Issue: Edition #143
ABC Events
Seasons Greetings from the American Business Council Nigeria
The American Business Council Nigeria sends heartfelt greetings to all our members, friends, and partners as we wrap up this year and look forward to 2026.
The Business Exchange: Delta Air Lines at 100 Years of Global Impact
The American Business Council Nigeria recently hosted Mary Gbobaniyi, Sales Director, West Africa, Delta Air Lines, on The Business Exchange podcast, How Business Works, as Delta marks 100 years of connecting people, powering economies, and shaping the global aviation industry.
During the conversation, Mary Gbobaniyi shared insights into Delta’s mission, service offerings, and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. The discussion explored the evolution of air travel, highlighting rising customer expectations, enhanced safety standards, expanded regional connectivity, digital transformation, and the role of sustainable partnerships in driving industry growth.
Key highlights also included Delta’s collaborative approach to advancing connectivity, improving customer experience, and promoting environmental responsibility through fuel efficiency initiatives and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Podcast host Margaret Olele emphasized that Delta’s continued investments in digital innovation, technology, operational excellence, and customer-centric service are helping to create a seamless and sustainable travel experience, reinforcing the airline’s leadership and long-term commitment to growing the aviation sector in West Africa.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/d7VabzFa
New Episode: Cyber Security, Compliance and the Bottom Line
In this episode of The Business Exchange: How Business Works, we explore why cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional for businesses. The discussion highlights how strong compliance frameworks help manage risk, protect customer trust, and directly impact a company’s financial performance.
As cyber threats and regulations continue to evolve, this episode underscores the importance of viewing cybersecurity not just as an IT issue, but as a core business and governance priority.
The American Business Council Nigeria hosts Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso
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), hosted the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, alongside the Deputy Governor and senior CBN officials.
The Governor outlined the CBN’s reform priorities, reaffirming its commitment to macroeconomic stability, transparent markets, orthodox monetary policy, and structured engagement with the U.S. business community.
President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center, Ms. Kendra Gaither, highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing engagement with the Nigerian government—particularly through the U.S.-Nigeria Business Initiative—emphasizing that Nigeria and the United States remain strategic business partners. She noted that U.S. investors are attracted to markets that demonstrate policy credibility and consistency.
The session was moderated by Mr. Guevara Yao, Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who facilitated an interactive Q&A to gather feedback from U.S. companies.
Ms. Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council Nigeria, provided insights into the U.S.-Nigeria Business Initiative, outlining its strategic goals, priority focus areas, and the opportunities expected to drive U.S.-Nigeria economic growth through policy alignment and increased private sector participation.
The Future of U.S.-Africa Relations
Key Takeaways:
The article argues that the “America First” policy weakened U.S.–Africa relations by reducing foreign aid, scaling back diplomacy, and adopting a more transactional approach to engagement. These shifts diminished U.S. influence on the continent and created space for other global powers, raising concerns about long-term partnerships, development, and geopolitical standing in Africa.
What does this mean for American Businesses?
American businesses may face stronger competition and higher uncertainty in African markets as reduced U.S. diplomatic and development engagement weakens influence and stability. To succeed, companies will need more localized, partnership-driven strategies and a stronger focus on long-term value and trust-building.
Want to read the full article? [https://impakter.com/trumps-america-first-policy-in-africa-the-consequences/]
Business Updates
UN, US sign $2 billion humanitarian funding agreement for 17 crisis-hit countries
Speaking at the signing in Geneva, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher paid tribute to humanitarian workers operating under increasingly difficult conditions, describing the past year as “a very, very tough year for everyone engaged in humanitarian action.”
Despite the challenges, he said the agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding or MOU, offered grounds for optimism.
“Millions, millions more will get that support that they so badly need,” Mr. Fletcher said, adding that the funding would help save tens of millions of lives in the year ahead.
The agreement covers 17 crisis-affected countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ukraine, Haiti, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sudan, Bangladesh, Syria, Uganda, Kenya and Chad, as well as the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The UN report signals tighter global humanitarian and development funding, which could reduce donor-funded projects in Nigeria. For Nigerian businesses, this may mean fewer contracts in aid-linked sectors (health, agriculture, logistics) and increased pressure on government finances. However, it also creates opportunities for private sector–led, locally driven solutions to fill funding and service gaps.
Want to read the full article? [https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166678]
Customs deepens ties with American Business Council
The Nigeria Customs Service has agreed to deepen structured engagements with the American Business Council aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.
According to a statement on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this when he received a delegation from the American Business Council, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Olele, in Abuja last week.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said 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:
The closer partnership between Nigeria Customs and the American Business Council signals improved trade facilitation and stronger public–private dialogue. For Nigerian businesses, this could mean smoother import and export processes, reduced delays and costs at ports, and a more predictable trade environment that supports investment and competitiveness.
