The British government has unveiled the official itinerary for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Windsor Castle, scheduled from March 17 to March 19, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the programme released by UK authorities, the visit will include a mix of bilateral meetings, ceremonial events, and engagements with members of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom.

Preparations will begin on March 17, with security checks, traffic adjustments, and rehearsals for the ceremonial procession. Officials confirmed that extensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of what is described as a major diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the UK.

President Tinubu is set to arrive on March 18, where he will be formally received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The welcome ceremony on Datchet Road will feature the playing of the national anthems of both countries and an inspection of a guard of honour.

Following the ceremony, the president will take part in a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who will host him throughout the state visit.

This trip marks the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the two-day visit. The visit follows an official invitation extended by Buckingham Palace in February 2026.

The United States (US) government has launched a trade investigation into Nigeria and 59 other countries over allegations that they have failed to prevent the importation of goods produced using forced labour.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The probe, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), was initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The review will examine whether the trade practices of the listed countries are “unreasonable or discriminatory” and whether they place a burden on American commerce.

The notice, signed by USTR General Counsel Jennifer Thornton, states that the investigation commenced on March 12, 2026, and will assess whether Nigeria and other economies have failed to implement or enforce bans on imports produced with forced labour.

“The Trade Representative is initiating investigations regarding acts, policies, and practices of the countries listed in Annex A of this notice related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour,” the notice said.

Nigeria is among 60 economies under review, alongside countries such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union.

The USTR noted that forced labour allows companies to produce goods at artificially low costs, creating unfair advantages in global markets, distorting competition, and undermining businesses that adhere to fair labour standards.

“For nearly 100 years, US law has prohibited the importation of goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part with forced labour,” the notice stated, noting that this policy reflects humanitarian, foreign policy, and national security concerns.

Global statistics cited by the USTR highlight the widespread nature of forced labour. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that about 28 million people were trapped in forced labour worldwide as of 2021, representing roughly 3.5 per 1,000 people globally. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of people subjected to forced labour increased by 2.7 million, primarily due to exploitation in the private sector.

The ILO also estimated that forced labour generated $63.9 billion in annual profits in the global private economy as of 2024.

The USTR highlighted that forced labour affects a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, textiles, minerals, fish products, and palm oil derivatives used in food and biofuel production. Even when denied entry into the US, such products may still reach other global markets, forcing US exports to compete against goods made under forced labour conditions.

As part of the investigation, the USTR will consult with the governments of affected economies and collect evidence from businesses, labour organizations, and other stakeholders. Public hearings are scheduled to begin on April 28, 2026, at the US International Trade Commission in Washington and may continue until May 1. Written comments must be submitted via the USTR’s electronic portal by April 15, 2026.

If the investigation confirms unfair trade practices, the US may impose additional duties or restrict imports from the affected countries.

Nigeria’s Trade Performance

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s merchandise trade surplus fell sharply in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to the NBS report “Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics”, the country recorded a trade surplus of ₦1.71tn, down from ₦3.42tn in the same period of 2024, largely due to declining crude oil exports.

Total trade during the quarter was ₦36.21tn, slightly below the ₦36.60tn recorded a year earlier. Exports dropped to ₦18.96tn, a 5.25% decline year-on-year and a 16.88% fall compared with the previous quarter. Crude oil remained Nigeria’s leading export, contributing ₦9.70tn or 51.17% of total exports.

While exports declined, imports increased to ₦17.25tn, up 3.98% from ₦16.59tn in the same period of 2024. Machinery and transport equipment was the largest import category at ₦5.13tn (29.75%), followed by mineral fuels (₦4.52tn) and chemicals (₦2.70tn).

China remained Nigeria’s largest import partner at ₦5.39tn (31.22%), followed by the United States, Netherlands, India, and Brazil.

The Republic of Togo has expressed interest in increasing the amount of electricity it purchases from Nigeria’s Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to meet rising domestic demand and expand reliable power supply to newly connected consumers across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The request came during a strategic meeting between NDPHC management and a delegation from Compagnie Energie Electrique (CEET) du Togo, the national electricity utility of Togo. The Togolese team was led by CEET Director-General Débo-K’mba Barandao, who visited NDPHC to strengthen cooperation and explore opportunities for expanding cross-border electricity trade.

According to a statement issued by NDPHC on Sunday, CEET currently purchases around 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from the Nigerian company. This arrangement has been instrumental in supporting Togo’s electricity stability while facilitating economic activities across the country.

Supporting Togo’s Electricity Network

The imported electricity contributes significantly to a reliable, affordable, and high-quality power supply for households, businesses, and public institutions across Togo. During the meeting, Barandao commended NDPHC for the consistency of its supply and highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on the reliability of Togo’s power network. He noted that the collaboration has been mutually beneficial and strengthened regional energy cooperation in West Africa.

Barandao explained that CEET is currently facing a sharp increase in electricity demand due to new industrial, commercial, and residential customers being added to the national grid. He stated that the Togolese government’s ongoing efforts to expand electricity access nationwide have also contributed to the growing demand.

“In view of this development, CEET has expressed strong interest in increasing the volume of electricity it purchases from NDPHC. Additional supply would support the country’s power expansion strategy and ensure newly connected consumers receive stable electricity,” Barandao said.

Nigeria’s NDPHC Signals Readiness

Responding to Togo’s request, NDPHC Managing Director and CEO Jennifer Adighije reaffirmed the company’s readiness to deepen collaboration with CEET and sustain electricity exports to neighbouring countries. She noted that NDPHC operates several power plants under the National Integrated Power Project and has the capacity to support regional electricity supply through cross-border exports.

Adighije emphasized that the partnership aligns with broader initiatives to strengthen electricity trade among ECOWAS member states, enhancing energy availability and promoting regional integration.

While expressing willingness to increase electricity exports to Togo, she stressed the importance of establishing bankable and sustainable commercial arrangements to ensure the long-term viability of cross-border power supply. Structured payment mechanisms and credible financial guarantees, she said, are necessary to mitigate payment risks and safeguard NDPHC’s commercial interests.

“Reliable financial frameworks will enable NDPHC to continue supporting regional energy stability through electricity exports,” the statement added.

Both parties described the meeting as productive and committed to ongoing engagement to develop workable frameworks for increasing electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo. If implemented, the proposed expansion in CEET’s electricity offtake is expected to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries, improve electricity access, drive economic growth, and strengthen regional power stability across West Africa.