Strategic U.S. Engagement Can Unlock Nigeria, Africa’s Potential, Says Tein Jack-Rich

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President of Belemaoil Group and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, has called for stronger engagement between Nigeria, Africa and the United States, saying closer ties with American policymakers and business leaders are critical to unlocking the continent’s vast economic and strategic potential.

According to a press release on Thursday, Jack-Rich made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after receiving an award at the Celebrate America 250 event in Washington, D.C.

Describing the recognition as an opportunity to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage, Jack-Rich said participation in high-level policy and investment forums would help amplify Africa’s voice in international decision-making.

“It is a great honour to celebrate U.S. 250 and have the opportunity to be in the right network to help Nigeria, help Africa and give both a stronger voice,” he said.

He stressed that building lasting relationships with policymakers, investors and business leaders was essential to attracting investment, expanding trade and accelerating development across Nigeria and the African continent.

“I have consistently advocated building trade platforms and opportunities where the dignity of African people becomes part of the strategic policy priorities of this administration,” he said.

According to Jack-Rich, direct engagement with influential figures in Washington enables Nigeria to tell its own story and build greater international confidence in its economic prospects.

“We had congressmen, senior politicians, business leaders and the President’s son listening carefully to Africa’s perspective. That is the value of being in the right room,” he said.

He described such engagements as particularly important at a time when Nigeria and Africa face economic and security challenges, adding that the continent’s vast natural resources and youthful population make it one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.

“Africa has enormous resources, and platforms like this allow us to tell the Nigerian story from an African point of view,” he said.

Jack-Rich also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in regional peace and economic development during discussions with American leaders, noting that international cooperation remained vital in addressing insecurity.

“The President’s involvement in helping Nigeria address insecurity has drawn global attention, created greater responsibility and reinforced the importance of sustained engagement,” he said.

He urged the United States to view Africa as a long-term strategic partner rather than simply a supplier of raw materials.
“The U.S. should know that Africa is an important ally,” he said.

Speaking on growing geopolitical competition on the continent, Jack-Rich said some participants raised concerns over the increasing influence of China and Russia in Africa.

“They talked about countries like China and Russia. I told them the issue is that Africa naturally partners with those who make themselves available,” he said.

He explained that African nations were primarily seeking opportunities for economic growth and would naturally engage partners willing to invest in their development.

“The African people are looking for opportunities to grow. Whatever opportunities are available are naturally the ones they engage,” he said.

Despite this, Jack-Rich maintained that partnerships with the United States offer greater long-term value because of America’s strong institutions, innovation-driven economy and enduring investment culture.

“A partnership with the U.S. is more sustainable because its footprints can outlive generations,” he said.

He added that the Celebrate America 250 event underscored the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed optimism that deeper cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade would unlock Nigeria’s economic potential while accelerating Africa’s development.

“Africa has everything it needs to realise its full potential. What we require are trusted partnerships, expanded opportunities and greater access to global markets,” he said.

The high-profile event attracted prominent American political and business leaders, including Eric Trump, members of the U.S. Congress led by Representative Jim Jordan, senior political figures, investors and international dignitaries.