President of Belemaoil Group, Tein Jack-Rich, has called for a stronger economic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing closer bilateral cooperation as essential to unlocking Africa’s industrial growth and long-term economic prosperity.
Jack-Rich made the appeal on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., after receiving an award at the Celebrate America 250 event held to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The event attracted prominent American political and business figures, including Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, and members of the U.S. Congress, among them Representative Jim Jordan.
Speaking after receiving the honour, the former All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant said Africa’s development depended on greater access to American investment, technology, markets and strategic partnerships.
“What Africa needs is the right access, the right collaboration and the right partnership,” he said.
Jack-Rich described the United States as a critical development partner capable of helping Africa harness its vast economic potential, adding that deeper cooperation would benefit both regions.
According to him, a strengthened Nigeria-U.S. relationship could trigger industrial expansion across the African continent, creating employment opportunities, attracting investment and improving living standards.
He said Nigeria’s abundant hydrocarbon resources, critical minerals, youthful population and extensive arable land positioned the country as a strategic gateway for American investment into Africa.
Jack-Rich added that expanded bilateral trade would not only accelerate Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy but also drive broader economic transformation across the continent.
He noted that his belief in the importance of stronger Nigeria-U.S. relations partly influenced his decision to seek Nigeria’s presidency ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“I wanted an opportunity where Nigeria and the United States could become stronger partners. That has always been my primary objective,” he said.
He urged the U.S. government to deepen its engagement with Africa, insisting that Nigeria remained central to the continent’s economic future.
Responding, Eric Trump expressed support for closer U.S.-Africa relations, describing the continent as one of immense economic promise.
He said Africa possesses enormous natural resources and untapped opportunities that should not be ignored by the United States.
Trump warned that if Washington failed to strengthen its ties with African nations, rival global powers would continue expanding their influence across the continent.
“If America doesn’t engage, others certainly will,” he said.
He added that building stronger partnerships with African countries aligns with President Donald Trump’s vision of advancing America’s strategic and economic interests globally.
According to him, Jack-Rich’s remarks reflected Africa’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with the United States, expressing confidence that such engagement would continue to grow under his father’s administration.
