ABUJA, NIGERIA - (September 29, 2003) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the Nigerian national telecommunications operator, concluded a grant agreement to provide executive level training for NITEL management in support of NITEL's selection of Motorola in the expansion of its digital cellular network. Ms. Robyn Hinson-Jones, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Government, and Dr. Chinwuba, Chairman of the Board of NITEL, signed on behalf of the Grantee.

Under the agreement, USTDA will provide $123,600 to NITEL to contract with Motorola, Inc., to organize the training for NITEL management through three different executive training programs at Harvard University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. The training is designed to support the professional growth of senior management at NITEL through course training in marketing, strategic development and change, and leadership.

"Through this grant, USTDA is pleased to support the contract signed between NITEL and Motorola for expansion of NITEL's digital network that will lead to increased tele-density in Nigeria," said Director Askey.

The USTDA training grant represents a commitment by the United States and Nigeria to improve Nigeria's telecommunications density, which will help to promote Nigerian economic development. In addition, the grant represents a continuation of USTDA's involvement in the Nigerian telecommunications market, helping to bring greater telecommunication services to a larger number of Nigerians.

Since reopening its country program in Nigeria in late 2000, USTDA has provided over $4.2 million to various infrastructure projects in that country. Working with the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and strong development partners throughout Nigeria, USTDA is actively seeking to support growth in Nigeria's private sector.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation in developing and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on economic sectors that represent significant U.S. export potential. By funding various forms of technical assistance, training grants, feasibility and specialized studies, conferences, orientation visits, and business workshops, USTDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity-building initiatives and supports U.S. Government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world.

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