Want to read the full article? [https://punchng.com/customs-deepens-ties-with-american-business-council/]
U.S. Chamber, American Business Council Nigeria Host CBN Governor in Washington
The U.S.-Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the American Business Council Nigeria (ABCN), hosted the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, alongside the Deputy Governor and senior officials of the Bank, at a high-level engagement with members of the U.S. business community.
During the meeting, Governor Cardoso outlined the Central Bank’s reform priorities, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, transparent and efficient markets, the application of orthodox monetary policy, and a structured, sustained engagement with U.S. investors and businesses.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The engagement signals stronger U.S.–Nigeria economic ties and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s reforms. For Nigerian businesses, this could mean improved access to foreign investment, greater policy predictability, and more opportunities for partnerships with U.S. companies—especially in finance, technology, manufacturing, and export-oriented sectors.
Want to read the full article?
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]
Nigeria’s business activity expands for 13th consecutive month – CBN PMI
Nigeria’s business activity expanded for the 13th consecutive month in December 2025, according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report published on Tuesday by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The composite PMI rose to 57.6 points in December, up from 56.4 points in November, indicating a stronger and broad-based expansion in economic activity. A PMI reading above 50 points signals expansion.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
Nigeria’s business activity has expanded for the 13th consecutive month, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 57.6 points—its strongest level in 2025—indicating broad-based growth across industry, services, and agriculture. This sustained expansion signals improving economic conditions, rising demand, and stronger business confidence, which can support investment, production, and job creation for Nigerian companies.
Want to read the full article?[https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/846535-nigerias-business-activity-expands-for-13th-consecutive-month-cbn-pmi.html]
UNESCO reiterates commitment to conserving Nigeria’s natural reserves
UNESCO has reiterated its commitment to conserving Nigeria’s biosphere reserves, ensuring environment presevation and discouraging human activities that fuel climate change across communities.
Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office, UNESCO Abuja and the organisation’s representative in Nigeria, said this in an interview on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Abuja.
He said that UNESCO was conserving biosphere reserves, particularly Oban in Cross River, Omo in Ogun State, and Shere Hills in Plateau State.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The renewed commitment by UNESCO to conserve Nigeria’s natural reserves signals growing support for sustainable and biodiversity‑linked economic opportunities, including training and funding to help communities develop environment‑friendly businesses like piggery, fish farming, and other biodiversity value ventures. This can open new market opportunities, promote eco‑tourism, and encourage private‑sector participation in sustainable development, while aligning business practices with global conservation priorities.
Want to read the full article? [https://www.environewsnigeria.com/unesco-reiterates-commitment-to-conserving-nigerias-natural-reserves/]
Elevating female voice in Nigeria’s financial sector
Across Nigeria’s financial sector, women are no longer waiting to be included; they are increasingly shaping the direction of banks, investment institutions, and the broader economy. From board appointments to the surge of women-led enterprises, the landscape is shifting slowly, but decisively.
Yet, beneath the progress lies a structural challenge: women still face limited access to capital, fewer market linkages, and weaker institutional support compared to their male counterparts. Closing this gap requires targeted interventions, credible partnerships, and a financial ecosystem that is intentional about gender equity.
What This Means for Nigerian Businesses:
The article highlights that greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s financial sector is reshaping the business environment, with more women leading banks, receiving funding, and driving enterprise growth, but access to capital, market networks, and institutional support still lags for many female‑led businesses. Strengthening gender‑equitable financial products and support systems can unlock new opportunities, diversify markets, and boost overall economic growth for Nigerian businesses.
Want to read the full article? [https://guardian.ng/features/elevating-female-voice-in-nigerias-financial-sector/]
Startup Updates
Why Nigerian Startups Are Getting Silicon Valley’s Attention
People outside of Nigeria have taken notice of this clarity in recent years. No longer merely interested, Menlo Park and San Francisco-based venture capital firms are actively involved. Not only have remarkably successful fintech platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave raised millions, but they have also resolved actual payment fragmentation problems throughout Africa. Stripe’s acquisition of Paystack was a game-changer, not just a news story. It meant that Nigerian-built infrastructure may become a model for the rest of the world.
How Nigeria’s Pay4Me is helping students make international payments
Founded in 2022, Pay4Me helps students make same-day payments for tuition, application fees, visa and immigration fees, housing, insurance, and other education-related costs to institutions and government agencies abroad.
“Beyond payments, we are evolving into a broader platform that supports banking, global money movement, and credit-building for students who are typically excluded by traditional financial systems in their new countries of residency,” CEO Sunday Paul Adah, who co-founded the business alongside CTO Stephen Jude, told Disrupt Africa.
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