By Goodluck Ikiebe
The US.-Africa Business Centre welcoming Atiku Abubakar and his team comprising, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, ex-President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chier Alegho Dopkesi, former Deputy Speaker of House of Reps, Emeka Ihedioha, ex FRSC Boss, Osita Chidoka, Minority Leader in the House of Reps, Ndidi Elumelu
The United States Chamber of Commerce has invited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to a ‘bilateral trade’ dialogue with the U.S.-Africa Business Centre.
In a letter signed by the President of the Centre, Scott Eisner, Atiku Abubakar, was invited to hold an “off-record” discussion on his perspective on how the U.S. corporate community can best support Nigeria’s economic advancement and how the two countries can deepen bilateral relationships.
“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC),
I would like to extend to you an invitation for a bilateral meeting with the U.S.Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Centre during your visit to the United States,” stated the USAfBC invitation.
The letter reads in part, “We would like to propose the meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, DC.
“We are happy to consider an alternative date if the proposed date is not suitable.”
The letter specifically mentioned that the deliberation would be “an off-the-record discussion to hear Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s “perspective on how the U.S. corporate community can best support Nigeria’s economic development,” especially the opportunities for expanding the economic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S.
As you may know, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organisation in the world, operating in all 50 states and in over 100 countries to promote free enterprise and advance American trade and investment globally, representing companies of every size and from every sector, working with state and local Chambers and over 100 AmChams around the world, including the American Business Council (ABC) in Nigeria,” the organisation added.
USABC “is the only institution of its kind” representing the interests of both the U.S. and African business communities and are “vocal advocates” for increased bilateral and regional trade with African nations.
“We are proud to represent the largest U.S. investors in Nigeria,” the letter said.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar unveiled his economic agenda in June, where he pledged support for the privatisation of key sectors of Nigeria’s economy in what he describes as “breaking government monopoly,” committing to the free market principles, allowing market forces to determine prices.
Meanwhile, Media Adviser to Atiuku, Mr Paul Ibe, has said the former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar on Thursday arrived in Washington DC, United States on a working visit.
He said the visit will afford the PDP presidential candidate the opportunity of high-level engagements aimed at setting the pace for building an economically stronger and more secure Nigeria, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe.
According to the statement, Atiku will be in the US for a week-long engagement that will be an opportunity for the frontline presidential candidate to share his vision for Nigeria with US business communities and young Nigerian professionals in North America.
The delegation of the former Vice President comprise senior members of the PDP presidential campaign council, personal aides and other members of the PDP.
Those in the official delegation include the Director-General of the PDP presidential campaign council and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, among others.
