Business
Nigeria Committed to Trading with U.S. Despite Tariff Threats to Export Goods
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment , says that the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue trading with America not minding the recent tariff measures announced by the Government of the United States of America in which it imposed a 14 percent tariff on Nigerian exports.
In a Position Statement on U.S. Tariff Measures the Minister noted: ” While these developments potentially impact global trade negatively, under the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria remains firmly committed to building economic resilience and accelerating export diversification.
The statement reads:” The Federal Government of Nigeria considers the United States a valued trade and investment partner, bound by shared values and mutual economic interests. The U.S. Ambassador’s visit to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment on March 26, 2025, reaffirmed our joint commitment to strengthening economic ties that benefit both economies.
In response to the recent tariff announcements, Nigeria remains actively engaged in consultations with U.S. counterparts and the WTO, approaching evolving trade dynamics with pragmatism and a commitment to mutually beneficial solutions.
Since May 2023, Mr President has remained actively committed to attracting and retaining much-needed investments from old and new friends of Nigeria.
The FGN is implementing a range of interventions in policy, financing, infrastructure, and diplomacy to help Nigerian businesses remain competitive amidst regional and global tariff hikes, including expanding alternative market access opportunities and ensuring off-take diversification to reduce and mitigate trade risks.
Nigeria’s exports to the United States over the last 2 years has consistently ranged between $5–6 billion annually. A significant portion—over 90%—comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products.
The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3%, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1% of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).
Dr Oduwole reiterated that her ministry “is approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global and regional trade policy challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy.
Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2% of our total exports to the U.S.
While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.
Dr Oduwole acknowledged that Nigeria’s exports to the US, especially non-oil products previously exempted under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—now face potential disruption.“
A new 10 percent 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 destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.
Dr Jumoke emphasized that SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments.
She , however, maintained that this development would strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.
”It also signals for Africa—and Nigeria in particular—the urgent need to enhance intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reinforcing the case for Nigeria’s accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, deepening regional integration, and leveraging frameworks like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to lower trade costs and promote intra-African trade.,’ said Dr Oduwole.
Dr Oduwole reiterated that her ministry “is approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global and regional trade policy challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy.
Business
George Elombi is Afreximbank’s new president
He succeeds Benedict Oramah, a professor, who has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2015, and who will be stepping down in September.
The shareholders of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have appointed George Elombi as the next President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the continental financial institution.
He becomes the fourth president to lead the bank since its establishment in 1993.
His appointment was one of the key decisions of the 32nd Afreximbank group annual meetings and associated events held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 25 to 28 June, with the formal annual general meeting of shareholders taking place on Saturday.
He succeeds Benedict Oramah, a professor, who has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2015, and who will be stepping down in September.
A Cameroonian national, Mr Elombi has been with Afreximbank since 1996, as a Legal Officer.
He rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President, Governance, Legal and Corporate Services.
Over his nearly three decades at the bank, he has served as director and executive secretary (2010–2015); deputy director, legal services / executive secretary (2008–2010); chief legal officer (2003–2008); and senior legal officer (2001–2003).
Business
NRS Chair: New tax laws won’t be implemented until January
According to Adedeji, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS by the signing of the bills into Law is now the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), explaining that the new law now defines the NRS’s expanded mandates…
•President Bola Tinubu shake hands with NRS Chairman, Zach Adedeji.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (formerly FIRS), Zach Adedeji, has disclosed that the implementation of the newly signed four tax fiscal reform laws will commence by January 1st, 2026.
Adedeji told State House correspondents shortly after the President signed the bills into law, the previous day.
Adedeji said that the modalities will be put in place ahead of the implementation.
Adedeji further explained that the six-month period between the enactment of the new fiscal laws is designed to give ample time to those saddled with the implementation to carefully prepare and ensure that all Nigerians are adequately sensitised.
According to Adedeji, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS by the signing of the bills into Law is now the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), explaining that the new law now defines the NRS’s expanded mandate, including non-tax revenue collection, and lays out transparency, accountability, and efficiency mechanisms.
Business
President Tinubu List Economic Expectations from New Tax Laws
On his verified X handle @officialABAT, the President had said that the new tax laws form the groundwork for the Nigeria of tomorrow, focused on unlocking opportunities for all.
President Bola Tinubu said today that the four tax reforms bills he signed into law reflect his administration’s resolve to create a modern, transparent, and efficient tax system capable of supporting national development, promoting investment, and reducing the burden of multiple taxation on citizens.
President Tinubu explained that the laws would be unifying Nigeria’s fragmented tax system, remove redundant overlaps, boost investor confidence, enhance transparency, and promote coordinated efforts across all levels.
He also described the legislation as a clear departure from previous policies, emphasising that the reforms are designed to ease the burden on working families, small businesses, and low-income earners while eliminating inefficiencies that have long plagued Nigeria’s fiscal structure.
On his verified X handle @officialABAT, the President had said that the new tax laws form the groundwork for the Nigeria of tomorrow, focused on unlocking opportunities for all.
“We are also building a framework for the Nigeria of tomorrow-leaner, fairer and laser focused on unlocking opportunities for all,” he said.
He added : ” These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet.
Designed to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue administration framework, the laws which have been described as a major leap in the nation’s economic reform drive.
“For too long, our tax system has been a patchwork-complex, inequitable, and burdensome. It has weighed down the vulnerable and shielded inefficiency. That era ends today.”
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