The Trump administration has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on Nigeria following the West African nation’s recent partnership with BRICS, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
President Donald Trump recently declared on Truth Social that “Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” directly targeting Nigeria’s new partnership with the emerging economies bloc.
The tariff threat comes after Nigeria accepted an invitation to join BRICS+ as a partner country in January 2025, marking a significant shift in the nation’s foreign policy alignment. Nigeria joined BRICS+ as a partner country in January 2025, positioning itself alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in the expanding economic alliance.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has revealed that the United States pressures Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees, including former prisoners. Speaking to Channels Television from 17:59, Tuggar explained the government’s position on the controversial request. “You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans deported from the US, some straight out of prison,” Tuggar stated during the interview.
He also slammed President Tinubu’s critics saying they would criticize the government if he submitted to US pressure. “It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept the Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own. We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria, for crying out loud. We already have 230 million people. You will be the same people that would castigate us if we accept Venezuelans from US prisons to be brought in,” the minister declared.
The diplomatic tensions have materialized in new visa restrictions affecting Nigerian travelers. Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period, according to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
This policy represents a dramatic reduction from the previous system. Nigeria received nearly one-fifth of the non-immigrant visas issued by the U.S. government in 2024 in Africa, making it the second-largest recipient of such visas on the continent after South Africa.
The new restrictions replace the previous multi-year, multiple-entry permits that had facilitated extensive travel and business connections between the two countries. Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity, providing some relief for current visa holders.
Minister Tuggar attributes the escalating tensions to broader strategic interests, particularly regarding defense resources. He argues that the United States requires Nigeria’s natural resources to strengthen its missile defense systems, creating additional friction in bilateral relations.
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