Category: Daily Trust

Nigeria’s export landscape is undergoing a major shift as exporters increasingly pivot toward China and begin to take advantage of a zero-tariff regime, which commenced on May 1, 2026, Daily Trust can report.

According to the ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, zero-tariff measures directly reduce the cost of Nigerian products entering the Chinese market.

Daily Trust reports that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China stands at $15.1bn, with China exporting $12.95bn and importing $2.1bn, creating a significant imbalance.

However, with the zero-tariff policy, China hopes to expand access to a range of goods from Nigeria and other developing countries.

‘From sesame, ginger, and cashews to cocoa and other speciality agricultural products, as long as they meet rules of origin as well as inspection and quarantine requirements, they can access the Chinese market more smoothly. This ‘channel effect’ helps translate potential demand into stable orders and convert market opportunities into tangible benefits,’ Dunhai said.

The ambassador noted that beyond enabling products to be sold, the removal of tariffs would help them to be sold better, encouraging and incentivising enterprises to improve quality standards, optimise product structures, and strengthen brand development.

‘As export volumes expand and quality improves, the international reputation of ‘Made in Nigeria’ will be further enhanced. From a broader perspective, the measure will promote localised value addition, inject new momentum into Nigeria’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods,’ he added.

Nigeria’s exports to China

From agricultural commodities to solid minerals and manufactured goods, Nigerian exporters are exploring new channels into China.

Products such as sesame seeds, cocoa, cashew nuts, ginger, and hibiscus flowers are gaining traction among Chinese buyers.

However, exporters stated that while Europe remains a key destination, the stringent quality standards, certification requirements, and logistical bottlenecks often make access difficult, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises.

China, on the other hand, is perceived as more flexible and increasingly receptive to African goods.

However, the challenge remains in increasing value addition, especially for Nigerian agricultural produce.

Beyond raw commodities, experts believe the shift toward China presents an opportunity for Nigeria to move up the value chain.

Instead of exporting unprocessed agricultural goods, there is growing advocacy for value-added processing, packaging, and branding products before export.

Experts express measured hope

While the policy is expected to boost exports of agricultural produce and solid minerals from countries such as Nigeria, analysts warn that the arrangement could further entrench Africa’s traditional role as a supplier of raw commodities to foreign industries, rather than strive to become an industrialised continent.

A Lagos-based exporter, Alhaji Nasiru Salami, noted that products including cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, rubber, ginger, lithium, and other minerals are likely to witness increased demand from China under the duty-free framework.

Stakeholders noted that China’s strong industrial base and large-scale processing capacity may enable it to source cheaper raw materials from Africa, convert them into finished products, and export them globally, including back to African markets.

They argued that unless African countries prioritise industrialisation and value addition, the continent risks losing the broader economic benefits associated with manufacturing, including job creation, technology transfer, and increased foreign exchange earnings.

Elizabeth Olanrewaju Nwankwo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Oklan Best Limited, who also doubled as the President, Oyo State Shippers Association, stated that the zero-tariff is very strategic and a timely development with potential to reshape trade relations between Nigeria and China, especially for non-oil exports and agro-industrial products.

According to her, for many years, Nigerian exporters have faced challenges in competing effectively in international markets due to tariff barriers, logistics costs, and quality compliance requirements.

‘Therefore, the removal of tariffs by China creates an opportunity for Nigerian products to become more price-competitive within the Chinese market.

‘At Oklan Best Limited, we see this as a positive policy direction and an opening for deeper market penetration into Asia. We are already reviewing potential opportunities around our shea, cashew, dried fruit, and other agro-commodity value chains to understand how best to position for increased exports under this framework.

‘However, while the tariff removal is commendable, the real work for Nigerian exporters will now focus on: product quality and international compliance standards; traceability and food safety systems; export-ready packaging and labelling; efficient logistics and shipping infrastructure; access to affordable financing for scaling production; strengthening processing capacity to move beyond raw commodity exports,’ she said.

Dr Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), called for a strategic caution on export expansion under China’s zero-tariff regime.

Dr Nweke, a former President of the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), noted that China’s zero-tariff access for Nigerian exports presents a significant external opportunity.

He, however, stated that, given Nigeria’s current food insecurity, weak agro-industrial base, and fragile oversight systems, premature export expansion may increase domestic food prices, reduce local food availability, deepen commodity dependence, as well as enable export under-valuation and resource leakages.

‘Nigeria must adopt a ‘Food Security First, Export Expansion Second’ strategy. Nigeria remains in a food stabilisation phase, not surplus production. Agro-allied value chains are fragmented and underperforming. Post-harvest losses remain significantly high. Export governance systems are weak and porous,’ he said.

