U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced his long-anticipated “red hot” tariffs aimed at boosting American manufacturing and penalising nations for what he describes as years of unfair trade practices.

Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the U.S., with higher rates imposed on countries with trade surpluses against America.

Some of the highest rates will be levied on smaller countries, with goods from Lesotho facing 50%.

The European Union is facing 20% tariffs, while China is looking at 34%.

Here is the list of the African countries on Trump’s preliminary list:

 

Lesotho – 50%

Madagascar – 47%

Mauritius – 40%

Botswana – 37%

South Africa 30%

 

Nigeria – 14%

Kenya – 10%

Ghana – 10%

Ethiopia – 10%

Tanzania – 10%

Uganda – 10%

Senegal – 10%

Liberia – 10%

Although Nigeria and other African nations are not on Trump’s supplementary list, they remain subject to the 10% baseline tariff affecting all imports into the United States.

[TheNation]

 

The latest FIFA ranking has placed Nigeria as the 43rd-best team across the globe.

The World football governing body announced this on its X handle on Thursday.

The ranking places Nigeria one step upward as the Super Eagles rounded off 2024 in 44th.

Argentina remained top thanks to impressive wins

 

In second place is Spain and France is in third place.

England is fourth, while Brazil ranked fifth, completing the top five.

The Super Eagles’ latest improvement by one spot might not be unconnected to their latest form, beating Rwanda at home in their quest to qualify for the World Cup taking place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

More to follow…

[Punch]

As the “Japa” trend continues to gain momentum, many Nigerians with only WAEC or SSCE certificates wonder if they have viable options to relocate abroad.

While their paths may be more limited than those with higher academic qualifications, several practical routes remain open for them to explore.

1. Study Routes With Low Entry Requirements

Although WAEC alone may not be enough for direct university admission, there are alternatives: 

Vocational & Foundation Programs: Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Ireland offer foundation programs and vocational diplomas that accept WAEC.

Community Colleges (USA & Canada): Some institutions accept WAEC, allowing students to start with a two-year program before transferring to a university.

Affordable Universities: Countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Poland have universities that accept WAEC for direct entry with relatively low tuition fees.

2. Work and Migration Programs

Several countries offer migration opportunities for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers:

United Kingdom: The UK’s Health & Care Worker Visa allows WAEC holders to work as care assistants with employer-sponsored training.

Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker Programs (TFWP) provide job opportunities in farming, hospitality, and caregiving.

Portugal & Poland: These countries have work visa pathways for jobs in construction, farming, and factories.

3. Scholarship & Exchange Programs

Although most scholarships require higher qualifications, some opportunities exist: Chevening, Erasmus, and Commonwealth Scholarships (for those who later complete a diploma). Germany’s Ausbildung Program, which offers fully funded vocational training with a stipend and accepts WAEC.

4. Relocation Through Family or Marriage

Having a spouse or close relative abroad can be a legal pathway through dependent or family reunification visas.

Countries like Turkey, UAE, Georgia, and Schengen nations issue visit visas. Some travelers use this route to secure jobs and change their visa status, but they must comply with legal migration rules.

6. Learning In-Demand Skills for Better Chances

To increase migration opportunities, WAEC holders can learn skills such as: Caregiving (for UK and Canada); Welding, Plumbing, or Electrical Work (for Germany, Poland, and Portugal); Digital Skills (for remote jobs that can help finance migration).

Vanguard News

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduahan, senator representing Kogi central, failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

In a statement on Thursday, INEC cited section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conditions for recalling a lawmaker, noting that the petition failed to fulfill these requirements.

More to follow…

[TheCable]

…Lauds Security Agencies for Swift Action 
 
…Wants FG, Edo Govts To Stem Raging Insecurity 
 
The Esan Okpa Initiative EOI), a pan-Esan group has strongly decried the violence and unlawful acts leading to the tragic events that recently unfolded in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
 
Expressing deep sorrow and concern over the unfortunate events in which some lives were lost, the association appeals to “our brothers and sisters from the northern parts of the country to resist the temptation of retaliation or reprisal actions” noting that “violence begets violence.” 
 
