Several Nigerian footballers played pivotal roles for their clubs across Europe last weekend, scoring crucial goals and providing key assists that helped secure important victories.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At the forefront was Victor Osimhen, the red-hot striker for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. Osimhen continued his remarkable form by scoring in the 66th minute during Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. His goal doubled the home side’s lead after Wilfried Singo opened the scoring, and Renato Nhaga sealed the victory late in the match. Osimhen nearly added a spectacular overhead-kick goal earlier, which rattled the woodwork. With this strike, his league tally now stands at 12 goals in 19 appearances, alongside four assists, bringing his overall season total across all competitions to 19 goals and seven assists.

Another Nigerian striker making waves is Paul Onuachu, who once again proved decisive for Trabzonspor. Onuachu scored the match-winning goal in a victory over Caykur Rizespor, extending his incredible scoring streak to ten consecutive league matches and totaling 21 league goals this season. His consistent performances have earned him a place in Trabzonspor’s history, as he is the first player since 1992 to score in eight consecutive league games for the club.

In England, Josh Maja ended a long goal drought as West Bromwich Albion secured a 3-0 win against Hull City in the Championship. Maja broke his 25-match goalless streak by opening the scoring in the 25th minute, giving West Brom early control. This marked his second goal of the season in 32 appearances, a timely contribution as the club pushes to avoid relegation.

Meanwhile, in Turkey’s second tier, Nigerian duo Christian Nwachukwu and Raymond Adeola starred for Serikspor, helping the club to a 4-1 rout of Adana Demirspor. Nwachukwu scored his first goal for the club, while Adeola shone with an assist and later added a goal of his own. Their combined efforts were crucial in securing the win as Serikspor continues its league campaign.

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.