United States President Donald Trump has declared that countries aligning with the “Anti-American policies of BRICS” will face an extra 10 percent tariff.

“There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post.

His statement comes as the US begins formally notifying affected countries of the tariffs announced earlier this year, with letters and deals scheduled to roll out on Monday.

Trump has consistently criticised BRICS, an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The group was initially formed to strengthen the international positions of its members and counterbalance the US and western Europe.

The bloc later expanded to welcome Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024, with Indonesia becoming the first Southeast Asian member the following year.

In January, Nigeria joined Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as BRICS’ ninth partner country after the creation of the partner-country category at the 16th BRICS Summit in 2024.

Nigeria has continued to pursue full membership.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has rolled out a series of import tariffs on goods from other nations, including a 14 percent tariff on Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Brazil reported that BRICS foreign ministers had expressed “serious concern at the prospect of a fragmented global economy and the weakening of multilateralism” during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil’s statement was not a joint declaration by the bloc, as divisions among its members have grown.

The statement also did not specifically mention the United States, whose unilateral tariffs have triggered worries over a potential global economic slowdown.

When the tariffs were initially introduced, Trump encouraged affected countries to strike deals with the US in hopes of gaining concessions.

As the tariff letters are sent out on Monday, the US president told global counterparts to “take it or leave it”.

With deep sorrow and solemn reverence, I, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, the Aare Asojuoba of Ibadanland, join the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation in mourning the passing of our highly esteemed monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Kabiyesi answered the call of his ancestors barely a year after ascending the revered throne, leaving behind a legacy of peace, quiet strength, and decades of meritorious service to our traditional system. His reign, though short, was a symbol of continuity, tradition, and grace. He brought calm to the kingdom and bore the crown with dignity, humility, and honour.

This loss is also personal to me. Nearly twenty years after the passing of my late father, Elder David Oladokun Fagade, who shared a deep and brotherly bond with Kabiyesi, I find myself once again reflecting on the values they both upheld: integrity, loyalty to Ibadan, and unshakable devotion to the Yoruba heritage. The Olubadan was not only a king; he was family, a father figure, and a respected elder whose counsel and presence meant so much to many of us.

As we mourn his passing, we also look to the future with hope and trust in the well-structured traditional succession system that has long been the pride of Ibadan. In accordance with custom and seniority, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Balogun line, with Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former governor and a respected High Chief, as the most senior in line. We await the formal processes and pronouncements of the Olubadan-in-Council.

May the soul of His Imperial Majesty find eternal rest among the ancestors, and may Ibadanland continue to flourish under divine guidance and cultural unity.

O digba, Kabiyesi. Ibadanland salutes you.

Signed,
Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade fimc
Aare Asojuoba of Ibadanland
7th July 2025

President Bola Tinubu says there must be equity and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies in global systems. Tinubu explained that these measures should extend across governance, finance, healthcare, and climate change issues.

The president made these remarks at the 17th BRICS meeting on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nigeria became a partner country to the bloc in January.

According to a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu highlighted that environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and healthcare inequalities deserve more focus, as they slow development and growth.

“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” he added.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of a new path of justice, anchored on fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing, to help emerging economies fully benefit from various initiatives.

“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall. We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment,” the president said.

“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.

“We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria. Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.

“We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.

“As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”

Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strategic collaboration that results in sustainable and inclusive development.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, and Wale Edun, minister of finance, accompanied the president to the summit.