In sharp contrast with prior optimistic outlooks on US-Nigeria economic relations, Nigeria observed a dramatic 88 per cent fall in its foreign capital intake from the United States during the last quarter of 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
   
This pronounced decrease saw capital inflow from the U.S. plummet from $67.04 million in the third quarter to $8.34 million in the fourth quarter, marking the lowest level of U.S. capital importation into Nigeria ever recorded.
    
This downturn is not merely a quarterly anomaly but also signifies a distressing 80 per cent year-over-year decline from the $42.14 million recorded in the same quarter of the preceding year, highlighting a notable waning of American economic interest in Nigeria as the year concluded.
    
Despite this slump in the fourth quarter, the United States remained one of the top 10 contributors to Nigeria’s foreign capital pool last year.
The U.S. notably increased its economic engagement with Nigeria, with investments soaring to $442.66 million, up from $286.92 million in the previous year, indicating a broader trend of escalating economic interactions despite the end-of-year downturn.
    
This Q4 2023 decline starkly contradicts previous assurances from U.S. government officials regarding strengthening economic ties and sustained investor interest in Nigeria.

The Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, David Greene, articulated an intense eagerness among American investors and corporations to engage with Nigeria, highlighting the nation’s substantial economic potential.
     
Moreover, he pointed out the significant U.S. support, surpassing $1.2 billion across diverse sectors such as technology, agriculture, and health for the fiscal year 2022.
    
Greene also noted the satisfaction of U.S. businesses and investors with the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Further reinforcing this narrative, U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken reassured the readiness of American companies to partner with and invest in Nigeria, albeit acknowledging the challenging business environment and the essential need to combat corruption and foster a more inviting business landscape.
    
However, contrasting perspectives emerged from the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, who highlighted Nigeria’s absence of a solid macroeconomic framework capable of attracting more dollar-denominated foreign direct investments.
     
Adeyemo emphasised Nigeria’s need to showcase a commitment to economic fundamentals to draw foreign investors and achieve economic prosperity.