Issue: Edition #142
ABC Events
Building the Future of Aviation: Partnerships, Connectivity, and Sustainability at Delta Airlines
On the latest episode of The Business Exchange: How Business Works, Margaret Olele chats with Mary Gbobaniyi (Delta Airlines, West Africa) about the opportunities, challenges, and future of aviation in Nigeria.
ABC Hosts Pre-Conference Strategic Dialogue on Cybersecurity and AI-Driven Threats
For the past five years, the American Business Council Nigeria (ABC), through its ICT Committee, has prioritized cybersecurity as a critical issue for businesses and institutions. This commitment has been driven through the annual ABC Cybersecurity Conference and Hackathon. Continuing this focus, the Council convened a Pre-Conference Strategic Dialogue on Cybersecurity: The Journey So Far and AI-Driven Threats on 19 December at the Oracle Office in Lagos.
In her opening remarks, Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council Nigeria, reflected on the origins of the Cybersecurity Conference during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period marked by accelerated digitisation, remote work, and virtual engagements, alongside heightened systemic cyber risks. She highlighted the progress made through collaboration with key public sector stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as law enforcement agencies with expanded cybersecurity mandates. These efforts, combined with increased private sector investments in Security Operations Centres and advanced technologies, signal a maturing cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.
However, she noted that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence has introduced new and evolving threats. Persistent gaps in policy implementation, human capital development, and inter-agency coordination continue to pose both security and economic risks.
As part of its capacity-building efforts, ABC is partnering with Comercio and NITHub, University of Lagos, on a learning cyber hub, while Draper University supports advanced skills development in the sector.
The dialogue, which precedes the 5th Annual ABC Cybersecurity Conference & Hackathon, aimed to align stakeholders on emerging risks and priority issues. Ebenezer Akpobasa, Senior Manager, Cyber Defense & Resilience at Deloitte, set the tone for discussions, followed by a fireside chat featuring the Office of the National Security Adviser, represented by General Bala Fakandu, in conversation with Cisco.
The session provided an opportunity for members to share insights and recommendations ahead of the 2026 conference. Participating organizations included Cisco, IHS Towers, Flutterwave, SLB, Dow, Outcess, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Oracle, Deloitte, and partner Comercio Limited.
The Council extends its appreciation to Joy Lawal and the organizing team for the successful execution of the event.
ABC Nigeria Engages U.S. Consul General to Strengthen Support for American Businesses in Nigeria
The American Business Council Nigeria (ABC Nigeria) recently engaged with the U.S. Consul General, Mr. Rick Swart, at the U.S. Consulate to discuss the current state of U.S. businesses and the broader business environment in Nigeria.
As part of the engagement, the ABC Nigeria secretariat joined the Consul General on a visit to Oracle during his planned one-on-one outreach to U.S. companies and collaborated with the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) in hosting U.S. American Business Council CEOs, largely drawn from ABC member companies.
ABC Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria to support American businesses and advance shared economic growth between both countries.
What does this mean for Multinational and Foreign Investors?
For multinational and foreign investors, this engagement signals stronger diplomatic and institutional support for U.S. and foreign businesses in Nigeria. It reinforces confidence in Nigeria’s investment climate, improves access to policy dialogue and advocacy, and highlights continued U.S.–Nigeria collaboration to support long-term, sustainable business growth.
ABC Nigeria and National Laboratory of the Rockies Advance Dialogue on Clean and Efficient Energy Solutions
The American Business Council Nigeria (ABC) Sustainability Working Group, in partnership with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly NREL), hosted a Technical Workshop on Advanced Energy Solutions on December 4 at Dow’s Lagos office.
The session featured expert insights from NLR specialists and active engagement from ABC members, offering a first look at a practical guidebook on captive power, distributed and hybrid energy systems, procurement models, and Nigeria’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Members shared on-the-ground insights to help strengthen the guidebook, while NLR also offered technical support to select companies to advance clean and efficient energy solutions.
ABC looks forward to continued collaboration to accelerate sustainable energy adoption that supports business growth and Nigeria’s energy future.
Thank you to our hosts and sponsors, Dow and The Coca-Cola Company, and participating members including African Capital Alliance, IHS Towers, ARC-ESM, and Chevron.
What does this mean for Multinational and Foreign Investors?
