The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the United States as part of its efforts to boost economic growth and development. 

This commitment was underscored during a meeting between the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr Rick Wart, in Abuja.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the meeting 

highlighted the historic and strategic bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States. The Minister emphasised that Nigeria values its partnership with the United States and will explore new frontiers to enhance investment opportunities, promote innovation, and contribute to sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

HM Edun reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investors (FDIs) to unlock investment opportunities in the country. He added that improved cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which prioritizes private sector participation, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Speaking earlier, the US Consul General, Mr. Richard Swart commended the Federal Government for its ongoing reform initiatives and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

 He stated that the United States and Nigeria have built a resilient and enduring partnership. *We will continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and capacity building. Our goal is to support Nigeria in achieving broad-based economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens.* Mr. Swart said. The Consul General acknowledged the importance of fostering transparent and investor-friendly policies, as well as creating an enabling environment for the U.S. businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

Both parties expressed optimism about future engagements and pledged to work towards deepening bilateral economic relations, enhancing trade flows, and attracting increased foreign direct investment in Nigeria. As both nations look to deepen their economic partnership, the prospects for increased foreign direct investment, improved trade flows, and sustainable development in Nigeria appear promising.

Team Nigeria continued its impressive run at the ongoing 1st African School Games in Algeria with a stellar performance on Day 2 of athletics, adding four medals to its tally: one gold, two silver, and one bronze.

The highlight of the day came in the girls’ 100m final, where Nigeria produced a commanding gold and silver finish. 

Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo powered to victory in a time of 11.76 seconds to clinch the gold medal, while her compatriot, Miracle Ezechukwu, secured silver with a time of 11.86 seconds. The bronze medal went to Congo’s Ndoulou Boukama, who crossed the line in 12.19 seconds.

In the girls’ 400m final, Jecinter Lawrence Andrew delivered a strong and composed race to finish second, earning Nigeria its second silver medal of the day. 

Meanwhile, in the boys’ 400m final, Faye Perfect battled through a highly competitive field to secure the bronze, rounding off a productive day on the track for Team Nigeria.

With Saturdays results, Team Nigeria’s athletics squad has so far collected a total of six medals in athletics events, further solidifying the country’s dominance. 

More finals are expected in the coming days, and the team remains focused and determined to keep the momentum going.

It is finally down to the best two teams for the ultimate prize of being crowned the 2025 Afrobasket champions as record chasing Nigeria D’Tigress take on Mali in Sunday’s final at the Palais de Sports de Treichville.

The Nigerian Team had to dig deep to overcome their  perennial rivals Senegal 75-68 points in a thrilling encounter that saw the team came from an early nine points deficit in the first quarter and also 12 points margin in the third quarter to pull off an outstanding forth Quarter to silence the overwhelming roaring crowd.  

After a close first half which ended  22 – 17 and 21- 20 points in favour of Nigeria , the Senegalese totally dominated the third quarter 21-9 points to go into the final quarter with a six point advantage but Rene Wakama’s girls turned the screw again to see off the game with a devastating 13 points margin.

The win stretched the Nigeria Women’s team record to 28th straight wins at the Afrobasket since 2015 and just one game away from a five straight African title.

Mali on the other hand made a light work of debutants South Sudan in the other semi final 76-50 points as they eye their second Afrobasket title, having only won it in 2007 in Senegal.

Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the 2021 final in Cameroon which  D’Tigress won 70-59 points.

Meanwhile the leadership of the National Sports Commission, NSC, has charged the girls to remain focused and complete the job in the final on Sunday.

Chairman of the NSC Mallam Shehu Dikko said ” this is an history making team and I am very proud to say these girls are a true reflection of the never say die Nigerian spirit because of how they fought with everything to beat the Senegalese”. 

” The girls didn’t allow the pressure of the opposing crowd to overwhelm them as they stayed calm and disciplined throughout the match even when they were down in the third quarter “.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, also reflected on the breathtaking  game against Senegal with huge confidence ahead of thr final against Mali.

” I was not surprised that the Senegal game was very tough for our girls because of how we have  dominated them by beating them in the final of three of the four consecutive titles we had won”.

” They were very determined to stop the losing run this time but our team showed experience, calmness and aura of a true champion to maintain their superiority and dealth the Senegalese their seventh straight loss to us”, he said.