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President Trump to Impose 30% tariff on Imports from Mexico, EU

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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President Trump to Impose 30% tariff on Imports from Mexico, EU
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, after weeks of negotiations with the major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive trade deal.
In an escalation of a trade war that has angered U.S. allies and rattled investors, Trump announced the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that were posted on his Truth Social media site on Saturday.
The EU and Mexico, both among the largest U.S. trading partners responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the U.S. for a broader trade deal before the deadline.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was sure an agreement can be reached.
“I’ve always said that in these cases, what you have to do is keep a cool head to face any problem,” Sheinbaum said at an event in the Mexican state of Sonora.
“We’re also clear on what we can work with the United States government on, and we’re clear on what we can’t. And there’s something that’s never negotiable: the sovereignty of our country,” she said.
Trump sent similar letters to 23 other trading partners this week, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.
The U.S. president said the 30% rate was “separate from all sectoral tariffs,” indicating 50% levies on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports would remain.
The August 1 deadline gives the targeted countries time to negotiate agreements that could lower the threatened tariffs. Some investors and economists have also noted Trump’s pattern of backing off his tariff threats.
Reuters/Hauwa Abu

Abuja Chamber Reaffirms Support to New NACCIMA Leadership

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Abuja Chamber Reaffirms Support to New NACCIMA Leadership

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr Emeka Obegolu, has congratulated the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Dele Oye, on the successful completion of his tenure.

Dr Obegolu, in a statement in Abuja commended Mr Oye for his exemplary leadership and remarkable contributions during his term as NACCIMA President.

According to him, “Your tenure was distinguished by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s private sector. You steered the association through a dynamic period, leaving behind a strengthened institution, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and impactful advocacy outcomes. We sincerely thank you for your invaluable service to commerce and industry in Nigeria, and we look forward to continued engagements with you in other capacities.”

In his congratulatory message to newly elected NACCIMA President, Mr Ibrahim Jani, Chief Obegolu described his election as a testament to the confidence the business community has in his leadership, vision, and track record of promoting private sector development.

He expressed confidence that Mr. Jani’s tenure as NACCIMA President and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria will bring renewed energy and strategic direction to the association and the wider business community.

“Your emergence at this critical time promises to build on past achievements and chart a progressive path for the Nigerian private sector. The Abuja Chamber remains committed to collaborating closely with your leadership to drive policies, enterprise growth, and sustainable development across the country,” the ACCI boss added.

He also reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to supporting NACCIMA and the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria under the new leadership while wishing Mr. Jani a successful and impactful tenure.

VP Shettima Graces Sao Tome and Principe’s 50th Independence Celebration

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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VP Shettima Graces Sao Tome and Principe’s 50th Independence Celebration

Nigetia’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the weekend represented President Bola Tinubu at the 50th National Independence Day celebration of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

The colourful event was held at the Praca da independencia, Sao Tome, the capital of the Central African Island nation.

It featured official speeches, parades, cultural performances, and traditional dances, all reflecting the nation’s rich heritage and unity.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Presidents of Portugal, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau and Gabon, as well as the representatives of the leaders of Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea.

Read Also: Nigeria, Malawi Strengthen Legislative Ties

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe share strong bilateral ties, particularly focused on joint resource development in the Gulf of Guinea.

Beyond resource management, Nigeria has also provided various forms of assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe, including technical aid, donations, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vice President, who was accompanied by his wife, had since returned to Abuja.

Uganda Reopens Border After Rebel Seizure

Kamila Bello
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Uganda Reopens Border After Rebel Seizure

Uganda has reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, six months after closing key crossings due to M23 rebel advances. The shutdown followed the group’s seizure of Goma, which forced closures at Bunagana and Ishasha in North Kivu province.

Ugandan military assistant, Chris Magezi confirmed the reopening on social media, stating that it was ordered directly by President Yoweri Museveni.

Magezi also noted that those responsible for initially closing the crossings and disrupting trade between the two communities will be investigated.

The decision follows the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington, where Rwanda and the DRC agreed to support future talks between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army.

The M23 rebel group, largely made up of ethnic Tutsis, resumed its offensive in late 2021. Fighting intensified significantly this year, with the group capturing large areas of eastern Congo, including the strategic city of Goma.

