A 15 per cent United States tariff on Nigerian imports is set to take effect Thursday, but Nigeria seems largely unbothered, focusing instead on regional and alternative markets.

Speaking to CNN on Wednesday, Trade Minister, Jumoke Oduwole, stated that the U.S.–Nigeria trade relationship is “primarily energy-focused,” noting that the government is actively working to expand and diversify its trade partnerships.

“There are other markets. The world is a big place.” Oduwole said. “We’re looking at our integration strategy across Africa with the African Continental Free Trade Area. Non-oil exports to the rest of Africa are up 24 per cent year-on-year in Q1 this year.”

The trade minister acknowledges the competitiveness of the U.S. market but emphasized that Nigeria is “also exploring other alternatives which includes non-oil exports to the Global South and Asia.

“Urea fertiliser is in high demand in Brazil. We have trading partnerships with China, with Japan, with the UAE and so we continue to look for opportunities for our Nigerian businesses,” Oduwole stated.

She acknowledged the U.S. as a strategic partner but emphasized that Nigeria’s investment priorities are now geared toward infrastructure, agriculture, and digital trade.

“We do have old friends, and we certainly are making new friends,” the trade minister noted.

In July, President Trump threatened to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on countries aligned with the BRICS bloc, naming Nigeria, which joined as the ninth partner in January 2025.

However, it is still unclear whether oil and gas, Nigeria’s main exports to the U.S. and the source of 90 per cent of its foreign exchange—will be exempt, as they were in the April announcement.