Also speaking, a renowned exporter, Ikechukwu Charles, at Odogwu Iyke, stated that the tariff removal could bring about expansion in the export trade.

‘The zero tax for consignees in China will increase demand for goods, especially the solid minerals, sesame seed, dry ginger, agricultural products, etc., and also encourage local products, and price stability.

‘Also, on the other hand, if demands are too much from China, our local suppliers may have shortages and inflation in prices. We may also face high prices for trucking because it becomes hard for trucks to access the port, short shipments of containers because of congestion in the terminal, which can result in high costs of shipping,’ he said.

Northern businesses key in

Businessmen in Kano have described the zero-tariff export to China for all African countries as a real opportunity for growth and partnerships, changing their mindsets from local trading to global competitiveness.

Chairman, Greater Kano Business Council (GKBC), Mukhtar Gashash, said the business community-particularly in Northern Nigeria-has already embraced the initiative to ensure they are not left behind.

Gashash said businessmen in Kano have begun to explore export opportunities to China by first creating awareness among traders and farmers, the majority of whom are not fully aware of the scale of opportunities in China.

He said the council has held several meetings, discussions, and engagement with market leaders in places like Dawanau, Kantin Kwari, and major agro hubs, encouraging them to think beyond local and regional markets.

To fully harness and benefit from the zero-tariff policy, Gashash said they are also facilitating connections between local businessmen through export agents, logistics providers, and trade facilitators who understand Chinese market requirements.

Also commenting on the policy, Uba Danzainab, the Deputy Treasurer of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said the body’s President, Jani Ibrahim, is currently in China with a very large delegation, fine-tuning ways of utilising the export policy for African products.

Similarly, Miftahun Ibrahim Gwammaja, the CEO of Aisha Global Merchant Enterprises, who imports general goods from China, said he is already studying the development with a view to exporting agricultural produce to China and using the proceeds to import wares for the Nigerian market.

‘I am thinking of bringing machinery from China used in processing and packaging agricultural produce, which I will be exporting to China. Already, we are familiar with some of the Chinese products,’ said Gwammaja.

‘How zero-tariff policy can benefit Nigeria’

An economist, Dr Muda Yusuf, in a chat with one of our correspondents, said the policy would boost trade between Nigeria and China and expand opportunities for those in the agro-allied businesses.

He said, ‘It is a positive development for exporters because that means that the ease of entry, market access to Chinese markets, has improved. So, that creates an advantage for exporters, particularly those who want to add value. You know, the current position of the government is to encourage exporters to add value before they export.

‘And there are opportunities in China for products that have been processed, rather than exporting primary products. So, it’s a very great opportunity for the primary producers in the export value chain and those who are processors in the export value chain.

‘But the government also needs to support those who want to go into processing. Otherwise, what we are likely to see is that it is the Chinese that will now come here again, set up those industries, use the raw materials, and be sending to their country.’

Yusuf, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), noted that Nigeria is not doing well in agro-allied exports.

‘This is a great opportunity because the Chinese market is a huge market and our advantage will be in organic products and agro-allied products. You can’t be exporting manufactured products to China because you can’t compete; you can’t be exporting cars or exporting electronics, no. Our advantage is in the area of agro-allied products, things that are organic.

‘Go and look at the data, you will see that the total value of non-oil exports is more than 10% of the total export value. We are seeing predominantly oil and gas as far as export is concerned. So, we still have a lot more to do. And the bulk of the work is in supporting processing capacity, value-adding capacity,’ he said.

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, identified as Aliu Mustafa, following a foiled robbery operation in Auchi, Edo State.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the police acted on credible intelligence that a four-man armed robbery gang had invaded the residence of one Mr Okologho Prosper in the Comprehensive Secondary School area of Auchi.

She explained that police operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene, and on sighting the officers, the suspects fled in different directions, abandoning a bag containing a cut-to-size locally made firearm, one live cartridge, and a mobile phone.

According to her, a coordinated manhunt was immediately launched, which led to the arrest of one of the suspects, Aliu Mustafa, while others escaped.

She added that further investigation led to the recovery of two additional mobile phones, one wristwatch, and a bag, all identified as items stolen from the victim.

The spokesperson said the suspect is currently in custody and assisting the police with ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending the fleeing members of the gang.

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has fixed July 1 and 2, 2026, for the commencement of substantive hearing in the trial of suspects linked to the killing of residents of Agwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack claimed about 23 lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Five suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

When the matter came up on Friday, proceedings focused on pre trial procedures and the Case Management Conference, a critical stage preceding the commencement of substantive hearing.

