The United States has introduced a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports—spanning goods like wine, cement, and hockey sticks—escalating ongoing trade frictions between the two nations. Announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the measures are slated to take effect on August 19, following a 30-day window after President Donald Trump’s proclamation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Justification: The White House stated that the tariffs are a countermeasure against Canada’s “discriminatory, unequal, and unreasonable tariff scheme”.

• Manufacturing Goals: The US government indicated the policy aims to foster better conditions for American automotive production and enhance the competitive standing of US manufacturers in Canada.

• Legal Shift: This action follows a US Supreme Court ruling that blocked President Trump from utilizing emergency powers for broad global tariffs, prompting the administration to pursue alternative legal avenues. Previous threats from Trump had also ranged from general trade grievances to complaints regarding cross-border wildfire smoke pollution impacting the northeastern US.

Canada’s Response

The Canadian government condemned the decision, asserting that the new tariffs breach existing free trade agreements. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that while Canada remains willing to engage in intensive dialogue for mutual benefit, the country is prepared to take necessary actions to protect its economic interests and build domestic resilience. Unless policy adjustments or agreements are reached, the tariffs will be implemented next month.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, has confirmed that her office received a request to second personnel to the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Speaking before a House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Tuesday, she clarified that no personnel were deployed and no workspace at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja was assigned to the council.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• No Deployment or Office Allocation: Walson-Jack stated that while a request for staff deployment was noted, it was never executed. She also categorically denied that her office provided office accommodation to the group within Phase Three of the Federal Secretariat.

• Stalled Structural Approval: Although the council sought approval for its organizational structure, the application stalled because the PFIPC failed to provide necessary supporting documentation and legal proof of existence.

• Mandate Clarifications: The HoS noted that her office does not handle staff remuneration—which falls under the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission—nor does it manage the salaries of political appointees and chief executives, a responsibility handled by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Furthermore, she emphasized that individual government agencies are solely responsible for their own staff recruitment and placement.

Workforce Claims and the Alleged DG

Walson-Jack revealed that representatives of the council had previously participated in a 2025 human resources event, claiming at the time that they already operated with 14 seconded personnel. They had subsequently sought a recruitment waiver and presented copies of a budget code alongside an appointment letter for their Director-General.

The council has drawn intense scrutiny following allegations involving Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed he was appointed DG by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Following Gbajabiamila’s vehement denials, legal action, and a subsequent arrest of Adeyemi in Osun State, the Presidency has dismissed the council as nonexistent and branded the appointment documents as forgeries.

The House of Representatives committee continues its probe into how the entity and its ₦1.3bn budget provision materialized.

DUTSE — Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, made an unscheduled visit to the state secretariat complex in Dutse on Monday, discovering multiple senior officials absent from their posts by 11 a.m.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Footage of the surprise inspection, which quickly spread online, showed the governor touring various ministries to evaluate staff attendance and workplace punctuality. Most top government offices were found locked, with only security personnel and messengers present.

Confirming the visit in a Tuesday statement, the Governor’s Special Assistant, Garba Muhammad, explained that the inspection is part of a wider statewide tour encompassing administrative oversight, infrastructure monitoring, and humanitarian duties.

“The day’s activities commenced with an unannounced visit to the Jigawa State Secretariat Complex in Dutse… reflecting his administration’s continued drive to promote discipline, accountability, and an efficient public service,” Muhammad stated.

Humanitarian Visit to Ringim

Following the secretariat inspection, Governor Namadi travelled to the Ringim Local Government Area to offer condolences to the families impacted by a tragic boat accident in the Malamawar ‘Yan Dutse community.

He joined residents in funeral prayers for the recovered victims, as search operations persisted for those still missing. During the trip, he also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ringim to pray for the departed and offer strength to the bereaved families.

Infrastructure and Project Assessments

Continuing his packed itinerary, the governor inspected several developmental projects across the state:

• Roads: Reviewed ongoing township road networks and the Kanya Babba road project in Sankara.

• Healthcare & Education: Assessed healthcare facilities, the Jigawa State Research Institute, and the Jigawa State Polytechnic for Communication and Information Technology in Kazaure.

According to the state government, the comprehensive tour underscores Governor Namadi’s dedication to enforcing public service discipline, ensuring the timely execution of public projects, and advancing the vision of a “Greater Jigawa.”