…As Tinubu attends Brazil summit pushing for fairer global finance, healthcare systems
United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Nigeria and other countries aligning with the BRICS coalition, threatening to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff over what he described as “anti-American policies.”
This comes as President Bola Tinubu attends the ongoing BRICS Summit in Brazil, where he is pushing for more equitable global financial and healthcare systems. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed Tinubu’s presence at the summit in a statement on Monday.
Trump, who is campaigning for a return to the White House in the upcoming U.S. elections, posted his warning on Truth Social on Sunday.
“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an additional 10% tariff,” he wrote. “There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
His comments followed a bold criticism from Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — the current BRICS chairman — who slammed the Trump administration’s recent global tariff hikes.
“If international governance does not reflect the new multipolar reality of the 21st century, it is up to BRICS to help bring it up to date,” Lula declared at the summit.
Trump’s retaliatory stance underscores rising global tensions between the U.S. and emerging economies grouped under BRICS — a bloc originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Nigeria officially joined the coalition in January 2025, becoming its ninth partner.
In April, Trump imposed a 14 per cent reciprocity tariff on Nigerian imports. With his latest threat, the total tariff burden on Nigeria could rise to 24 per cent — a move that analysts say may have significant economic implications for Africa’s most populous nation.
Diplomatic observers warn that Nigeria’s growing ties with the BRICS alliance could put it at odds with Washington, especially as the U.S. reportedly considers visa bans on 36 countries, including Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s government has not officially responded to Trump’s latest threat, but sources within Nigeria’s foreign ministry say consultations are ongoing regarding potential diplomatic and economic responses.
The BRICS coalition continues to position itself as an alternative to Western-dominated global systems, seeking reforms in institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and pushing for more South-South cooperation.
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