Nigeria trade minister says ties with United States remain strong despite new tariffs

At a recent interview, Nigeria’s federal minister of industry, trade and investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described the country’s relationship with the United States as “actually quite good” despite a 12.5% tariff imposed by Washington on Nigerian exports in July. She explained that Nigeria took a measured approach to the tariff and avoided retaliatory measures, opting instead to pursue a mutually beneficial resolution through the World Trade Organization.

Oduwole highlighted ongoing talks to deepen collaboration on critical minerals, noting that Nigeria supplies 26 of the roughly 60 minerals on the U.S. critical list. A Nigerian delegation visited the United States for a closed-door roundtable with U.S. companies, and both parties aim to sign a pact later this week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The minister indicated that any agreement will focus on development and job creation within Nigeria rather than merely exporting raw materials.