The United States Mission in Nigeria has revealed that more than 100 American companies are currently operating in the country, driving trade expansion, innovation, and entrepreneurship across critical sectors of the economy.
This disclosure was made on Wednesday at the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” video contest award ceremony, held at Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, where the U.S. Mission honoured five Nigerian content creators for creatively highlighting the influence of American products, brands, and ideas in everyday Nigerian life.
Celebrating Creativity and Bilateral Ties
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the Country Public Diplomacy Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy, Lee McManis, said the contest reflects the deep commercial and cultural relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond promoting American goods, symbolising an enduring partnership built on commerce, mutual respect, and shared ambition.
“These values form the foundation of strong bilateral relations—not only between individuals but also between nations,” McManis said.
Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
McManis highlighted the importance of the five-year Commercial and Investment Partnership Agreement signed between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
“The agreement focuses on agriculture, the digital economy, and infrastructure. Nigeria is one of only five African countries with such a partnership, underscoring the importance we place on our economic relationship,” he said.
American Businesses Powering Nigeria’s Economy
He noted that American companies operating in Nigeria span manufacturing, energy, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and technology, creating jobs and opportunities for citizens of both nations.
“Currently, more than 100 large American companies operate in Nigeria, alongside many small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, they are driving ingenuity, innovation, and prosperity for Americans and Nigerians,” McManis said.
“This is trade that transforms lives and creates opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Stories that Connect Nations
The contest attracted entries from across Nigeria, with participants demonstrating how American innovations support creativity, empower local businesses, and connect Nigerian creators to global audiences.
“Through your skits, you showed how American ideas, innovations, and products are woven into daily life in Nigeria,” McManis said.
“Many entries explored how American technologies empower Nigerian creatives, while others highlighted the reliability of American products and engineering in supporting businesses and communities nationwide.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers
Award-winning filmmaker and guest of the U.S. Mission, Dimbo Atiya, described the initiative as a platform for equipping young Nigerians with modern storytelling skills for the digital age.
“Vertical productions are the future. Contests like this give creatives the tools and exposure to reach global audiences,” Atiya said.
“While it promotes trade, young Nigerians are also empowered to tell their own stories and market their ideas.”
Winners Share Their Inspiration
Speaking after the event, grand prize winner, Ifeoluwa Fagbenle (Lagos), described her experience as both humbling and inspiring, encouraging fellow creators to remain consistent and bold.
“I always push to make my videos professional and high-quality. Even if I have to invest in new gadgets, I ensure my content stands out,” she said.
“My message to other creators is simple: put your work out there and do not hold back. You never know who is watching.”
The Honoured Content Creators
The five winners of the contest are:
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Ifeoluwa Fagbenle (Lagos) – Grand Prize
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Tito Abumere (Lagos)
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Janefrancis Odinkemma Ugwu (Abuja)
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Cyril Usheshe (Cross River)
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Timileyin Durotoye (Osun)