The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 with weapons and troops. These claims have been backed by the United States, which has cited credible intelligence reports. Rwanda has denied any direct involvement with the rebel group.

With the border reopened and international diplomacy underway, regional dynamics are shifting. The success of upcoming peace talks will depend heavily on continued pressure from international stakeholders and a willingness among parties to compromise.

 

 

Africanews/Kamila

Warri Wolves Win NNL Super Eight Title

Mosunmola Ore
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Warri Wolves Win NNL Super Eight Title

Warri Wolves have emerged champions of the 2024/25 Nigeria National League, NNL, season after a thrilling campaign.

READ ALSO: NNL Super 8 Competition Enters Decisive Stage

They defeated Wikki Tourists 3-2 in the grand finale of the NNL Super 8 playoffs decided at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, Delta State.

As part of their reward, the team received a ₦5 million cash prize in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Recall that the Seasiders alongside, Wikki Tourists, Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC secured the promotion ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Research Institutes Partner Women Farmers to Boost Agriculture, Tackle Pests

Omowumi Samuel
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Research Institutes Partner Women Farmers to Boost Agriculture, Tackle Pests

Research institutes across Nigeria have partnered with the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWFON) to promote good farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity nationwide.

The initiative aims to strengthen the fight against pests and diseases affecting various agricultural value chains, while empowering women farmers with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable farming.

Speaking at a national workshop in Abuja themed “Together We Grow Sustainable Food Systems for a Resilient Future”, Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between research, extension services, and actual farm practices.

He noted that although research institutes are active, their work often fails to reach farmers through the right agricultural channels.

READ ALSO:Ebonyi State Farmers Receive Inputs to Boost Production

“It is only when these innovations reach the grassroots that good farming practices can be adopted broadly,” Onyekpere said.

He added that the collaboration with SWFON is a strategic move to ensure that research outputs translate into practical improvements on farms across Nigeria.

He said, “We mapped out ten of these groups as well as the critical research institutes. This is to bridge the gap between what the research institutes are doing and what the farmers are doing in the practical field. This is the reason for bringing in different farmers organisations, the Ministry of Agriculture from three key states, Niger, Abua and Oyo state, accompanied by research Institutes from these states.

“Cassava alone can generate more revenue than oil in the country. Nigeria produces about 20% of the world’s cassava. I gave you an example of the value chain we all eat as gari; this is just one crop, we are not talking about other agricultural products yet. I want to emphasise that research Institutes are well funded, though the government can still do better”.

Speaking, Honourable Kelechi Nworgu of the House Committee on Agriculture said this is a call to action, noting that it is a time when farmers are struggling with low productivity and core financial systems, so there is a need for stakeholders to look into the activities of farmers so it can be upgraded.

NCAN Produces 120,000 Cashew Seedlings to Boost Exports

Omowumi Samuel
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NCAN Produces 120,000 Cashew Seedlings to Boost Exports

As non-oil export commodities continue to gain attention, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has announced the production of over 120,000 cashew seedlings for distribution to farmers as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s cashew exports.

The NCAN National President, Dr. Ojo Ajanaku, said the seedlings are from the natural variety commonly known as the Ogbomosho or Oyo State variety, which is highly prized on the global market.

“This is a uniform variety farmers will be cultivating,” Ajanaku explained. “By the third year, it matures into a full-grown tree and starts fruiting — and this particular variety is globally sought after by processors and exporters due to its high value.”

He disclosed that NCAN is currently producing seedlings across seven states:

* Benue – 20,000

* Kogi – 20,000

* Edo – 40,000

* Kwara – 20,000

* Oyo – 30,000

* Enugu – 50,000

The association also received support from Beyond Farming Collective, which contributed 45,000 seedlings to the initiative.

“So far, we’ve produced 120,000 seedlings, and our target is 300,000,” he said.

READ ALSO:Farmers Group to Boost Processing Raw Cashew Nuts

Despite the scale of the project, Ajanaku noted that no external funding has been received. Instead, NCAN is financing the effort through its internal ticketing system, which collects small fees from members transporting cashew to processors or export points.

“We pooled those funds to support the nursery production. That way, we can give something tangible back to our farmers,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ajanaku expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to significantly scale up production.

“With determination, we can push our annual production to 2 million metric tonnes,” he stated. “That would drastically increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, especially since cashew is predominantly for export and not widely consumed locally due to competition with groundnuts.”

