Mr Tein Jack-Rich says stronger engagement with policymakers and business leaders in Washington is crucial to advancing Nigeria’s economic and strategic interests.
Jack-Rich, a chieftain of the APC, stated this in an interview after receiving an award at the Celebrate America 250 event on Wednesday in Washington D.C.
Jack-Rich, who is President of Belemaoil Group, described the recognition as an opportunity to amplify Nigeria’s voice and strengthen Africa’s place in U.S. policy and investment conversations.
“It is a great honour to celebrate U.S. 250 and have the opportunity to be in the right network to help Nigeria, help Africa and give both a stronger voice,” he said.
According to him, meaningful relationships with policy makers and investors are essential to unlocking trade, investment and development opportunities for Nigeria and the continent.
“I have consistently advocated building trade platforms and opportunities where the dignity of African people becomes part of the strategic policy priorities of this administration,” he said.
Jack-Rich said engaging directly with influential decision-makers in Washington would enable Nigeria to present its own narrative and attract greater international confidence.
“We had congressmen, senior politicians, business leaders and the President’s son listening carefully to Africa’s perspective. That is the value of being in the right room,” he said.
He said such high-level engagements were invaluable during periods of national and continental challenges.
Jack-Rich said Africa’s immense natural resources and youthful population positioned the continent as one of the world’s most compelling investment destinations.
“Africa has enormous resources, and platforms like this allow us to tell the Nigerian story from an African point of view,” he said.
He said he also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance in regional security and economic development during discussions with American leaders.
“The President’s involvement in helping Nigeria address insecurity has drawn global attention, created greater responsibility and reinforced the importance of sustained engagement,” he said.
Jack-Rich urged the U.S. to regard Africa as a long-term strategic ally rather than merely a source of raw materials.
“The U.S. should know that Africa is an important ally,” he said.
According to him, some American participants expressed concern over expanding influence by rival global powers across Africa.
“They talked about countries like China and Russia. I told them the issue is that Africa naturally partners with those who make themselves available,” he said.
Jack-Rich said African countries were driven primarily by the need for growth, investment and development opportunities.
“The African people are looking for opportunities to grow. Whatever opportunities are available are naturally the ones they engage,” he said.
He, however, maintained that partnerships with the U.S. remained the most sustainable because of America’s enduring institutions, innovation and investment culture.
“A partnership with the U.S. is more sustainable because its footprints can outlive generations,” he said.
Jack-Rich said the Celebrate America 250 event demonstrated the value of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.
He expressed confidence that deeper collaboration in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade would unlock Nigeria’s vast economic potential and accelerate Africa’s development.
“Africa has everything it needs to realise its full potential. What we require are trusted partnerships, expanded opportunities and greater access to global markets,” he said.
The high-profile event brought together Eric Trump, members of the U.S. Congress, including Rep. Jim Jordan, senior political figures, business leaders and international dignitaries.
