Business Advisory Services

The Business Advisory Services (BAS) team provides quality one to one business advice and support to U.S. and Nigerian companies that have the potential and commitment to develop and maintain new business relationships. Our scope of services is defined by the needs of the companies we serve and includes in-depth analysis of political, economic and regulatory issues, visa facilitation, partner identification and qualification, negotiation, and early relationship troubleshooting, among others.

We also have a proven track record of successfully guiding U.S. firms with existing market share onward to greater market penetration and expanded business relationships in Nigeria. As a bilateral business organization, we also have assisted some of Nigeria’s largest and most influential companies with business in the United States. We are always mindful that the success of any client we take on reflects directly on our capabilities and skills of our BAS team and the U.S.- Nigeria Business Council. This is why we make it our number one priority to create optimal outcomes for them. We do not just facilitate business; we help companies steer the course.

Following is a list of our General Advisory Services areas. Our Business consultants will work with you to identify and tailor the right mix to achieve your exporting goals.

To begin taking advantage of these services, we invite you to call or email us at info@usnigeria.org

Planning and Strategy

  • Create a comprehensive international business plan for entry or expansion into Nigeria or USA.
  • Get ideas and cost-effective solutions to help achieve your business goals.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

  • Determine export licensing needs for shipping your products.
  • Understand and comply with global product standards, certification requirements, electricity regulations, and packaging laws.
  • Learn how to avoid intellectual property rights issues and legal disputes.

Trade Problems

  • Get assistance with customs-related issues.
  • Obtain advocacy support if your company’s exports or bids are adversely affected by a trade barrier or by market access issues.
  • Learn how to limit the risk of non-payment, and receive counselling if problems arise.

Industry Reports

  • Get accurate and detailed information from country and industry market reports written by our in-country trade Consultants.
  • Receive updates on new regulations, business trends, and government-financed projects.

Customized Market Research

  • Gauge the sales potential for your products or services with individualized reports on global markets.
  • Discover which factors influence prospective customers, identify your competitors, and obtain pricing for comparable products.

Partner Search

  • Identify Nigerian or American potential partners and get detailed company reports.
  • Determine the marketability of your product or service.

Personalized Business Matchmaking

  • Meet one-on-one with pre-screened buyers, sales representatives, and business partners
  • Leverage customized market briefings, research, and advice.

Trade Shows

  • Meet with pre-screened buyers and receive export counselling at major trade shows.
  • Exhibit in US or Nigerian international trade fairs.
  • We distribute your marketing literature at Nigerian international trade shows.

The US-Nigeria Trade Council can help members and clients create customized business advisory services designed to place the full resources of the Trade Council at the disposal of the clients empowering them to address a wide range of issues including, investing in Nigeria, trouble-shooting partner relationships, and providing strategic advice on building relationships at senior levels of the public and private sectors.

The Trade Council’s recommendation on the most appropriate method of market entry, including considerations on all aspects of the USNTC client company’s product and service offerings in global markets, successful best practices in its commercial relationships in other markets compared to those best suited to the Nigeria market, as well as typical sales channel partnerships for the client’s industry in Nigeria or United States.

Information on major competitors in the market, including a brief profile about each competing company’s history in the market, market strengths, list of joint venture partners and other commercial relationships, information on all product and service offerings, adverse company information, and contact information. Competitor pricing information on all product and service offerings in the Nigeria or US market is included when available.

Partner Identification involves identifying a list of potential companies interested in a partnership with the client.  A list of potential partners (i.e. distributors, agents, reps, trading companies, competitors, prospective customers, and JV partners) is provided complete with full contact information and company profiles.  Partner Introduction involves contacting a number of Nigeria or US companies on the client’s behalf, introducing the client’s products and services, and relaying the collected information back to the client.

Under this service, the USNTC will conduct phone and face-to-face interviews, as appropriate, with a number of companies selected by the client and based on a set of 3-5 questions provided by the client. Following the screening process, the Trade Council will submit a report to the client summarizing the market intelligence gathered in the process. The report includes financial information when available.

The Trade Council will provide companies planning an independent visit to Nigeria or USA with customized one-on-one in-country business appointments. This service also includes logistical support such as hotel arrangements,  airport-hotel transfers, and  accompaniment of client to USNTC scheduled meetings as required.