It also argues that “taking the law into one’s own hands can only deepen the crisis and endanger the peace that we all cherish as no one wins when there’s violence”.
 
While lauding the security agencies for their swift action in calming frayed nerves, the organization calls on the Federal and Edo State Governments to provide lasting solutions to stem the raging insecurity issues and heightened cases of kidnappings in Esanland.
 
A statement signed by its President, Rt Hon Matthew Egbadon and Public Relations Officer, Mr Tony Iyare and released in Benin City, the state capital, read in parts: 
 
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for strength and healing for all affected.
 
“We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and unlawful acts, regardless of the circumstances.There  is no doubt that the security challenges facing our communities in Esanland, indeed across Edo State, including the persistent acts of kidnappings and other forms of criminal attacks, have led to heightened tension and fear among the people. 
 
“However, taking the law into one’s own hands can only deepen the crisis and endanger the peace and unity we all cherish. Experience has shown that no one wins when there is violence.
 
“We commend the Edo State Government and all security Agencies, for their swift intervention in seeking to douse tensions arising from the ugly and despicable incident which occurred at Uromi, and we urge all parties, both within and outside Esanland, to remain calm and allow constituted authorities to handle the situation. The rule of law must prevail, and we trust that justice will be done to all affected parties.
 
“At this moment, we appeal to our brothers and sisters from the Northern part of the country, to resist the temptation of retaliation or reprisal actions. Violence begets more violence, and our shared humanity must guide our actions in these trying times. 
 
“Let us as Nigerians stand together for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.We must all say,“ NO” to political opportunists, who seek to leverage the unfortunate incident to score cheap political goals by issuing reckless and tendentious statements. 
 
“Furthermore, we call on the government and security agencies to redouble their efforts in addressing the lingering insecurity that has made life unbearable for our people in Esanland. The inability of our farmers to access their farms and work places, as well as the general fear of insecurity that has gripped our communities require urgent and decisive action. 
 
“Security is a fundamental right of all citizens, and we urge the authorities at State and Federal levels to provide lasting solutions that will ensure safety and prosperity for all.
 
“Finally, we appeal to all stakeholders to continue to work to promote peace, unity, and justice in Esanland and beyond. Let wisdom, restraint, and the pursuit of peace guide us all,” the statement concludes.

The naira continued appreciating against the dollar on Wednesday at the official foreign exchange market after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the naira strengthened to N1,531.25 per dollar on Wednesday from N1,536.82 recorded last Friday.

This means that the naira gained N5.57 per dollar on a day-to-day basis.


Meanwhile, on the black market, the naira depreciated to N1,555 per dollar on Wednesday from N1,550 traded on Friday before the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

DAILY POST reports that over the weekend, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced that the Net Foreign Exchange Reserve, NFER, stood at $23.11 billion, the highest level in over three years.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disowned a circular claiming that the financial regulator has introduced N5,000 and N10,000 notes.

The circular, purportedly from the CBN, has been widely shared on WhatsApp.

According to the fake circular, the new notes are to be circulated from May 1.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the CBN clarified that the circular did not originate from the bank.

The apex bank also said the claim was fake.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 bankrotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management,” the circular reads.

“According to the Deputy CBN Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir Jr., the move is aimed at reducing cash-handling costs and providing Nigerians with more efficient means of conducting large transactions.”

The apex bank urged the public to refer only to the official CBN website (cbn.gov.ng) for authentic information.

“The content is not from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng,” the financial regulator said.

In 2023, there were controversies over the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1,000 notes.

On February 6, 2023, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said CBN should have introduced a N5,000 note rather than embarking on a currency redesign.

Sola Obadimu, former director-general of NACCIMA, said there would have been less pressure on Nigerians if the naira redesign policy was implemented differently.

Obadimu had said the creation of N5,000 note would have mopped up the money in circulation without creating discomfort.

He said the CBN would have also spent less money on printing new notes.

