The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has issued a policy brief warning of severe economic and humanitarian consequences stemming from the United States' decision to maintain a 12.5% tariff on Nigerian imports.
The advocacy group links the trade barrier to a projection by FEWS NET that nearly 17 million Nigerians could face acute hunger by January 2027, arguing that restricted market access exacerbates domestic food insecurity and stifles private sector growth.
The US measure, which targets goods produced under conditions Washington alleges involve forced labour, replaces temporary restrictions that were set to expire earlier this week.
By making the tariff permanent, the US government has signaled a sustained pressure campaign on supply chain practices, directly impacting Nigerian exporters who rely on the American market for revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
For investors, the persistence of these tariffs introduces ongoing headwinds for Nigerian export-oriented industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
The policy environment complicates efforts to stabilize the naira and attract foreign direct investment, as trade barriers reduce the inflow of hard currency.