Paris, April 13, 2025 — President Bola Tinubu met with Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa in U.S. President Donald Trump’s State Department team, to explore what both sides described as a “strategic economic and security partnership” between Nigeria and the United States.
The meeting, held in Paris during Tinubu’s two-week working visit to Europe, focused on deepening economic collaboration, enhancing regional security, and addressing the implications of Trump’s newly announced global tariff regime.
“The meeting focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in an official statement released Sunday.
According to the statement, Boulos conveyed President Trump’s “strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of U.S. relations with Africa,” noting Washington’s intent to increase American investment in key Nigerian sectors including energy and infrastructure.
Tariff Diplomacy and Economic Realignment
The meeting comes amid sweeping trade policy changes from the Trump administration. Under what the U.S. President has dubbed “Liberation Day” reforms, the United States has imposed a 10 percent reciprocal tariff on imports from approximately 90 countries, with China facing significantly steeper levies of up to 125 percent. Nigeria is among those subject to the general 10 percent tariff, though it has not been singled out for punitive measures.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that countries refraining from retaliatory tariffs would remain under this baseline rate through a 90-day pause ending in July. Afterward, adjustments may follow based on bilateral negotiations.
While Nigeria avoided higher-tier sanctions, trade analysts have warned the blanket tariff may still affect Nigerian exports—particularly agricultural products and petroleum derivatives—destined for the U.S. market.
President Tinubu used the Paris meeting to press for tariff relief in exchange for deeper American investments. “Nigeria is ready to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect, and outcomes that strengthen Africa’s place in the global economy,” the statement emphasized.
Regional Stability and Security Cooperation
Beyond trade, the leaders discussed shared security concerns across Africa. Particular attention was given to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sahel region, where persistent conflicts, military coups, and jihadist insurgencies continue to undermine regional peace.
“Boulos recognised Nigeria’s regional and continental leadership and supported President Tinubu’s interventions to stabilise key African regions,” the statement read.
The talks underscore Tinubu’s growing diplomatic role on the continent as he navigates an evolving geopolitical landscape shaped by shifting global alliances, economic realignment, and Africa’s search for equitable partnerships.
As the July tariff deadline approaches, observers say Nigeria’s next steps—both diplomatically and economically—will be critical in shaping the future of U.S.-Africa engagement under the Trump administration.