On November 29, 2023, the supreme court ruled that the new notes — N200, N500 and N1,000 — were to coexist with the old notes as legal tender.

On December 13, 2024, CBN reassured the public that both the old and redesigned naira notes will continue to serve as legal tender without any deadline.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, approved the dismissal of Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following mounting concerns over various aspects of the company’s operations.

Naija News had earlier reported that the dissolution of the entire NNPCL board accompanied this decision.

 

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Tinubu had authorized a comprehensive reconstitution of the NNPCL board.

This restructuring saw the removal of Chairman Pius Akinyelure and Group CEO, Mele Kolo Kyari, alongside other board members appointed in November 2023.

 

As part of the restructuring, Tinubu appointed Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida was appointed as the non-executive Chairman of the board.

The president also retained Adedapo Segun, who had replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer in November 2023, on the newly formed board.

In addition to these key appointments, six non-executive directors were appointed to represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The appointees include Bello Rabiu from the North West, Yusuf Usman from the North East, and Babs Omotowa, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), representing North Central. Austin Avuru from the South South, David Ige from the South West, and Henry Obih from the South East also joined the new board.

Furthermore, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, were appointed as members of the new board.

Here is the profile of the new appointees:

Bashir Bayo Ojulari

Ojulari, the new NNPCL GCEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, which recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, according to the statement. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

 

From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991, as an associate production technologist. Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Ahmad Musa Kida – Chairman

The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, hails from Borno State and is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984.

He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.

He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985. Kida became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015.

He was an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group. Apart from his oil industry career, Kida is a former basketball player and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) board.

Adedapo Segun – CFO

The new Chief Financial Officer worked with Chevron as a Financial Services Manager for five years, 10 months before joining NNPC as a Group General Manager, Treasury. He was also Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer and Executive Vice-President of Downstream.

Board Members (NNPCL)

Bello Rabiu, North West

Bello Rabiu was Chief Operating Officer/Group Executive Director, Upstream of NNPC, where he oversaw the activities of the Corporation’s Upstream businesses, including; National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and NNPC Oil Field Services (NOFS).

 

He has a balanced knowledge of the Exploration & Production industry in Nigeria with capability which combines commercial/fiscal knowledge with operations.

Rabiu retired from the services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in July 2019 after 28 years of service.

Yusuf Usman, North East

He has over 30-year experience in the oil and gas industry. He started his career as Facilities/Project Engineer with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Warri, from 1987 to 1993. In 1993, he joined the Services of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as Facilities Engineer. Between 1993 to October 2007, he rose to become the Technical Assistant to GGM NAPIMS.

During the period, Usman superintended over many projects, including the EKPE Gas Compression Station for EXXON Mobil JV in Houston, France & Nigeria, AMENAM/KPONO Oil and Gas Development for Total JV in Dubai, France & Nigeria, FEED of Brass and Olokola LNG Gas Supply Projects for CNL JV in Houston, USA, Gbaran/Ubie Central Gas Processing Facilities for SPDC/NNPC Joint Venture in UK and Nigeria, Dry Dock of MV Oloibiri for Texaco Overseas/NNPC JV in Greece, Usan FPSO Project for Total/NNPC Joint Venture in France, South Korea and Nigeria etc.

Babs Omotowa- North Central

Babs Omotowa is described as an international leader in the Energy industry across Europe, Africa, the United States of America, Asia, and the Middle East, in organisation leadership, commercial, strategy and operational roles spanning over 26 years.

Omotowa was the Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria LNG Limited (“NLNG”) for almost 5 years from December 2011 to September 2016.

Prior to joining Nigeria LNG, he served in different capacities including as a Vice-President, Shell Sub-Saharan Africa, Director at Shell Petroleum Development Company, a Non-Executive Director of West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, amongst others.

After his role as MD, NLNG, he served as a Vice President of Shell Global Upstream E&P and later as Special Adviser to the Shell Global Upstream Director.

Austin Avuru – Non-Executive Director, South-South

Austin Avuru is a Geologist by training who spent over 40 years in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and was Managing Director of Platform Petroleum Limited and in 2010, became the pioneer CEO of Seplat Ltd, a company he co-founded.

