Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called for urgent trade policy reforms, stronger US engagement, and political stability to unlock a tariff-free trade relationship with the United States, warning that the window of opportunity could close if Nigeria fails to act fast.
Speaking after high-level meetings in the USA with former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and several pro-Africa American lawmakers and officials, the Senator representing Kogi Central described the ongoing shifts in U.S. industrial policy as a “rare opening” for Nigeria to position itself as a strategic trade and production partner.
She revealed that the U.S. is actively seeking to reindustrialize by moving production closer to resource-abundant and labor-rich countries like Nigeria, especially due to constraints from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, regulations dating back to the Nixon era.
“America is in need of supplies to operate its factories, better still, establish production centres in countries with cheaper labor. Can Nigeria take advantage of this market opportunity? Absolutely. But only if we act with political will and strategic foresight.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals vital for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cited minerals such as monazite, columbite-tantalite (coltan), bastnasite, and xenotime, which are in global demand for high-tech manufacturing.
“These are found in states like Kogi, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Borno, Niger, Katsina, Bauchi, Cross River, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Plateau. I’ve always believed the recurring violence in some of these areas isn’t just religious, it’s resource control cloaked in conflict.”
She warned that without local beneficiation and regulation, these resources will continue to fuel illegal mining, insecurity, and environmental degradation.
“The goal must be simple: Nigerians must enjoy wealth and prosperity from their God-given natural minerals,” she stressed.
The suspended Senator also emphasized Nigeria’s competitive advantage in agriculture and IT, calling for smarter trade partnerships. Using the example of shea butter, she noted that U.S. cosmetic giants like Neutrogena could follow the lead of France’s L’Occitane and The Body Shop by sourcing directly from Nigerian women cooperatives.
“Our lands suffer no hurricanes, no frostbites, no wildfires. Nigeria can become a major organic supplier to America,” she said.
On ICT, she argued that Nigeria has an edge over competitors like India in voice clarity and language proficiency, noting that Nigeria could easily take over a chunk of the global call center outsourcing market.
“No hating, but an average Nigerian speaks in clearer accent than an average Indian. Harnessing our large redundant labour force, Nigeria can create smart hubs for digital jobs.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan outlined a five-point roadmap for Nigeria to seize this opening with the United States.
“The Nigerian government must push for the renewal and expansion of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, beyond 2025.
Deepen trade dialogues with America by building on the 2000 U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, TIFA. Enact Strong Mining Regulations: Just like my Gold Reserve Bill underway, Nigeria must pass laws that regulate extraction, ensure environmental protection, social responsibility, and even local manufacturing before export.
Others are, “Appoint Business-Minded Diplomats: Ambassadors must be smart, strategic, and business-oriented. American business owners want to invest in Nigeria, but they need honest, well-organized platforms for partnerships. Build Political Will and Trust: No one will bet their hard-earned money in a dishonest, unstable political environment. Trust and consistency are critical.”
Reflecting on her engagements in Washington, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects, if the country can invest in human capital and entrepreneurship.
“The world is Nigeria’s oyster. Let’s invest in human capital and honestly strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, then watch the world dance to us.”