The suspects are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, terrorism, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition, filed by the Plateau State Government.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.

During Friday’s sitting, the prosecution team from the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, under the supervision of the Attorney General, Barrister Philemon Dafi, informed the court that all necessary processes had been filed and exchanged among the parties.

The prosecution urged the court to adopt the submissions and issue its report in line with the provisions guiding criminal case management proceedings.

Counsel to the defendants also confirmed compliance with the court’s directives and adopted their respective responses.

The defence lawyers further told the court that the defendants were ready to open their defence during the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Gidelia Fomyon held that the case management process had been concluded in line with the law and adjourned the matter to May 26, 2026, for the court’s report on case management.

The judge subsequently fixed July 1 and 2, 2026, for definite hearing and witness appearances.

Two soldiers were killed while repelling an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was successfully contained by troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, who also neutralised several terrorists during the encounter.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

Magumeri, the headquarters of Magumeri Local Government Area, is located about 46 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

According to the statement, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base under poor visibility but were decisively repelled by troops despite recording minor breaches in an isolated section of the camp.

‘Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in the early hours of 7 May 2026, successfully contained an attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) MAGUMERI under Sector 3,’ the statement read.

‘The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the location under poor visibility. Although the terrorists recorded minor breaches on an isolated section of the camp, troops fought gallantly and decisively contained and defeated the attack by neutralising scores of the terrorists.’

Lt. Col. Uba said troops subsequently carried out exploitation operations around the area, where they discovered extensive blood trails, dragged bodies and recovered corpses of some of the terrorists, indicating heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers.

He added that troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the fleeing insurgents, including PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles and magazines.

‘Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the battle, while an officer and other wounded personnel are currently stable and receiving appropriate medical attention,’ he said.

The military spokesman further disclosed that some equipment and temporary structures were damaged by fire during the intense exchange of gunfire.

He noted that troops were continuing exploitation operations in the area to consolidate on the gains recorded and assess further battle damage.

‘The failed attack further underscores the fighting spirit of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action across the theatre of operations,’ the statement added.

‘The Military High Command commends troops for their impressive battle performance and urges them to sustain the operational tempo.’

The Kano State Government has denied claims by Amnesty International that five people were killed during the inauguration of the new deputy governor, Murtala Sule Garo.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government described the allegation as ‘misleading, unfounded and mischievous,’ insisting no violence-related deaths occurred at the Government House or nearby areas during the swearing-in ceremony.

Waiya said security agencies had not received any official reports linking killings to the event.

The state government accused Amnesty International of relying on unverified social media videos and failing to consult relevant authorities before releasing the report.

It also alleged that the organisation had repeatedly published negative reports about Kano without adequate verification.

Waiya said the government remained committed to tackling political thuggery and youth violence through its ‘Safe Corridor’ Kano Model initiative, which has reportedly profiled more than 2,000 repentant youths for rehabilitation and empowerment.

He disclosed that over N600 million had been set aside for the first phase of the programme.

The denial follows reports and eyewitness accounts alleging that clashes involving suspected political thugs during the inauguration led to fatalities.

The controversy comes amid rising concerns over recurring political violence in Kano.

Last week, three people were reportedly killed in separate clashes involving rival thugs around Kano Medical Centre and State Road, while suspected hoodlums also attacked the Farm Centre GSM Market during a political rally, carting away valuables worth millions of naira.

The state government urged residents to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.

FirstBank has expressed determination to leverage sports to drive education, empowerment, and leadership development.

The bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications Olayinka Ijabiyi has stated this following the conclusion of FirstBank’s sponsored ChessMasters 2026 tournament.

He commended the organizers, expressing the bank’s commitment to support the development of talents.

‘Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports.

‘With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship,’ he said.

Ijabiyi underscored the potential of chess, saying it helps school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level.

‘We saw the tournament as a launch pad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community,’ he said.

Indian Language School emerged as the winner of the tournament, earning N5m out of the total prize pool of N10 million.

The tournament was organised by Eko Hotels and Suites in conjunction with KEY Academy.

The Nigerian Army Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have neutralised 3 terrorists in a series of operations conducted in Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The Media Information Officer of the OPFY, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the troops recorded the success during ongoing efforts to clear criminal elements and restore stability across the region.

‘In the early hours of Thursday, 7 May 2026, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, embarked on a fighting patrol to Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara State with the aim of denying terrorists freedom of action within the general area,’ the statement read.

