In a high-level diplomatic exchange on Friday, United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau held a phone conversation with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to reaffirm ties between the two countries amid a shifting global trade landscape.
According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, the dialogue focused on “strengthening commercial ties, enhancing security, and deepening the bilateral relationship.” The conversation, which was confirmed by Landau’s spokesperson Tammy Bruce, reflects growing efforts by both nations to reinforce cooperation on shared interests.
The call came just days after President Donald Trump announced a new 14% tariff on Nigerian exports to the United States—an unexpected move that has stirred concern among trade watchers and policymakers in Africa’s largest economy.
Speaking from the Rose Garden during a “Make America Wealthy Again” event on Wednesday, President Trump unveiled the tariff hike as part of a broader trade realignment strategy. The U.S., he said, is targeting countries with “unfair” trade practices that disadvantage American industries.
The decision marks a new chapter in U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, with American officials pointing to a persistent trade imbalance as justification. While the White House has defended the move as necessary to protect domestic producers, critics warn it could sour bilateral relations and disrupt Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
Although no official response has yet been issued by the Nigerian government, Friday’s diplomatic call signals Abuja’s intent to maintain dialogue with Washington, even as tensions rise over trade policy.
The United States and Nigeria have long maintained robust diplomatic, economic, and security ties. Whether those relations can weather the impact of the new tariffs will depend on negotiations in the weeks ahead.
