By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Nigeria’s recent upgrade to BRICS “partner country” status is facing immediate pressure following a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened a 10% tariff on all nations aligning with the bloc.
Trump, via his Truth Social platform, declared, “Any country aligning with the anti-American BRICS will be charged an additional 10% tariff. No exceptions.”
The warning comes as President Bola Tinubu joined the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, marking Nigeria’s strategic shift toward emerging economies like China, Russia, and India.
The new status, formalized in January 2025, gives Nigeria deeper involvement in BRICS discussions and development initiatives.
However, the U.S. threat casts a shadow over expected benefits, especially for Nigeria’s oil exports, over 90% of which go to the U.S.
Analysts warn that Trump’s proposed tariff could derail Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery, with inflation recently dipping to 27.5% after peaking at 34.2% in mid-2024.
The move places Nigeria in a tough spot, balancing new alliances with BRICS and long-standing economic ties with the U.S.
