PRESS RELEASES

Correcting the Record: U.S. Ambassador Did Not State That
"Nigerian Goods Too Poor For AGOA Export…"
As Reported in The Guardian on February 6, 2009

For immediate publication
Abuja, Nigeria
February 9, 2009

The U.S. Mission would like to correct a February 6 report in The Guardian claiming that Nigerian goods are too poor for AGOA exports to the U.S. and that Nigerian businesses have failed to meet the basic requirements.  AGOA is one of the most important U.S. Government programs to better encourage more Nigerian exports to the United States.   

The U.S. Ambassador would never make such statements given that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria is actively supporting efforts by the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian business community to take advantage of the tremendous export opportunities available under the U.S. Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  AGOA promotes trade and economic opportunities for African countries through greater access to American markets.  The act provides duty-free entry of more than 6,400 classes of goods into the United States. 

In her February 5th meeting with Minister of Commerce and Industry Chief Achike Uzomah Udenwa, Ambassador Sanders briefed the Minister on the U.S. Government's broad engagement with the Nigerian government and business community to increase non-oil exports and to help the Nigerian people take full advantage of the many export opportunities available under AGOA.  Nigerian companies continue to demonstrate their desire to use AGOA and many Nigerian companies are already successfully exporting to the United States under AGOA.  We of course want to see more.

U.S. engagement on AGOA is an important part of our broader policy of promoting economic growth and increasing trade under our Framework for Partnership with the Nigerian people and the Government of Nigeria.  Our engagement is multifaceted – from practical workshops and trade delegations to an expanding network of AGOA Resource Centers.  These activities reflect our continuing commitment to support Nigeria's priority interest in expanding its economy through development of its non-oil export sector, particularly agriculture. 

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