The United States Department of Commerce and the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy have released a joint statement to enhance collaboration in the digital economy. This initiative is part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, launching the U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership.

The statement follows Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets Arun Venkataraman's recent visit to Nigeria, where he met with Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Olatunbosun Tijani on behalf of Secretary Raimondo.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Nigerian Minister Olatunbosun Tijani emphasized their commitment to strengthening the digital economy, promoting innovation, and increasing digital trade and investment between Nigeria and the United States. They highlighted the potential benefits such as economic growth, job creation, and fostering an inclusive digital future.

Both officials acknowledged the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors while stressing the importance of mitigating its risks. They committed to implementing the recent United Nations General Assembly resolution on AI for sustainable development (A/78/L.49). The role of trusted information and communications technology (ICT), data privacy, data protection, and cross-border data transfers was also underscored in developing emerging technologies like AI.

Investing in digital workforce capacity was identified as critical for realizing digitalization's potential. Both nations aim to empower a skilled workforce through initiatives like the United States Digital Transformation with Africa initiative and Nigeria’s Strategic Plan for the Digital Economy Sector (2023).

Secretary Raimondo and Minister Tijani plan to foster cooperation in areas including data protection, cross-border data transfers, artificial intelligence, and digital upskilling. The intention is to promote policies supporting interoperability between privacy regimes while identifying cooperative approaches to AI and digital skills development.

This joint statement does not create binding obligations under domestic or international law but serves as a framework for ongoing collaboration.