From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nigeria and the United States have held discussions on ways to deepen bilateral ties.
Nigeria, through Belemaoil Group President Tein Jack-Rich and Roger Stone – a strategist and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies – met at Mar-a-Lago to discuss trade expansion between the two countries.
Jack-Rich, in a statement, described the trip as “an absolutely wonderful flight from DC to Mar-a-Lago with a visionary strategist, master bridge-builder, and one of President Trump’s closest allies.” He noted that the visit marks his third to the Florida estate since 2024, adding that “each experience has been even more memorable than the last”.
According to him, discussions focused on commercial ties and investment opportunities that would benefit both nations.
“Speaking positively about Nigeria and advancing trade opportunities between the United States and Nigeria remains a vital call to action for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.
He characterised the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago as one of “warmth, hospitality, and love … truly beyond measure”, adding that the meeting featured “graciousness, meaningful conversations, and an atmosphere of genuine friendship and respect.”
Stone, a central figure in Trump’s political orbit for decades, and Jack-Rich aligned on what the Belemaoil president called the core objective: “love of country and push for real, big opportunity for the national good.”
Jack-Rich leads Belemaoil, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous energy firms. He has repeatedly advocated for deeper US–Africa economic engagement, particularly in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Neither Stone nor representatives for President Trump have publicly commented on the meeting. The visit comes as both Washington and Abuja signal renewed interest in bilateral trade frameworks ahead of 2027.
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