Under his leadership, Seplat was listed on the London Stock Exchange and Nigeria Stock Exchange. He retired as CEO of Seplat in 2020 and remains on the Board.

He is a fellow and past President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and recipient of the Aret Adams Award. He is the author of “Politics, Economics & the Nigerian Petroleum Industry” and co-author of “Nigerian Petroleum Business, A Handbook”.

David Ige – Non-executive director (South West)

David Oluseyi Ige was former Group Executive Director of the NNPC. He has over 25 years work experience which cuts across Oil & Gas, management consulting and academics in world class organisations.

His experience spans Exploration, Development and Production of Oil and Natural Gas plus Midstream infrastructure and Downstream disposal of Hydrocarbons.

He is widely recognised for initiating and developing the Nigeria Gas Master Plan and policy, in response to a major threat to the nation’s energy agenda arising from lack of a viable gas infrastructure.

Henry Obih –Non-executive director (South East)

Henry Obih was former Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Downstream in NNPC until his retirement in 2019.

Prior to joining NNPC as GED/COO in 2016, Engr. Obih had a 22-year sojourn at Mobil Oil Nigeria (ExxonMobil Nigeria Downstream) and held several other high- profile positions across different areas across the organisation such as Operations, Customer Service and Logistics.

His recent leadership roles include board positions at Nigeria Gas Marketing Company Limited, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, NNPC Retail Limited, NIDAS Marine Limited (a subsidiary of NNPC in joint venture with Daewoo Industries South Korea), NIKORMA Limited (a subsidiary of NNPC in joint venture with Hyundai Heavy Industries South Korea) and Duke Oil Company Inc.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has shared his reservation over President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Paris, France amid series of crises in the country, saying reasons for such journey were best known to him and his handlers.

Speaking via a statement titled, ‘Whither Nigeria, my beloved country’, which was made available to Naija News on Wednesday, the elder statesman lamented that it was shameful that while Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, the Federal Government led by Tinubu was focused on trivial matters such as the recall of the embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The PDP chieftain, while expressing concern over the state of affairs in the country, noted that those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately came out with policies capable of disintegrating the country, saying that it was disheartening that Nigeria was precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

This was just as he noted that history is a faithful record of the past, and also a prophecy of what is coming, saying that he saw what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.

He said, “Today, and with the series of crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness and other vices in the country, President Bola Tinubu has taken off to Paris, France for reasons best known to him and his handlers.

“Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, but the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Senate are only interested in recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. What a shame!

“Aside from the fact that history is a faithful record of the past, it is also a prophecy of what is coming. That is why Fela’s song is still apt, decades after. Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.”

 

The family of the immediate past governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, has lauded the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja for affirming the election victory of Monday Okpebholo as the governor of the State.

The three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the allegations brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for lack of credible evidence.


On Wednesday, Naija News reported that the Tribunal ruled that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to prove their claims against Okpebholo.

The Tribunal stated that “no competent witnesses were called” by the petitioners to substantiate their petition, thereby upholding the victory of Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

In a statement jointly signed by Benjamin Igbinovia Obaseki, Osaro Obaseki, and Emwanta Obaseki, the former governor’s family congratulated Okpebholo on his well-deserved victory at the Tribunal.

The family commended Okpebholo’s administration, adding that it will be eight years of performance and reforms.

The statement read, “The judiciary again has proven they are the hope of the people and a pillar for which justice and democracy shall continually stand.

“Meanwhile, you have demonstrated that you have come to protect and build a new Edo where every resident and visitor will have a memorable lifetime share of the dividends of Democracy.

“Your stand and support against illegal and oppressive unions dues collections, the awards of road contracts, public service and Local Government reforms, industrial investments and economic revival are signs that you are ready to build Edo of our collective dream.s

“You have started well, and God will help you to end well

“It is going to be eight years of performance and reforms

“Once again, congratulations from the House of the Obasekis.”