The Federal Republic of Nigeria is taking a step in rebuilding its international reputation by hosting a two-day conference on 4-5 December at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The “Heart of Africa” project is designed to enlighten and update the international community about burgeoning business and cultural opportunities in that nation, and to assure the world that Nigeria is not merely a nation of miscreants.
A high level Nigerian government and business delegation led by the honorable Frank Nweke, Jnr., Minister of Information and National Orientation, will be joined by US business and government leaders, including the US Trade Representative office, the Oracle Corporation and the Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to announce the country’s ‘The Heart of Africa’ project.
“We are hosting the event in Washington D.C. as part of a wider initiative to promote understanding overseas of Nigeria’s political reform agenda and economic progression, in a bid to reassure potential investors that Nigeria is working assiduously to overcome its developmental challenges,” says Nweke. “One in four Africans is a Nigerian. Our size (140 million people and the largest on the African continent), combined with the strides we are making towards consolidating our democracy, liberalisation and regional leadership, means that Nigeria is truly at the Heart of Africa.”
Through its Heart of Africa project initiated in April 2004 by the Nigerian Federal Executive Council, Nigeria has implemented some highly innovative and effective measures to greatly improve its socio-economic standing through smart banking and telecommunications partnerships, by implementing major reforms to fight internal and international corruption, while emerging as a leader among African nations.
“The United States is eager to work with the people of Nigeria and their government to expand our trade and investment relationship,” adds Florie Liser, the Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). “With one of the largest populations and economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is the United States’ largest trading partner in the region and a major beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Nigeria’s efforts to utilise its vast natural resources and talented workforce to expand and diversify its economy will not only benefit the Nigerian people but also serve as a model for the region. We look forward to deeper and stronger trade ties with Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.”