US eyes Lagos Free Zone as gateway for deeper investment in Nigeria

The United States is stepping up efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), a privately developed special economic zone in Lagos State.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., led a delegation from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General on a recent tour of the zone, where he expressed support for attracting more American companies to invest in the area.

Read also: IFC pumps $50 million into Lagos Free Zone to drive trade, industrial growth

He was particularly impressed with the infrastructure and planning at the LFZ, recognising the presence of some U.S. brands like Kellogg’s and Colgate already operating within the zone.

The visit comes ahead of the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola, which the ambassador said would serve as a platform to connect American investors with opportunities in Africa.

He also pointed to the underutilisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by Nigerian businesses, urging them to take advantage of the trade framework to boost exports to the U.S.

Several experts have expressed no hope in a renewal of the Act by Trump, considering the U.S. president’s strict protectionism policies.

Read also: Read also: Lagos Free Zone powers Nigeria’s economic rise

Adesuwa Ladoja, LFZ CEO, said the zone has become a preferred destination for investment, thanks to its integrated infrastructure, including Lekki Port, broadband connectivity, and a dedicated industrial training centre.

She added that the zone, spanning 860 hectares, has contributed to job creation and increased economic activity, and called on the U.S. diplomatic community to help promote the zone to American investors.

It is expected to benefit from ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and a proposed rail link, which would improve cargo movement.

Bethel Olujobi

Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.