President Bola Tinubu has engaged in high-level discussions with Massad Boulos, a former U.S. State Department advisor under Donald Trump, to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Held in Paris during Tinubu’s ongoing working visit, the meeting focused on establishing a strategic alliance aimed at fostering economic growth, security cooperation, and regional peace. According to a statement from the presidency, both parties emphasised mutual respect, prosperity, and stability as the foundation of their proposed partnership.
Boulos, representing former President Trump’s Africa interests, conveyed Washington’s intention to deepen investment in Nigerian sectors such as infrastructure and energy. He identified Nigeria as a central partner in America’s approach to Africa.
This engagement follows a sweeping trade reform by the Trump-led administration, introducing new tariffs on about 90 countries. While China faces increased duties of up to 125%, Nigeria was included in a broader 10% levy that could affect its petroleum and agricultural exports.
Although Nigeria was not a direct target of the harsher tariffs, the inclusion is expected to impact trade volumes. The U.S. has offered a 90-day grace period, ending in July, for countries that refrain from retaliatory measures, after which tariff rates may be reassessed through negotiations.
Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s willingness to anchor new economic relations with the U.S. on transparency, mutual benefit, and long-term investment, hoping that this could also influence tariff outcomes in Nigeria’s favor.
Beyond economic concerns, both sides discussed regional challenges, including unrest in the Sahel and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boulos commended Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising these regions and voiced support for Tinubu’s diplomatic initiatives.