Tinubu responds to Trump tariffs, citing Nigeria’s economic strength and rising non-oil revenues as protection against trade shocks

Tinubu responds to Trump tariffs with bold optimism, assuring Nigerians that his administration has no fear of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade policies — even those directly targeting Nigerian exports.

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Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a solidarity visit from The Buhari Organisation, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria’s resilient economy and rising non-oil revenues make it strong enough to withstand external shocks.

“If non-oil revenue is growing, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side,” Tinubu said.

The U.S. under Trump’s second term has imposed sweeping tariff increases, including a baseline 10% levy on nearly all imports, with country-specific tariffs reaching up to 50%.

Nigeria now faces a 15% tariff on non-energy exports, a hike from the initial 14% announced in April 2025.

Oil and gas exports remain exempt, though global demand disruptions have impacted the sector.

President Tinubu pointed to several positive economic indicators, including:

• Nigeria meeting its 2025 revenue target by August
• Stabilisation of the naira, appreciating from N1,900 to N1,450 per USD
• Increased investment in agricultural mechanisation

“If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty,” Tinubu added, linking food security to economic growth.

In a lighter moment, Tinubu reflected on his early political partnership with the late President Muhammadu Buhari, revealing disagreements during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.

“We even argued over a symbol. He [Buhari] insisted on parliament, and I insisted on broom,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter from the audience. “He’s so stubborn.”

The meeting, attended by top APC figures including Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina and former Governor Aminu Masari, also served as a potential unification move ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite the tariff escalation from the U.S., Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s shift away from oil dependence and expansion of its tax base are helping cushion the impact of external policy shocks.

The FlagIt App, launched earlier under the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, and broader reforms show Nigeria’s push towards transparency and accountability.

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With an eye on the future, Tinubu remains confident that economic diversification, sound policy, and strategic diplomacy will keep Nigeria steady through turbulent global trade waters.