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“Nigeria Among 60 Nations Under US Investigation; Sanctions Loom”.

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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.

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Defection Rumors Crushed: NDC Breaks Silence On Kwankwaso’s Alleged Exit.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially refuted claims that vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso is considering a departure from the party. Speaking on Arise News this past Saturday, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director dismissed allegations of a rift over Kano State candidate selections as “conjectures and media speculations” orchestrated by political opponents to destabilize the party. Director emphasized that Kwankwaso never threatened to defect, attributing the rumors to external interests attempting to manufacture a crisis. While the speculation followed the replacement of several nominees from the Kwankwasiyya movement, NDC Kano State Chairman Hussaini Mairiga clarified that these adjustments were made to maintain a pre-existing 60/40 power-sharing agreement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the established party structure. NDC leadership maintains that nomination-related friction is a normal part of coalition building and stated that internal dialogues are ongoing to resolve these matters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NDC is pushing back against reports that Rabiu Kwankwaso threatened to exit the party due to disputes over Kano State candidate nominations. National Publicity Secretary Osa Director labeled the claims as baseless media speculation, stating, “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party.” The rumors emerged following the replacement of several nominees linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement. Party officials explained that these changes were standard adjustments to honor a 60/40 power-sharing deal between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the wider NDC structure. Dismissing the narrative of internal turmoil as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle, the NDC insisted that consultations to address candidate concerns are already underway.

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  • Headline: NDC Denies Kwankwaso Exit Rumors

  • Body: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has slammed reports of a potential exit by vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso. Party spokesperson Osa Director clarified on Arise News that the former Kano State governor remains fully committed to the party, dismissing rumors of a rift over candidate lists as an orchestrated smear campaign by opponents. The controversy stemmed from adjustments made to Kano State nominations to uphold a specific 60/40 power-sharing ratio between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the party’s established wing. Officials stated that such internal disagreements are common in a growing coalition and affirmed that efforts to resolve the nomination issues through dialogue are ongoing.

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Amorim To Milan? The Tactical Genius Confirms Readiness For Serie A Challenge.

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AC Milan is nearing a deal to appoint Rúben Amorim as their next head coach, as the 41-year-old manager is reportedly prepared to accept all terms negotiated with the club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the former Sporting CP and Manchester United coach is aligned with Milan’s long-term sporting goals and is awaiting final approval from the club’s leadership to officially begin his tenure at the San Siro. While the club has evaluated multiple candidates in recent weeks, discussions with Amorim have reached the final stages, with a decision expected in the coming days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has signaled his readiness to lead AC Milan, with reports indicating he is prepared to agree to all conditions discussed during recent negotiations. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Amorim is eager for the role and is currently waiting for a final “green light” from Milan’s hierarchy to move forward. After weeks of assessing various candidates to lead the club into a new era, Milan’s leadership is expected to finalize their decision shortly, with Amorim currently the frontrunner for the position.

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  • Headline: Rúben Amorim Nears AC Milan Appointment

  • Body: AC Milan is on the verge of securing Rúben Amorim as their new head coach. The Portuguese manager has reportedly accepted the club’s conditions and is now waiting for official approval to finalize the move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that Amorim is enthusiastic about the opportunity at the San Siro and is fully committed to the club’s future vision. With the selection process nearing its end, Milan’s hierarchy is set to make a definitive announcement in the near future.

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Legal Showdown: Former Imo Governor Launches Explosive Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo.

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Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has initiated a lawsuit against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo following allegations of extortion. Okonkwo had accused Udenwa, alongside other South-East leaders like Peter Obi and Onyema Ugochukwu, of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). In response, Udenwa’s legal counsel has demanded a retraction, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages. Separately, Peter Obi’s legal team has also threatened a lawsuit against Okonkwo for similar defamatory claims involving allegations of financial irregularities and ₦10 million bribery charges related to party ticket distribution. Obi has categorically dismissed these accusations, asserting that he operates strictly within legal guidelines and has maintained a clean record throughout his career in public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kenneth Okonkwo is facing significant legal pressure after accusing prominent South-East political figures, including former Governor Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, of extorting aspirants for party tickets. Udenwa has formally filed a lawsuit against Okonkwo, demanding a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages for the allegations made during a television interview. Peter Obi has similarly rejected Okonkwo’s claims of financial misconduct, with his legal team demanding a retraction and damages of ₦5 billion under the threat of litigation. Obi defended his political integrity, stating that he refuses to participate in the corrupt practices he has spent his career opposing, noting that he would have acted differently if he were interested in illicit gain while in office.

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  • Headline: Legal Storm: Kenneth Okonkwo Hit with Lawsuits by Udenwa and Obi

  • Body: Kenneth Okonkwo is under fire after alleging that South-East political leaders, specifically Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, extorted political aspirants for tickets. Achike Udenwa has responded with a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit, demanding a full retraction and public apology. Peter Obi’s team has followed suit, issuing a similar demand for ₦5 billion in damages and a retraction, while Obi himself has publicly denounced the “rascal” allegations as baseless. Obi emphasized that his commitment to ethical governance remains steadfast, challenging the premise of the accusations by highlighting his clean departure from public office.

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