₦airaland Forum

Nigeria responds to U.S. tariff imposition, says new policy to disrupt non-oil exports.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has acknowledged the recent imposition of a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports by the United States, stating its commitment to mitigating the impact while accelerating economic diversification.

In a statement signed by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, which was released on Sunday, the government noted that while oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) now face potential disruption.

It added that the new 10% tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S.

“For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present distabilizing challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.

“SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments,” it stated.

Nigeria’s exports to the U.S.

According to the statement, Nigeria’s exports to the U.S. have averaged $5–6 billion annually over the past two years, with crude oil and mineral fuels accounting for over 90%.

• It added that non-oil exports such as fertilizers, urea, lead, and agricultural products make up less than 5% of total shipments.

• With the new tariffs, Nigerian businesses in value-added and agro-processing sectors may face reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.

• The government, however, said it sees this as a catalyst to fast-track export diversification and improve compliance with international standards.

“We are approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global trade challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy,” said Dr. Oduwole.

She said the Tinubu administration has rolled out policy, financing, and infrastructure measures to help Nigerian businesses adapt, including:

• Expanding alternative export markets outside the U.S.;

• Enhancing quality control and traceability for Nigerian goods; and

• Strengthening trade diplomacy to secure favorable terms.

Nigeria engages U.S., WTO over tariff The government described the U.S. as a “valued trade and investment partner” but emphasized Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen economic resilience amid global trade uncertainties.

The statement noted that Nigeria remains in active consultations with U.S. trade representatives and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the implications of the new tariffs.

This follows a recent meeting between the U.S. Ambassador and the Minister on March 26, 2025, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade ties.

The statement highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical avenue for reducing dependency on Western markets.

Nigeria is pushing for accelerated AfCFTA implementation, leveraging tools like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to boost intra-African trade.

Backstory

The United States President, Donald Trump, recently imposed a global tariff on all U.S. trading partners, in what he dubbed “Liberation Day.”

• The decision sent global markets into a tailspin, as foreign investors sold off assets over fears of heightened uncertainty and potential reciprocal tariffs. In response, China retaliated with a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports into the country.

• The United States also imposed a 14% tariff against Nigeria, claiming the country operates a trade surplus.

• Based on Trump’s stated policy, this should have warranted a 28% tariff, but Nigeria received what Trump called a “concessionary” 14% rate.

• While the tariffs are not expected to significantly affect Nigeria’s trade position with the U.S., the likely impact will be felt on the crude oil front. Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil to shore up its foreign currency earnings and thus prefers higher oil prices.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/04/06/nigeria-responds-to-u-s-tariff-imposition-says-new-policy-to-disrupt-non-oil-exports/

Great response!

It’s not our place to provide emotional satisfaction for the detractors of Trump.

Our leaders should do that too, which serves our nation and its future.

Nigerian government has shown a commendable resilience in the face of these challenges. The proactive approach to diversify and strengthen trade ties is the way to go.

This is a test for the Nigerian economy and I believe we will come out stronger.

Good

What’s Ebola going to do? Declare a state of Emergency on Trump? Abi he can only flex muscles locally?

World leaders were just reacting like chemicals ever since trump raised tariffs on commodities exported into the United states.

Trump no even send them.

Las las everybody go dey alright.

50 Countries are already negotiating with America and these ones are talking of hardship instead of going to negotiate tarriffs like reasonable countries

Good response from the government.

givedemwotowoto:
What’s Ebola going to do? Declare a state of Emergency on Trump? Abi he can only flex muscles locally?

NO, declare state of emergency on lazy youths

In simple terms, Nigerians go suffer am.
Clueless touts running the country.

SalamRushdie:
50 Countries are already negotiating with America and these ones are talking of hardship instead of going to negotiate tarriffs like reasonable countries

Carry your mushroom countries away from here, who sabi dem.

ResidentSnitch:
In simple terms, Nigerians go suffer am.
Clueless touts running the country.

Illiterate

It’s so refreshing to read an intelligent, solution focused response from a government official.

Great100000:
Nigeria responds to U.S. tariff imposition, says new policy to disrupt non-oil exports.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has acknowledged the recent imposition of a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports by the United States, stating its commitment to mitigating the impact while accelerating economic diversification.

In a statement signed by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, which was released on Sunday, the government noted that while oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) now face potential disruption.

It added that the new 10% tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S.

“For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present distabilizing challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.

“SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments,” it stated.

Nigeria’s exports to the U.S.

According to the statement, Nigeria’s exports to the U.S. have averaged $5–6 billion annually over the past two years, with crude oil and mineral fuels accounting for over 90%.

• It added that non-oil exports such as fertilizers, urea, lead, and agricultural products make up less than 5% of total shipments.

• With the new tariffs, Nigerian businesses in value-added and agro-processing sectors may face reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.

• The government, however, said it sees this as a catalyst to fast-track export diversification and improve compliance with international standards.

“We are approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global trade challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy,” said Dr. Oduwole.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/04/06/nigeria-responds-to-u-s-tariff-imposition-says-new-policy-to-disrupt-non-oil-exports/

Best move is to reduce our tarrifs on US goods....

T-PAIN is CIA plus FBI asset

Foolish Tinubroom

Some people almost ate me raw yesterday.... but this is what most countries should do.

“We are approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global trade challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy,” said Dr. Oduwole.

Tinubu has able and intelligent team to run his administration.

The impact will be cutting only 0.1% of Nigeria's GDP. Also, we've aready seen the impact on the oil export.

Lol, FG will be like. Na today our people are prepared for the hit already.

COMRADES are speechless, which FG? Is it this useless FG under the leadership of Tinubu?

givedemwotowoto:
What’s Ebola going to do? Declare a state of Emergency on Trump? Abi he can only flex muscles locally?

U funny o, u want make them root old files out?

Ariwo ko. No need to off shirt and begin fight. Let your evil plans be in your mind and execute them silently. JAGABAN

RenoOkriTheGoat:
Foolish Tinubroom

No cry, no cry,..

givedemwotowoto:
What’s Ebola going to do? Declare a state of Emergency on Trump? Abi he can only flex muscles locally?

Go and ask Ekpa tying your mothers like bushmeat every Monday.

Hand touch am for Finland where he dey.

Tinubu should impose Tariff on American goods as well but because Nigeria is a dumping ground, we decide to console ourselves with promises that will never see the light.

Nigerians should stop voting half baked uneducated leaders with questionable characters. That's only when we can look at trump in the eyes and say NO

Ok.


As expected the comments aren't surprising.

Make we retaliate, Maka!

Nothing will be done last last, weak government only good in looting.

Great100000:
[b]Nigeria responds to U.S. tariff imposition, says new policy to disrupt non-oil exports.


Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/04/06/nigeria-responds-to-u-s-tariff-imposition-says-new-policy-to-disrupt-non-oil-exports/

But you also impose a 34% tarriff on American imports

Naira Dollar exchange rate might soon hit N2,000 or more to one dollar. This is not good news for Nigeria.

So what did FG said??