He, however, appealed for government support, calling on agencies like the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), and National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) to partner with NCAN in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

“We’ve written to them, hoping to present our plans and achievements, but no agency has responded so far,” he said. “We’re using this medium to urge them to give us a chance to show how they can assist us.”

Ajanaku also linked agricultural expansion to national security, noting:

“We have so much unused land — over 54 million hectares in Nigeria. If we convert our forests into farmlands, we’ll reduce criminal hideouts and create jobs. Cashew is a perfect crop to help us do that.”

President Tinubu Announces Death of Former Leader, Muhammadu Buhari

Lateefat Ibrahim
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga disclsoed that President Buhari died on Sunday in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

Onanuga said President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Lateefah Ibrahim

MicNet Concept International To Launch South-East’s First E-Commerce Marketing Platform 

Jide Ibitoye
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MicNet Concept International To Launch South-East’s First E-Commerce Marketing Platform 

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka

A leading technology service provider, MicNet Concept International has unveiled plans to introduce the South-East region’s first dedicated e-commerce marketing platform this September.

Speaking at a press conference held in Awka, Mr. Mike Neboh, Chief Executive Officer of MicNet Concept International, highlighted that the new platform, E-commerce Plus is designed to promote digital inclusion and stimulate regional trade.

The official launch will coincide with the 2nd edition of the South-East World-Class Digital Summit (SE-WCDS), scheduled for September 4 in Imo State. The platform, accessible via www.e-commerceplus.org, seeks to bridge the gap between affordability and quality by providing convenient online shopping and service options without compromising value.

“Our goal with E-commerce Plus is to enhance digital access and establish a trusted marketplace where consumers and businesses can connect seamlessly,” Neboh explained. “The platform will also support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and provide much-needed relief during challenging economic periods.”

Neboh further revealed that through strategic partnerships with each of the South-East’s five states, E-commerce Plus aims to generate an annual revenue exceeding ₦54 billion, significantly boosting the region’s economy and GDP.

He called on residents, entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations across the South-East to register on the platform to maximize its reach and impact.

Supporting the initiative, Mrs. Gloria Nwakamma, Zonal Coordinator for the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), represented by Mrs. Chito Onuzulike, Anambra State Manager, underscored market access as a critical challenge for SMEs.

“SMEDAN fully endorses this project because it provides SMEs with essential access to markets, facilitating their growth and sustainability,” Nwakamma stated.

In addition, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State, represented by Mr. Chibuike Mebrim, Learning Supervisor at Imo Digital City, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to digital transformation.

“This project aligns perfectly with our vision to digitize all sectors and promote inclusion across the South-East,” Dr. Amadi remarked.

Jide Johnson.

Nvidia CEO to hold media briefing in Beijing 

Christopher Ojilere
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Nvidia CEO to hold media briefing in Beijing 

Nvidia  CEO Jensen Huang will hold a media briefing in Beijing on July 16, an official from the company said, marking his second visit to the country after a trip in April where he stressed the importance of the Chinese market.

Since 2022, the US government has imposed restrictions on the export of Nvidia’s most advanced chips to China, citing concerns over potential military applications.

The US also imposed a ban earlier this year on sales of Nvidia’s H20 artificial intelligence chips to the country, which had been Nvidia’s most powerful AI chip cleared for Chinese sales.

Huang’s latest visit has been closely watched in both US and China. A bipartisan pair of US senators on Friday sent a letter to Huang about his  China trip, asking him to abstain from meeting with companies that are working with military or intelligence bodies in the People’s Republic of China.

The senators also asked Huang to refrain from meeting with entities named on the United States’ restricted export list.

Nvidia has faced increased competition from Chinese tech giant Huawei and other makers of graphics processing units, the chips used to train artificial intelligence. But Chinese companies, including their big tech firms, still crave Nvidia chips due to the company’s computing platform known as CUDA.

China generated $17 billion in revenue for Nvidia in the fiscal year ending January 26, accounting for 13% of the company’s total sales, based on its latest annual report. Huang has consistently highlighted China as a critical market for Nvidia’s growth.

Nvidia’s market value topped $4 trillion for the first time last week, solidifying the chipmaker’s position as Wall Street’s central player in a race to dominate AI technology.

 

 

 

 

 

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere

 

 

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