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US Criticises Nigeria’s Import Ban On 25 Agricultural, Pharmaceutical Goods
The US government has faulted Nigeria’s import ban on 25 items, saying the restrictions are limiting market access for American exporters. This comes barely a week after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on goods entering the US, with Nigeria getting 14 per cent.
In a post on X on Monday, US Trade Representative, USTR, highlighted what it described as “unfair trade practices faced by American exporters.
“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
“Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities.
“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.
“The USTR warned that the policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for US businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.”
In 2016, the Federal Government banned 25 items from importation as part of efforts to control imports.
The items include live or dead birds including frozen poultry, pork and beef, bird eggs, refined vegetable oil, cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form; cocoa butter, powder and cakes, spaghetti and noodles, and fruit juice in retail packs.
Other banned items were water, other non-alcoholic beverages, beer and stout; bagged cement, medicament, waste pharmaceuticals, soaps and detergents, mosquito repellant coils, sanitary wares of plastics, rethreaded and used pneumatic tyres, corrugated paper and paper boards, and recharge cards and vouchers.
On March 26, 2025, the Federal Government said plans were underway to halt importation of solar panels to promote local manufacturing and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
Recall that, in response to Trump’s tariff regime, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said on Monday that the Federal Government will review impact of the ongoing global tariff war on Nigeria.
He said: “For the economic management team of Mr President and, indeed, his whole government, we are going to the drawing board to look at the scenarios that may play out if the current tariff situation is prolonged.
‘’For Nigeria, in terms of exports, it’s not too bad because oil minerals are excluded by America from being in any way sanctioned with with tariffs. But based on our non-oil exports and based on the formula that the Americans are using, we do have a 14% tariff on our exports. But it’s a lot better than Vietnam, which has 46%.
“So, we need to look at these situations and see what the opportunities are.
The Nigeria of today, with a relatively stable economy and an attractive investment environment, including attractive exchange rate, is a place where if they can’t produce in Vietnam, they can come and produce in Nigeria. We are here, we are ready, we are waiting and we have what will be attractive to them in terms of policies, in terms of market and in terms of export capacity.’’
Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, had also said the 14 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Nigeria by President Donald Trump has the potential of adversely impacting on Nigeria’s oil and non-oil exports.
She said in a statement: “A significant portion of Nigeria’s exports (over 90 per cent ) comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around one per cent of total exports valued at approximately $82 million.
“Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than two per cent of our total exports to the U.S.
“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products, many previously exempt under AGOA, now face potential disruption.
“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”
The minister also noted that smaller businesses, particularly SMEs, that relied on the African Growth and Opportunity Act exemptions would feel the brunt of the new tariff, with rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments likely to make market access even more difficult.
“This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe,’’ she said.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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