For multinational and foreign investors, this highlights growing access to credible technical expertise, clearer energy procurement pathways, and stronger public–private collaboration in Nigeria’s power sector. It signals improving frameworks for reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable energy solutions—reducing operational risk and supporting long-term investment confidence.
ABC Nigeria Engages Nigeria Customs Service on 4% FOB Charge and Trade Facilitation Reforms
On 12 December 2025, the American Business Council Nigeria (ABC Nigeria) convened a high-level meeting with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to discuss key trade and customs issues, including the status and implications of the proposed 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge. The meeting was chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, and attended by senior NCS leadership, key ABC members, and representatives of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, including Deputy Economic Counselor, Mr. Joe Giblin.
During the discussions, ABC Nigeria acknowledged that the 4% FOB charge is positioned as beneficial to the business community and aligned with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 2023). However, the Council also raised concerns about the potential negative economic impact of the levy, particularly its effect on increasing import costs at a time when efforts are being made to reduce the overall cost of doing business.
The Council highlighted that sectors such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and industrial equipment would be disproportionately affected, with higher production costs, reduced competitiveness, and possible slowdowns in construction and mining activities. These impacts could, in turn, affect Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination in these sectors.
To mitigate these risks, ABC Nigeria proposed several recommendations, including a phased implementation of the levy, capping charges on high-value imports, providing targeted incentives, conducting regular reviews of the levy, and clarifying exemptions for manufacturers to ensure a balanced approach between revenue generation and economic sustainability.
In response, the Comptroller General of Customs provided insights into the policy, outlined opportunities within existing sections and schedules to help mitigate costs, and highlighted the extension of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, noting that U.S. companies operating in Nigeria are eligible to benefit from the initiative.
Both parties agreed to institutionalize quarterly engagement meetings in 2026 as part of a continued collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
What does this mean for Multinational and Foreign Investors?
For multinational and foreign investors, this engagement signals active private–public dialogue on trade policy and a commitment to balancing revenue measures with competitiveness. It highlights opportunities to mitigate import-related costs through structured frameworks such as exemptions and the Authorized Economic Operator program, while providing greater policy visibility and predictability—key factors for sustaining investment and planning long-term operations in Nigeria.
U.S.-Africa Business Center and ABC Nigeria Host CBN Leadership to Strengthen US-Nigeria Economic Engagement
On December 15, 2025, the U.S.-Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the American Business Council Nigeria (ABC Nigeria), hosted a high-level engagement with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, the Deputy Governor, and the CBN team.
During the session, the Governor outlined the CBN’s reform priorities, emphasizing a commitment to macroeconomic stability, transparent markets, orthodox monetary policy, and structured engagement with the U.S. business community. Kendra Gaither, President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, reaffirmed the Chamber’s ongoing engagement with the Nigerian government, highlighting that U.S. investors are attracted to markets with credible and consistent policies.
The event was moderated by Guevera Yao, Vice President at the Chamber, who facilitated a Q&A session to gather feedback from U.S. companies. ABC Nigeria CEO Margaret Olele detailed the US-Nigeria Business Initiative, sharing its strategic goals, focus areas, and the opportunities it presents to drive economic growth through policy alignment and private-sector-led project execution.
The Future of U.S.-Africa Relations
Key Takeaways:
The expanded U.S. travel ban hits Africa hardest, affecting many countries and raising concerns about strained diplomatic ties, reduced educational and business exchanges, and broader economic impacts. Officials warn it could make U.S.–Africa relations more unpredictable and may push African nations to seek partnerships elsewhere.
What does this mean for American Businesses?
For American businesses, the travel ban could limit access to African talent, partners, and markets, slow cross-border deals and operations, and create uncertainty in planning international activities, potentially affecting growth and collaboration opportunities.
Want to read the full article? [https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/trumps-expanded-travel-ban-hits-africa-hardest-reactions-128502246]
Business Updates
U.S. and Nigeria Sign Five-Year Health MOU to Strengthen Nigeria’s Health System
On 20 December 2025, the United States Department of State signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health system with a strong focus on supporting Christian faith-based health care providers.
