NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
U.S. visa restrictions ‘ll harm trade relations with W/Africa — Tuggar
Foreign

U.S. visa restrictions ‘ll harm trade relations with W/Africa — Tuggar

157 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says the U.S.’ plan to apply visa restrictions on ECOWAS countries is tantamount to creating “non-tariff barriers” that will harm trade relations with West Africa.

Tuggar, who is the Chairman, ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) made this known at the 54th Ordinary Session of the MSC at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently announced a list 36 countries under the country’s visa scrutiny, many of them being ECOWAS members.

According to the new visa proposal, the affected countries are given a 60-day window to meet new visa requirements or face potential travel bans.

Tuggar, who criticised the proposed policy, warned that it could significantly hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity between the U.S. and West Africa.

He emphasised that ECOWAS is a region of opportunities with critical resources, and such restrictions would amount to mounting “non-tariff barriers” to potential deals and partnerships between them and the U.S.

“It would, therefore, be a remiss of me if I did not mention the apparent recent decision by the Government of the United States to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions (Togo was on an earlier list).

“This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals.

“We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi,” he said.

The minister stressed that ECOWAS member states would like to do deals with the U.S., but noted that visa restrictions were synonymous with slamming non-tarriff barriers to any deals with them.

He also said that West African countries had been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system.

“ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need.

“We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity.

“The only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” He asked.

Earlier in an opening address, Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, expressed delight that the MSC was holding at a critical juncture of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, still standing strong amid challenges.

He said that for more than 25 years, the MSC had contributed immensely to the security and stability of the region, through its numerous sessions.

Touray said that the session was to enable the council to present to participants the political and security situation in the region, including trends and developments.

“We will update on the transition process in Guinea and the negotiation process between ECOWAS and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“We will be updating you on maritime security in our region, as well as terrorism and transnational organised crime.

“We will also be presenting the outcome of the assessments of our Missions in the Gambia and Bissau,” he said.

The commission’s president said that ECOWAS had also made progress in strengthening the subregion’s regional peace and security architecture.

He said that ECOWAS would present a memoranda to the MSC on its Standby Force Logistics Concept and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies.

Touray said that ECOWAS would also present a memoranda on the Supplementary Act relating to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

He said ECOWAS would also give updates on regional National Early Warning and Response centres, humanitarian situation, and measures against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

“These memoranda outline the key activities of the institutions on strengthening further the instruments of our response to peace and security challenges in region,” he said.

Touray further said that after some difficult time over the last two years, ECOWAS had successfully changed the narrative on the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who recently withdrew from the bloc.

He said that ECOWAS had started direct talks with them toward safeguarding the community’s achievements and building a realistic, fruitful future cooperation in various areas including security and development.

According to him, ECOWAS has improved communication with the exited countries with the view to mitigating the effects of “mis and dis information,” and put in place mechanisms to project its views to the world.

“This is significant as fake news have contributed to the complications of our security and political environment in recent years,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official
Foreign

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official

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U.S. trade with Africa ‘will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,’ says ambassador Troy Fitrell.

Ambassador Troy Fitrell, senior official at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said that Washington is “very directly, very intentionally” shifting toward an “investment-led” strategy in Africa.

“The future of the U.S. trade with Africa “will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,” Fitrell said at an online news conference.

He said trade reflects an “exchange between equals” in an activity, unlike the assistance-led paradigm that the U.S. had in the past, which involved “a donor and a recipient, instead of having it being negotiated with equals.”

Fitrell said he tasked ambassadors to “go out and find” commercial opportunities to advocate for US companies, identify opportunities, push for market reforms to enhance the business environment and engage host governments on those issues.

He said as the U.S’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) marches to its end date, “it is our Congress who has the responsibility to revise, renew, or re-establish it.”

The envoy added that “if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded.”

AGOA is a special law enacted in the year 2000 that grants duty-free access to nearly 40 sub-Saharan African nations to US markets.(AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mark Longyen)

U.S. to execute man convicted of rape, murder
Foreign

U.S. to execute man convicted of rape, murder

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A U.S. citizen is scheduled to be executed in Alabama on Thursday evening after dropping his appeals, saying he was guilty of raping and murdering a woman in 2010.

