Ngige: Nigeria-US trade on a downward swing

Trading between Nigeria and the United States (US) has drastically reduced, Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, said on Monday.

Ngige was quoted to have made the assertion in a statement released by Samuel Olowookere, deputy director of press in the ministry.

While receiving receiving Marlin Hardinger, the political officer in the U.S embassy, the minister expressed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the United States on fair labour practices to boost international trade relations in the country.

The minister also stressed that Nigeria was enthusiastic towards exporting agriculture produce to the US market.

“We appreciate the American government for taking this step. It is pleasing to note that you are synergising with the International Labour Organisation to make this workable,” Ngige said.

“This is really a big boost to trade not only in Nigeria, but in the entire continent of Africa.

“I have often thought of the workability of trade without productivity and its implication for a developing country like ours. The decision of your government to tie the two is re-awakening and important to us.

“Though trade relations between our two countries have receded following the decision of your country to stop the import of crude from Nigeria, we have a vast agricultural product base which can find ready market in the U.S. It is distressing, however, that even trade in this area is equally on downward swing.

“What we are looking for is a Nigeria that is prosperous and stable enough to remain a rallying point in the comity of nations and not necessarily a supper power. We will partner with you in this effort.”