Tinubu defies Trump tariffs by highlighting Nigeria’s economic growth, rising non-oil revenue, and food security efforts against U.S. trade barriers
Speaking on Tuesday during a solidarity visit by The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa Governor Sen.
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Tanko Almakura, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to withstand external trade pressures.
He stated, “If non-oil revenue is growing, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side.”
Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s strengthened fiscal position, revealing the country had met its 2025 revenue target as of August.
He also highlighted the stabilization of the naira, which appreciated from N1,900 to about N1,450 per dollar after unifying exchange rates in May 2023.
The current U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump imposes tariffs ranging from 11 to 50 per cent on various countries, including Nigeria.
From August 7, Nigeria faces a 15 per cent tariff on exports, excluding energy products such as oil and gas.
Despite these hurdles, Tinubu emphasized progress on his administration’s agricultural reforms, particularly a broad mechanization program.
“If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty,” he asserted, linking food security to Nigeria’s broader economic recovery.
Reflecting on political history, Tinubu recounted his early clashes with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2013 formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He humorously recalled their disagreement over the party logo, with Buhari favoring a parliament symbol and himself advocating for the broom—the latter eventually chosen to represent unity against corruption.
The APC’s formation united opposition parties and led to the 2015 electoral victory that ended the long rule of the People’s Democratic Party.
Also read:Tinubu Disturbed by Opposition Party Crisis – Akpabio
Tuesday’s meeting at the Presidential Villa included key northern party leaders, signaling efforts to consolidate APC ranks ahead of the 2027 elections.