The convict said he did not want to keep “wasting everybody’s time” and money.

James Osgood, 55, will be executed by lethal injection at 6 p.m. CDT at William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama.

This will make him join the approximately one in 10 people on death rows across America who have asked for their own executions.

A jury convicted Osgood of capital murder for the killing of Tracy Lynn Brown in Chilton County.

Prosecutors said Osgood cut Brown’s throat after he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted her.

Osgood told The Associated Press that he wanted to apologise to Brown’s family and that he dropped his appeals because, “I am guilty of murder.”

In a letter to his lawyer explaining his decision to seek an execution date, he wrote that he was tired and no longer felt like he was “even existing.”

“I’m a firm believer in, like I said in court, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I took a life so mine was forfeited.

“I don’t believe in sitting here and wasting everybody’s time and everybody’s money,” Osgood told the AP.

Brown was found dead in her home on Oct. 23, 2010.

Prosecutors said Osgood admitted to police that he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted Brown, and forced her to perform sex acts.

These, they said, was after discussing how they had fantasies about kidnapping and torturing someone.

Then he cut her throat.

His girlfriend, who was Brown’s cousin, was sentenced to life in prison.

“I can’t imagine anyone doing that to someone, even their worst enemy. I don’t know what kind of mind has that kind of thinking,” Jackie Wileman, Brown’s stepmother, told the judge at Osgood’s 2014 sentencing hearing.

In handing down the death sentence, the judge noted that Osgood had a difficult childhood that included sexual abuse, abandonment and a suicide attempt.

The judge, however, also said that it was Osgood who cut Brown’s neck and stabbed her as she begged the couple not to hurt her.

Osgood said last week that he regretted all the “pain and suffering” he had caused Brown’s family, and his own.

“I would like to say to the victim’s family, I apologize,” Osgood said.

“I’m not going to ask their forgiveness because I know they can’t give it, only God can grant forgiveness,” he said.

Osgood’s initial death sentence was thrown out by an appeals court ruling that jurors were given improper instructions.

At his re-sentencing in 2018, Osgood asked to be executed, saying he didn’t want the families to endure another hearing.

The Death Penalty Information Center reported last year that 165 of the people were executed since a moratorium on the death penalty ended in 1977.

The total of people who asked to be put to death has since grown to more than 1650.

The center also said that the overwhelming majority of these volunteers had histories of mental illness, substance abuse or suicidal ideation.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made a rare move this year to grant clemency to another death row inmate, commuting the death sentence of Robin “Rocky” Myers to life in prison.

The governor said there were enough questions about his guilt that she could not move forward with his execution.

It was the only time Ivey had granted clemency, and the first time any Alabama governor commuted a death sentence since 1999.(AP/NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

China denies tariff talks with U.S.
Foreign

China denies tariff talks with U.S.

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China on Thursday denied any suggestion on negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over tariffs.

China’s comments come after Trump had earlier on Tuesday said that things were going on fine with China and that the final tariff rate on Chinese exports would come down substantially from the current 145 per cent.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said during a briefing that, “for all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal.

“China’s position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner,” Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said.

“Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis,” the spokesman said.

Trump had told reporters earlier in the week that “everything’s active” when asked if he was engaging with China, although his treasury secretary had said there were no formal negotiations.

Trump had put 145 per cent tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 125 per cent tariffs on U.S. products.

While Trump had given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., China remained the exception.

Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and deployed other economic measures in response while vowing to fight to the end.

For example, China restricted exports of rare earth minerals and raised multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organisation.

China also made it clear that talks should involve the cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces.

“The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States.

“If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should face up to the rational voices of the international community and all parties at home.

“It should completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” said the Commerce Ministry spokesman.

In spite of the economic measures leveled against China, Trump had earlier said that it would be “very nice” and not play hardball with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“We are going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” Trump said. (AP/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Hollywood jitters over U.S.-China tariff war
Foreign

Hollywood jitters over U.S.-China tariff war

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By Kamal Tayo Oropo

The U.S.-China tariff war may now be casting a shadow over Hollywood, according to He Beiping, a Chinese journalist based in Nigeria.

Beiping’s opinion is contained in a piece made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

Beiping expressed concerns about China’s declining interest in American film imports.

