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Tinubu Demands Fair Deal for Africa, Calls for End to Raw Mineral Exports
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has urged world leaders and investors to give Africa a fair deal by supporting value-added industries instead of taking raw materials from the continent. He said Africa must stop exporting unprocessed minerals and instead build industries that create jobs and wealth for its people.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Tinubu made the call during a speech at a global economic forum this week. He argued that Africa’s long history of exporting raw resources, such as gold, oil, and lithium, has kept the continent poor while foreign companies profit from refining and manufacturing.
“Africa cannot continue to be the supplier of raw materials while others take the larger benefits of finished goods,” Tinubu said. “We must change this story if we want real progress.”
Focus on Industrial Growth
The president said African nations should work together to demand better trade terms and encourage local production. He noted that exporting crude oil, for example, brings in less money than refining it into petroleum products. Similarly, minerals like cobalt and lithium are crucial for batteries and electric vehicles, yet most are shipped out of Africa without being processed locally.
Tinubu said this pattern must end if Africa hopes to compete in the global economy. He urged both governments and private investors to build factories and processing plants on the continent.
“Let us create industries in Africa that will turn our natural wealth into finished products. This is how we can provide jobs for our youth and stop the cycle of poverty,” he said.
A Long-Standing Challenge
Experts say Africa holds 30% of the world’s mineral resources, but the continent’s share of global manufacturing remains very low. Countries like Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia export raw minerals worth billions each year, but most of the profits go to foreign companies that refine and sell finished products at much higher prices.
Critics argue that weak infrastructure, corruption, and lack of investment make it difficult for African nations to process their own resources. However, Tinubu said these challenges must be overcome through strong leadership and cooperation.
“We cannot allow our wealth to continue flowing abroad while our people struggle,” he said.
Push for Fair Trade
Tinubu also called on international partners to support fairer trade policies. He said Africa deserves investment in industries, not just extraction.
“For too long, Africa has been seen only as a source of raw goods. This must change. We want partnerships that respect our dignity and support our development,” he said.
Analysts note that several African leaders have been pushing similar messages in recent years. Some countries, like Zimbabwe and Indonesia, have already banned the export of certain raw minerals to encourage local processing. Nigeria has hinted at taking similar steps in the future.
Global Response Needed
Tinubu warned that ignoring Africa’s demand for a fair deal could lead to instability. He pointed out that millions of young Africans enter the job market every year, and without strong industries, unemployment and migration pressures will rise.
“The world cannot afford to leave Africa behind. When Africa grows, the world is safer and richer,” Tinubu said.
Observers say Tinubu’s speech reflects growing frustration among African leaders, who argue that the global economic system is unfair to developing nations.
Whether his call will lead to real change depends on both African governments’ commitment to reform and the willingness of global partners to support industrial growth.
For now, Tinubu’s message is clear: Africa wants more than raw deals. It wants industries, jobs, and respect on the global stage.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has graduated 17,300 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held on Saturday at the main campus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The university also conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees on Paul Odili, Founder and CEO of Paulo Group of Companies; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their contributions to society.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honourees were selected based on their character, achievements, and commitment to excellence.
He urged graduating students to focus on what they can contribute to national development, stressing that character, discipline, and integrity would determine their success beyond the classroom.
According to him, certificates may open doors, but personal values and conduct will shape long-term achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they go.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the 29th convocation covered the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 30th covered 2023/2024, with thousands graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking after receiving his honorary award, Dr. Odili dedicated the recognition to Nigerians with dreams and encouraged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
He also pledged support for the university, promising collaboration aimed at addressing key challenges facing the institution.
The Federal Government has released an updated list of items banned from importation into Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting local industries and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised prohibition schedule, dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 broad categories of goods that are no longer allowed into the country through any entry point.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the policy affects a wide range of products, including food items, pharmaceuticals, household goods, and industrial materials.
One of the most notable aspects of the list is the ban on several widely used medicines under specified HS codes, including paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, aspirin, folic acid, and some vitamin supplements. The government says these are now to be produced locally.
The restriction also covers pharmaceutical waste, which remains completely prohibited.
In the agriculture and food sector, the importation of poultry, pork, beef, and eggs remains banned, although an exception was made for hatching eggs used for breeding and research purposes.
Retail-packaged vegetable oils, sugar products, cocoa derivatives, tomato paste, and certain bottled water products are also included in the import restrictions, with emphasis on encouraging local production.
The policy further bars detergents, soaps, ballpoint pens and refills, cement, certain fertilizers, packaging materials, and specific steel and glass products.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to enforce the new rules strictly, with importers and businesses advised to comply fully to avoid seizure of goods and penalties.
ADC chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has dismissed calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the push as unfair and politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu was reacting to comments by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, a supporter of Peter Obi, who urged Atiku to step aside over concerns about his age, which would be about 80 by 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Momodu said attention should be focused on holding the government accountable rather than targeting Atiku’s political ambition.
The exchange followed a viral video where Idris insisted that Atiku should support younger aspirants instead of contesting, arguing that voters would not back an elderly candidate.
Idris also suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman and support younger politicians such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others.
Responding, Momodu cited several world leaders who held office at advanced ages, arguing that experience should not be dismissed in leadership discussions.
He questioned what should disqualify Atiku from contesting, insisting that age alone is not a valid reason.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly considering another run in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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