Under the agreement, the U.S. Department of State, working in collaboration with the U.S. Congress, plans to commit nearly $2.1 billion to expand access to essential preventive and curative health services, including interventions targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
In a significant show of domestic commitment, Nigeria will increase its health sector expenditure by nearly $3 billion over the duration of the MOU. This represents the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy, reinforcing Nigeria’s ownership of its health outcomes and long-term system sustainability.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
Stronger health systems will boost workforce productivity and reduce risks. Expanded funding creates partnership and supply-chain opportunities, while government co-investment signals stability and supports CSR/ESG initiatives.
Want to read the full article?[https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7408477730431864832]
US Reaffirms Commitment To Nigeria Trade, Investment As Five Nigerians Win ‘Made In America’ Awards
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and business ties with Nigeria, as the U.S. Embassy to Nigeria said American commerce in the country goes beyond goods and services to creating opportunities, driving innovation and improving lives.
The reaffirmation was made during the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” awards ceremony in Abuja.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The article signals growing opportunities for Nigerian businesses through strengthened U.S.–Nigeria trade and investment ties. It highlights potential for partnerships with American companies, increased market access, recognition for local talent, and collaboration in key sectors like agriculture, tech, and infrastructure.
Want to read the full article? [https://www.arise.tv/us-reaffirms-commitment-to-nigeria-trade-investment-as-five-nigerians-win-made-in-america-awards/]
Nigeria Customs Service deepens ties with American Business Council
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has agreed to deepen structured engagements with the American Business Council aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said in a statement that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, told a delegation from the American Business Council, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Olele, in Abuja last week that the NCS has, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation, and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
Nigerian businesses can leverage strengthened U.S.–Nigeria trade and investment ties to expand market access, form partnerships with American companies, gain international visibility, and collaborate in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure—unlocking new growth and innovation opportunities.
Want to read the full article? [https://apanews.net/nigeria-customs-service-deepens-ties-with-american-business-council/]
Nigeria reaffirms commitment to business, human rights – ACCI D-G
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing business and human rights amid economic and oil sector challenges.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Jideani noted that Nigeria’s business and human rights framework in 2025 showed cautious progress.
He added that the progress was evident in spite of challenges from economic reforms and oil sector divestments.
He highlighted that the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, approved in 2023 and integrated into Nigeria’s 2024–2028 Human Rights Action Plan, was anchored on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses: Nigerian businesses stand to benefit from increased U.S. engagement through expanded trade and investment opportunities, access to American partners and markets, greater visibility for local talent, and collaboration in strategic sectors like technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, supporting growth and innovation.
Want to read the full article? [https://nannews.ng/2025/12/16/nigeria-reaffirms-commitment-to-business-human-rights-acci-d-g/]
Startup Updates
Here are female-led Nigerian startups solving everyday problems
Female-led startups in Nigeria are addressing everyday problems by enhancing access to credit, digitising healthcare, streamlining food supply chains, and creating jobs in underserved communities.
This is across fintech, healthtech, agritech, logistics, and e-commerce, where women founders are gaining visibility, customers, and impact despite navigating a challenging business climate.
Industry data consistently shows that female-led startups in Africa receive a small fraction of total venture capital raised each year. In Nigeria, where startup funding overall has tightened due to global economic pressures, women founders are often hit harder in the face by stricter scrutiny, smaller ticket sizes, and longer fundraising cycles.
Some female-led startups are also turning to alternative financing, including revenue-based funding and cooperative lending, to keep operations running. Nigerian female entrepreneurs are making significant waves, particularly in the tech space.
Startups showcase innovative solutions for insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association has unveiled four innovators as finalists to pitch their solutions to insurers, investors, and industry leaders for potential adoption, partnership, and investment.
The NIA, in a statement on Monday, said that the finalist innovators include Bunce, Mycover.ai, Riwe Technologies and SEAMFIX. They all showcased their solutions designed for the 2025 NIA Innovation Lab Demo Day.
In his welcome address, the NIA Chairman, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said that the gathering was not only to showcase groundbreaking ideas but also to reaffirm the insurance industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation as the cornerstone of our future.
Ahmed, who is also Managing Director of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, represented by the NIA Deputy Chairperson and Managing Director of REX Insurance Ltd., Mrs Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, stated that though insurance has always been about trust, resilience, and protection, in today’s rapidly evolving world, these values must be delivered through new channels, technologies, and mindsets.
Upcoming Events
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