Abbas assures U.S. investors of security, business opportunities in Nigeria

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has organised an exclusive executive breakfast roundtable discussion aimed at enlightening Nigerian business leaders, investors and high-net-worth individuals on opportunities available through the United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme.

A statement signed by Deputy President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Ehi Braimah, stated that the event, held recently, focused on the theme, “Exploring the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme: A Strategic Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency and Global Mobility.”

The discussion was designed to provide insights into how eligible investors can leverage the EB-5 programme to pursue permanent residency in the United States through qualifying investments, among others.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has assured American investors of business opportunities and security in Nigeria, urging them to explore the country’s economic potential.

Abbas, represented by the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja when a delegation of the United States Chamber of Commerce visited him.

He acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria but said that the Federal Government was committed to improving the business environment and strengthening trade relations with America.

National President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Balogun, served as Chief Host, while Vice President of Business Development and Head of EMEA at U.S. Immigration Fund, Moussa Ndiaye, who was the guest speaker, took the participants through navigating the immigrant investor programme.

Also featured was Chairperson of the Trade and Investment Committee of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Grace Adeyemo.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme offers eligible foreign nationals a pathway to U.S. permanent residency through investments that meet prescribed requirements, including job creation and other conditions established by U.S. immigration authorities.

The roundtable formed part of the Chamber’s efforts to promote international business engagement, investment education and stronger economic relationships between Nigeria and the United States.

The event, sponsored by the U.S. Immigration Fund, targeted business executives, entrepreneurs and prospective investors interested in understanding the investment and immigration opportunities associated with the programme.

Abbas said that Nigeria’s youthful population, skilled workforce, technical expertise and abundant natural resources offer investors opportunities across several sectors.

The Speaker, who welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries with preferential access to the American market, describing it as an opportunity to deepen trade and expand commercial ties, urged American investors to look beyond oil and gas and explore opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, hospitality, construction, sports, fashion and solid minerals.

He, however, urged the delegation to engage Nigerian business leaders and work within established laws and regulations to develop partnerships capable of delivering returns for investors and economic benefits for the country.

Earlier, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s US-Africa Business Centre, Kendra Gaither, said the delegation was in Nigeria to strengthen commercial relations and identify practical investment opportunities.

She said the team would spend three days meeting government officials and industry leaders to advance bankable projects, deepen business partnerships and create jobs in both countries.