The United States has stepped up efforts to strengthen agricultural trade with Nigeria through the revitalisation of its Export Credit Guarantee Program, GSM-102.
The programme, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides government-backed credit guarantees to support Nigerian banks and importers in sourcing agricultural inputs from the United States.
Officials say the initiative is aimed at improving food supply chains, expanding trade opportunities and deepening economic ties between both countries.
Data shows that U.S.-Nigeria trade in goods and services rose to nearly 15 billion dollars in 2025, representing a 14 percent increase from the previous year. Agricultural trade also recorded significant growth, rising to 764 million dollars.
To boost awareness and utilisation of the programme, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos hosted a two-day engagement involving officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, development finance institutions, Nigerian banks and agribusiness stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Consul General Rick Swart described Nigeria as a key agricultural trade partner, noting a shift in U.S. policy focus from aid to trade and increased commercial engagement.
Participants at the forum explored how the GSM-102 programme can help Nigerian businesses access financing, expand market opportunities and support job creation.
Officials also confirmed that Nigerian banks regained eligibility to participate in the programme in late 2025, with credit limits already extended to selected institutions to support renewed trade financing.