As global trade tensions mount following the United States’ proposed tariffs on BRICS-aligned nations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) is calling on the Federal Government to prioritize intra-African trade.
Speaking in an interview, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chairperson of MANEG, said Nigeria should leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen trade ties within the continent.
Her comments come in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a proposed 10% tariff on imports from BRICS-aligned countries. Although Nigeria is not a full BRICS member, it has participated in several BRICS+ engagements since 2024.
Erewa-Meggison warned that if the US imposes these tariffs, it could significantly disrupt Nigeria’s key export sectors—particularly manufacturing and agriculture—and strain bilateral trade with the United States, especially in sensitive imports like pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
She also cautioned that the tariffs could deter foreign investment and raise the cost of importing vital production technologies.
However, she also sees a silver lining in the current uncertainty:
“These challenges can serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to reassess its economic strategies. By investing in regional trade and value addition, we can build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy,” she said.
Trade data from the National Bureau of Statistics supports this strategic shift. In Q1 2025, Nigeria’s trade with BRICS countries surged to ₦5.41 trillion, more than triple its exports to the US during the same period (₦1.54 trillion). With the US considering additional tariffs of 25% on imports from Japan and South Korea, fears of a broader trade war are growing.
Dr. Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, echoed MANEG’s position, saying Nigerian businesses must adapt quickly:
“This is a pivotal moment. As global supply chains realign, Nigeria must strengthen regional integration, ramp up local production, and attract BRICS investment seeking alternative markets.”
Egbesola added that the AfCFTA offers a unique opportunity to reposition Nigeria as a hub for African trade, but this would require urgent action to boost industrial capacity and improve competitiveness.
In response to concerns, Ademola Oshodi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, clarified Nigeria’s BRICS status, noting:
“We are not a full member of BRICS, so the US tariff threat may not directly apply. Our engagements are strategic and ideologically aligned, but not binding.”
Nonetheless, industry leaders warn that the evolving trade landscape demands immediate government and private sector collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests and seize emerging opportunities.
Source: https://punchng.com/man-pushes-for-african-trade-amid-brics-us-faceoff/
Image Credit: Punch Newspapers