He noted that during Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s recent visit to China, both countries signed a film cooperation agreement.

According to him, the deal aims to deepen cultural and industry ties through festivals, screenings, co-productions and professional exchanges.

“This signals China’s pivot towards broader cinematic partnerships beyond traditional U.S. collaborations.

“China, as the world’s second-largest film market, remains a crucial audience for global content creators.

“Yet, rising U.S. tariffs have triggered strategic pushback from Beijing,” he explained.

He stated that China’s National Film Administration has pledged to “moderately reduce the number of American films imported”.

“This announcement has unsettled Hollywood, with shares in studios like Disney and Warner Bros Discovery falling sharply.

“The tariff moves casts uncertainty over future U.S.-China film projects and market access.

“Still, China continues to reward high-quality international content at the box office,” he said.

Beiping emphasised that strong demand remains, provided partnerships are fair and mutually beneficial.

He pointed out an imbalance: U.S. service exports to China have surged over sevenfold since 2001.

According to him, Washington’s tariff policies risk harming its own success in key service sectors like film and technology.

NAN recalls that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also warned of possible counter-measures.

These include potential restrictions on U.S. tech firms, suggesting wider economic consequences.

Beiping noted that America’s surplus with Europe relies heavily on technology services.

He argued that such threats reflect a growing instability driven by short-term trade decisions.

“Meanwhile, China is embracing openness,” he said, referencing the recent deal with Spain.

That agreement reflects a multilateral approach to creative exchange and global trade.

“This model, based on mutual gain, could raise standards and enrich global audiences,” he said.

Beiping added that the era of American unilateral dominance is ending, replaced by a multipolar world of shared opportunity. (NAN) 

Edited by Polycarp Auta

U.S. inflation surge may challenge economy, says Analyst
Economy/Business

U.S. inflation surge may challenge economy, says Analyst

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By Fortune Abang

Mr Muhammad Aimen, an investment analyst at KTrade Securities, stated on Saturday that the surge in U.S. inflation to 3 per cent could pose economic challenges to global trade.

KTrade Securities is a Pakistan-based stock and commodity firm.

Aimen shared his insights during the global virtual analysis of KTrade Securities’ research report.

He noted that U.S. inflation had surged to 3 per cent one month after President Donald Trump took office.

He said this marked the first such rise since June 2024.

He highlighted concerns about inflation risks, which stemmed from the fiscal deficit fuelled by rising debt and complicated by tariffs.

According to Aimen, these factors have slowed down the U.S. economy, which now shows signs of a recession.

He emphasised that the U.S. tariffs approach, focused on domestic priorities, might not effectively address structural issues in the economy.

Aimen said instead, it could exacerbate the very problems it aimed to prevent.

“The U.S. national debt has ballooned to 123 per cent of its GDP, raising serious concerns about fiscal sustainability,” Aimen noted.

He said with such a high debt burden, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy was taking a backseat to government spending and taxation, which would likely fuel inflation.

“The government may be forced to monetise the deficit, essentially printing money to cover shortfalls.”

Aimen also pointed out that fiscal deficits, rather than bank lending, were the root cause of inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy, making the government’s ability to manage inflation via interest rates less effective.

He cited the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Outlook report, which raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in cutting spending.

This was particularly concerning given the high mandatory expenditures, such as social security, Medicare, and defense spending.

“Whenever a nation exceeds 100 per cent debt, it almost always inflates away the debt.

“The U.S. is likely to face an extended period of financial repression, where inflation outpaces economic growth,” Aimen predicted.

He also drew parallels between the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) cycle and the high inflation period of the 1970s, raising concerns about a potential repeat of that era’s economic struggles.

Aimen also discussed the potential effects of tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, the U.S.’s largest trade partners, which could stoke inflation by limiting access to cheaper labour and goods.

He warned that the deportation of immigrants could lead to higher domestic prices, as 15 per cent of U.S. workers in construction, manufacturing, and agriculture were immigrants.

Even if these tariffs bring some manufacturing back to the U.S., Aimen questioned whether these industries would be competitive in the global market.

“In other markets, Chinese manufacturers will continue to gain share, and the U.S. risks being shut out,” he said.