According to him, the troops made contact with armed terrorists at Dumburum village, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

Danja added that the troops overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray after suffering significant casualties.

He further said the troops successfully neutralised three terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one machine gun, one locally fabricated handgun, 7 rifle magazines and a total of 571 rounds of ammunition.

‘Importantly, no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation,’ Danja said.

He, therefore, urged members of the general public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that will further enhance the ongoing operations aimed at ensuring a safe, secure, and prosperous Zamfara State and the North West region at large.

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 12-member executive committee to recover N1.8 billion illegally deducted from civil servants’ salaries by private loan vendors.

The government also announced the immediate suspension of further loan agreements between civil servants and private loan vendors, declaring that it would no longer serve as a third party in such contractual arrangements.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruq Ibrahim, said an independent audit uncovered arbitrary deductions from workers’ salaries by some loan vendors.

He explained that the audit revealed multiple deductions against the one-third salary deduction officially permitted under the law, describing the practice as a violation of extant regulations.

According to the SSG, the State Executive Council approved the audit report and directed the committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Ismaila Aliyu Danmaraya, to identify all affected workers, dead or alive, for eventual refund of the deducted funds.

Ibrahim clarified earlier reports alleging that N1.5 billion was missing under the tenure of the immediate past Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa.

He stated that the audit report exonerated the former Head of Service from any wrongdoing and confirmed that the actual amount involved was N1.8 billion.

‘There was a misrepresentation of what the audit released and what is in the public domain. The clarification is that the missing funds are N1.8 billion and not N1.5 billion,’ he said.

The SSG expressed concern over what he described as indiscriminate loan agreements between civil servants and private vendors, revealing that outstanding loan obligations currently stand at about N13 billion.

Hon Eziekel Musa Dalhatu, an FCT senatorial aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has resigned his membership of the party and joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dalhatu, who announced his resignation at a press briefing in Abuja, on Friday, said he chose to leave the ADC following after extensive consultation with his supporters and stakeholders across the six area councils of the territory.

He said as the hurdles may always be tough in the pursuit of collective freedom, it will also be tough in his resolve to surmount them since he has the support of the electorates across the FCT.

‘Today, we took another thoughtful step towards aligning with the hopes of the people. After much consultation, I hereby announce my membership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),’he said.

According to him, such a singular decision holds the potential to collective actualization of a better FCT with the vision of effective and efficient representation at the National Assembly level.

Dalhatu, who is the immediate past FCT commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC), therefore, enjoined every resident of the FCT to key into the process and form the chain that will take them to the light.

No fewer than 500 newly trained artisans in Katsina State have secured immediate employment in a multi-billion naira housing project following their graduation from the Family Homes Artisans Skills Training (FAST) programme.

The graduands, who completed an intensive two-month training programme facilitated by C-STEMP and supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Youth Entrepreneurial Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, are to be engaged in the construction of 3,650 agro-housing units valued at about N155 billion in Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas of the state.

Managing Director of Cosmos Residential City Limited, Malam Murtala Sani Ibrahim, announced the automatic employment of all the graduands during the graduation ceremony held in Katsina.

According to him, the newly certified artisans would begin documentation immediately ahead of their deployment to the housing sites.

‘This is a case of a preparation meeting opportunity. We have engaged all of you to be part of the workforce for these projects. From Monday, we will commence your documentation because we now have disciplined, professional and well-trained artisans to work with,’ Ibrahim said.

Similarly, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina state described the graduation as a major milestone in the state’s drive to reduce poverty and strengthen the local economy through skills acquisition and job creation.

The governor said the partnership between the Katsina State Government, Family Homes Fund Limited and the African Development Bank had opened new economic opportunities for young people in the state.

‘Today we have taken a meaningful step toward reducing poverty. This ceremony is a celebration of empowerment, dignity and opportunity,’ Radda stated.

The governor urged private sector players and contractors handling government projects to patronise the newly trained artisans, especially as the state government plans to embark on new housing projects within the Katsina metropolis.

Representing the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Executive Director of Finance, Malam Abdullahi Musa, said the initiative was designed not only to provide housing but also to create sustainable livelihoods.

However, as part of the empowerment package, each graduate received a trade-specific toolbox to enable them to immediately begin practice.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also commended the programme and announced a N5 million scholarship and empowerment fund for outstanding graduates and under the scheme, the best graduating male and female students in each of the six trade categories received N250,000 each, while first runners-up received N150,000.

One of the prize-winning graduands, 30-year-old Surayya Ahmad Husseini from Dutsin-Ma, who specialised in tiling, said the programme had changed her perception about technical trades.