US IMPOSES 12.5% TARIFF ON NIGERIAN IMPORTS OVER FORCED LABOUR CLAIMS

The United States has slapped a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria over claims that the country has not adequately prohibited or enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the measure on Thursday as part of tariffs targeting Nigeria and 59 other countries and economies.

U.S. officials justified the action under Section 301 of the Trade Act, emphasising the need to combat unfair trade practices and protect global labour rights.

The new tariff is expected to affect key Nigerian exports to the U.S. market, including crude oil, agricultural produce, and manufactured goods.

Reacting to the development, Nigerian business groups called on the Federal Government to engage the U.S. authorities swiftly to mitigate potential negative impacts on bilateral trade and the economy.

This latest move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy of using tariffs to address perceived imbalances in international trade and labour standards.