US Identifies Corruption as Key Barrier to Trade and Investment in Nigeria
The United States government has pinpointed corruption as the main barrier to trade and investment in Nigeria, according to the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Obstacles.
The report, issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, highlights corruption, lack of transparency in tender processes, and delays in approving import permits as significant challenges faced by U.S. companies operating in Nigeria.
American companies allegedly face improper requests for " facilitation" payments, whereas attempts to fight corruption are hampered by disputes between ministries and political partisanship.
The document likewise expresses reservations regarding the effectiveness of Nigeria's judicial system in managing cases related to corruption.
A significant problem is the delayed granting of import permits for U.S. agricultural goods by Nigeria, a hurdle that has persisted over time.
Since 2019, the United States has attempted to negotiate permissions for multiple food and agriculture products destined for export; however, advancements have remained minimal.
Additionally, inconsistencies in Nigeria’s implementation of technical regulations and sanitary measures create confusion and hinder compliance.
The report criticizes Nigeria’s high combined duties and fees on numerous tariff lines, exceeding ECOWAS limits on some items.
These overarching problems, coupled with issues in customs management, add to the complexities faced when conducting business in Nigeria.