visit reflects that commitment; he is the latest senior U.S. official to have visited Nigeria to strengthen ties, promote economic growth, and address shared challenges
within the U.S.-Nigeria relationship.
The statement said these engagements have encompassed a wide range of areas, including creatives, technology, energy, agriculture, healthcare, advocacy, investment, and entrepreneurship.