Sheriff Balogun, the newly installed president of the Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce, has pledged to deepen trade relationships between the United States of America and Nigeria.
Balogun, speaking at the 65th anniversary celebration of the NACC, said, “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,” he said. “We will forge deeper and more impactful commercial ties.”
He highlighted his vision for the chamber’s performance within what he reckoned as a changing global economy that significantly impacts Nigeria, referring to US President Donald Trump’s recently suspended tariffs on 90 countries, which escalated to a heightened trade face-off with China.
“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 noted. “These dynamics inevitably affect our trade relationships with the United States and require adaptive strategies and proactive engagements.
The new president said the global economic shifts presented Nigeria with “valuable opportunities as trade routes are redrawn and values redefined.”
He advised, “We must ensure Nigeria is not left behind; we must seize this moment with clarity and courage.” He stated that his vision for the NACC is anchored on three pillars: expansion, innovation, and impact.
Balogun also said that his newly inaugurated administration will expand the NACC by establishing new chapters across Nigeria and locations in the US to improve trade support.
He explained, “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the NACC revealed it has made strides in completing its permanent headquarters building in Lagos by dedicating one of the floors to a former Kano State Governor and businessman, Col. Sani Bello. Balogun hailed the building as “not merely a structure, but a symbol of our ambition, resilience, and enduring legacy.
The NACC inducted new members and presented awards to Nigerians and Americans of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, including government and public service figures. One of the awardees, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, pledged to remain committed and steadfast to fostering the relationship between the ministry and the NACC.
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