In spite of the dollar’s status as the global reserve currency, Aimen noted lingering concerns among investors about the U.S. economic sustainability.

These concerns, he said were driven by factors such as the devaluation of other currencies in response to tariffs, demand for dollar-denominated debt, and a weaker tax revenue base caused by higher unemployment.

“Higher unemployment means weaker tax revenue, compounding the deficit problem.

“With an aging population adding to entitlement costs, a debt spiral is a real possibility without a course correction,” he warned. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

U.S. Air Force ‘ll target terrorists across Africa —Gen. Hecker
Foreign

U.S. Air Force ‘ll target terrorists across Africa —Gen. Hecker

357 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces, Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), says the U.S. Air Force will carry out airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa.

Hecker stated this at a digital news conference while attending the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS), on Wednesday in Lusaka, Zambia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the digital conference was organised to enable Gen. Hecker to discuss U.S. commitments to military partnerships with African nations and AACS operations.

Hecker said terrorist groups like ISIS were high-value targets that threatened African nations and the U.S., and would be targeted by the U.S, as it did against ISIS in Somalia recently.

“They are significant high-value targets that threaten African nations and threaten the United States.

“So we will continue to go after terrorist organisations that threaten our African partners as well as the United States,” he said.

Hecker said that the U.S. was willing to collaborate with African air forces, not only by way of security support, but also through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

On Boko Haram insurgency, and how the U.S. Air Force can help the Nigerian military achieve air superiority over the terrorists, he said the U.S. had already been supporting Nigeria.

“Well, I think as you know, the U.S. Government has provided training and equipment to Nigeria for quite a while, so hopefully that will help them out.

“But what we’re looking at in this conference is not that. We’re not talking about air superiority or conflict.

“We’re talking about how we can help each other – African nations can help one another – and that’s what the goal of this conference is,” Hecker said.

Also speaking, Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, gave an insight into the symposium and how AACS member states would respond to humanitarian needs, if a disaster struck.

According to him, with AACS,  humanitarian/disaster needs like foodstuff, logistics, supplies and aerial vehicles will be easily provided by member states contributing whatever they are able to contribute.

“Remember, we are an air force – we are air forces that have come together, and with our friends from the U.S. and all the other member-states.

“It becomes easier for logistics to come on board and makes it easy for the one who is in trouble to be assisted. The more the numbers, the better for us,” Nyoni said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy
Foreign

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy

417 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Amb. Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is working to strengthen healthcare, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria, stressing that the nation requires progress in key areas. 

Mills, who made this known in a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, said that the U.S. remained Nigeria’s steadfast partner in these critical areas of their bilateral relations for national development. 

The envoy noted that towards this end, yearly in December, the U.S. marks three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.

He listed the celebrations as the World AIDS Day; International Anti-Corruption Day; and Human Rights Day. 

According to him, these commemorations, while distinct, underscore the simple truth that these issues are accorded top priorities in the partnership between the two nations.

“For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“The U.S. government has invested more than 8.3 billion dollars in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.

“These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families,” he said.

Amb. Mills said that during his recent visit to clinics across Nigeria, he had met dedicated healthcare workers who delivered HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by U.S. resources.

He said that such interventions had done more than save lives, adding that using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system had  greatly benefited.

“As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains,” the ambassador emphasised.

He recalled that such commitment was reinforced during the recent visit to Nigeria of Dr John Nkengasong, U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

The envoy said that Nkengasong held discussions with Nigerian health officials focusing on how the Nigerian Government would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

Speaking on transparency as a critical element of good governance, Mills said that positive health outcomes depended on good governance. 

“When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.

“This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. 

“Our programmes work directly with government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.

On strengthening human rights, Ambassador Mills said that the success of the aforementioned efforts rested on respect for human rights and civic engagement. 

He said that this often happened when members of marginalised communities faced discrimination in accessing healthcare; when citizens feared reporting corruption; and when vulnerable populations could not advocate for their needs. 

“Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

“Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organisations to advocate for marginalised communities, leading to better access to health services. 

“Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.  

“Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities — a shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue,” he said. 

The ambassador further said that the U.S. Embassy was ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. 

Mills said that the U.S. was inspired by the dedication of Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to build a stronger nation.

“Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. 

“Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

“The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

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