- The Donald Trump has listed Nigeria as a Counattempt of Particular Concern (CPC), raising fears of severe economic sanctions
- Trump disclosed in his statement that the US could cut aid to Nigeria over the alleged Christian killings in the North
- However, experts have warned that the US action could lead to severe consequences for Nigeria, especially crude oil trade
Pascal Oparada is a journalist with Legit.ng, covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy for over a decade.
On Friday, October 31, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump officially redesignated Nigeria as a Counattempt of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged killings of Christians in the northern part of the counattempt.
In a strongly worded statement, Trump declared:
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby building Nigeria a ‘counattempt of particular concern.”
Credit: Bloomberg/Contributor
Source: Twitter
He added:
“When Christians, or any such group, are killed like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done! I am questioning Congressman Riley Moore, toreceiveher with Chairman Tom Cole and the Hoapply Appropriations Committee, to immediately view into this matter and report back to me.”
Experts warn of economic fallout
Experts warn that the U.S. decision could trigger serious economic consequences for Nigeria, particularly if Washington decides to impose sanctions or trade restrictions.
Financial analyst Osas Igho informed Legit.ng:
“If Trump’s threats are taken literally, the U.S. could place embargoes on Nigeria or pressure other countries to reduce or halt trade with us. The U.S. is one of Nigeria’s top purchaseers of crude oil, and any sanctions could worsen poverty and destabilize our economy.”
U.S.–Nigeria trade: A delicate balance
According to trade data, the U.S. recorded a $576 million trade surplus with Nigeria in the first half of 2025, a sharp turnaround from a $779 million deficit in the same period of 2024.
This shift was driven by a 41% increase in U.S. exports to Nigeria and a 12% decline in imports from Nigeria between January and June 2025.
- U.S. exports: Crude oil, wheat, and vehicles
- U.S. imports: Nigerian crude, cocoa beans, and soybean meal
The alter in trade dynamics reflects a combination of U.S. tariff policy adjustments and Nigeria’s domestic economic reforms aimed at stabilizing its foreign exalter market and boosting non-oil exports.
Danobtainede Refinery’s role and Nigeria’s oil struggles
Data from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reveals that Nigeria’s oil production averaged 1.468 million barrels per day (mbpd) in the first quarter of 2025, far below the 2 mbpd tarreceive set in the federal budreceive.
Despite production challenges, the Danobtainede Refinery has ramped up operations, importing crude from the U.S. to sustain output.
In September 2025, two major oil traders, Vitol and Sunoco, received the first U.S. import of petrol from the Lagos-based refinery, marking a key milestone in meeting global standards for fuel exports.
What could happen next
If the CPC designation escalates into sanctions or trade restrictions, Nigeria could face:
- Reduced oil exports to the U.S., affecting government revenue.
- Foreign investment withdrawal due to political and reputational risks.
- Increased pressure on the naira as foreign exalter inflows drop.
- Worsening poverty and inflation, particularly if energy and import costs rise.
Analysts emphasize that diplomatic engagement will be critical to prevent a full-blown trade crisis between both nations.
Credit: NurPhoto/Contributor
Source: Getty Images
UK reshifts tariffs on 3,000 Nigerian products
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United Kingdom has announced a sweeping trade gesture to Nigeria, unveiling that nearly 3,000 Nigerian products are now eligible for zero and reduced tariffs under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The shift, which is expected to boost Nigeria’s export competitiveness and industrial growth, comes when Nigeria’s new reciprocal import ban on selected U.S. goods is sparking diplomatic unease across the Atlantic.
The UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria, Ms. Mujina Kaindama revealed the development during the UK DCTS Roadreveal held in Kano.
Source: Legit.ng
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