U.S. Investigates Nigeria Over Forced Labor Imports

The United States has launched a formal trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other economies, including major trade partners like China, India, and Brazil, over allegations of failing to prevent the importation of goods produced by forced labor. This investigation, initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aims to determine whether these economies engage in trade practices that are discriminatory or impose burdens on American commerce.

The probe began on March 12, 2026, and will assess the effectiveness of Nigeria's enforcement of bans on such imports. The U.S.

Trade Representative (USTR), represented by General Counsel Jennifer Thornton, noted that while countries may prohibit forced labor domestically, weak controls on imports allow companies to source products from exploitative conditions. The investigation will include public hearings scheduled to start on April 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C., and will continue until May 1, 2026.

Additionally, Nigeria's external trade performance has recently weakened, with a significant decline in merchandise trade surplus.