FG, American Council partner on ease of doing business

The American Business Council (ABC), has stated that it would deepen its partnership with the Federal Government to improve the business environment for American businesses in the country, noting that Nigeria remains one of the United States’ largest trading partners in sub-Sahara Africa.

The president of the Council, Dipo Faulkner, explained that 2019 has been an eventful year for the Council, maintaining that it engaged government agencies to formulate policies aimed at attracting both local and foreign investments into the country.

Faulkner at a special event to appreciate all its partners for their contribution, said going forward in 2020, the Council would increase its level of advocacy to create an enabling business environment for United States businesses in Nigeria.

“So, it is hoped that all the efforts put in this year and prior years would yield fruitful results. Going forward, we will continue the same thrust of the council in terms of advocacy, will speak with the voice of the American businesses in Nigeria, as we help them settle in the country which we do with the United States mission in Nigeria,” he said.

He added: “We have had discussions with government agencies and we understand advocacy does not happen overnight, it is about process and we staying on course and bringing key stakeholders to have discourse over top value issues that affects all of us. We sit down to have discourse on issues affecting the business environment, and we know the leaders of the country mean well for Nigeria and as a Nigerian there are things we need to get right for us to move forward in Nigeria.”

The U.S. Consul General, Ms. Claire Pierangelo said since the inception of the council establishment in 2005, it has played a key role in advancing US-Nigeria trade and investment by bringing together potential business partnerships for both countries, which have strengthened commercial ties while also ensuring a level playing field in Nigeria’s complex, dynamic and incredible exciting market.

“The U.S. Commercial Service will host their United States fair at the end of March, which would be bring about 60 potential United States companies to meet with business leaders, and as you and your members pursue these initiatives, you can count on our support. Your mission to foster and promote US-Nigeria trade and investment is one that we fully share,” she added.

The Chief Executive Officer, ABC, Margaret Olele, said as the business environment gets more complex the Council would aggressively collaborate with the federal government in terms of advocacy and ease of doing business to get things off the ground for US companies to have seamless operations in the country.

In her words, “We are very much into trade and investment opportunities between both countries and also strive to advocate for U.S. companies in Nigeria, while also working with partners to create an enabling business environment. Whether it is regulatory or policies, we try to do what we can to ensure that there is a favourable business environment.