By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The United States has signaled growing interest in the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) as a strategic hub for expanding trade and investment in Nigeria and West Africa.
Leading a delegation from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General on a recent visit, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., praised the zone’s infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and operational efficiency. He noted the presence of American brands such as Kellogg’s and Colgate as a testament to the zone’s attractiveness for foreign investors.
The visit comes ahead of the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola, which the ambassador described as a major platform to connect American investors with high-impact opportunities across the continent.
Ambassador Mills also urged Nigerian businesses to take greater advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), citing its potential to boost Nigerian exports to the U.S. under preferential trade terms.
Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, highlighted the zone’s integrated infrastructure—spanning 860 hectares—including its proximity to Lekki Deep Sea Port, high-speed broadband, and a dedicated industrial training centre. She said these features have made LFZ a preferred destination for international investors, contributing to job creation and economic development.
She called on the U.S. diplomatic and business community to further promote the zone among American firms seeking a secure and efficient entry point into Nigeria’s growing market.
The Lagos Free Zone is also set to benefit from major infrastructure upgrades such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and a proposed rail corridor, which are expected to enhance logistics and cargo mobility in the region.
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