The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • U.S. ambassador honours Nigeria’s thriving music industry

    U.S. ambassador honours Nigeria’s thriving music industry

    For the third consecutive year, the United States Mission in Nigeria has hosted a pre-award reception in honour of the 17th Headies, which is reputed as Nigeria’s biggest and most prestigious music awards show.

    Guests, including creative industry leaders and policymakers, nominated artists, alumni of U.S. government exchange programme, representatives of U.S. businesses in Nigeria, and members of the diplomatic corps, attended the reception, highlighting the growing global reach of the Nigerian music industry.

    Delivering remarks at the event, U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr. celebrated the profound influence of Nigerian music on the global stage and the vital role that American streaming platforms, record labels, and US. government exchange programmes have played in amplifying Nigerian music globally, driving economic growth and fostering mutual prosperity for both countries. 

    Ambassador Mills explained that taking the Headies to the United States in 2022 and 2023 was a bold step and recognition of the impact African music has made in the United States and around the world.

     “We’ve seen a remarkable rise in the number of Nigerian artists performing at sold-out shows in arenas across the United States and earning recognition at major award shows like the Grammys. We are proud to support the Headies as it recognises those at the top of their game and provides a platform for emerging talent, playing a vital role in growing the economy for both our countries and creating opportunities for millions of people, at the microphone and behind the scenes,” Ambassador Mills said.

    As Nigerian Afrobeats stars continue to make their mark on the global stage, Executive Producer of the Headies, Ayo Animashaun, noted that there has never been a greater time to be a Nigerian artist. He underscored the important role of international collaborations in cementing Afrobeats place in the global music industry.

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    U.S. creative companies such as Paramount, Apple Music, YouTube, and leading record labels like Universal, Empire, and Atlantic have been at the forefront of partnering with Nigerian producers and artists to share authentic African sounds with audiences around the world.

    In 2024 the U.S. Department of State introduced three new exchange programmes for Nigeria’s creative industries that include the American Music Mentorship Programme — which is in partnership with the Recording Academy (Grammys). 

    This exchange programme has created unique opportunities for African musicians and industry professionals to engage with the U.S. music scene. In its inaugural year, three Nigerian creatives participated in the programme, with one selected following his exchange to lead a regional office in Nigeria for a U.S.-based media group, further strengthening U.S.-Nigeria music industry ties.

  • Saudi billionaire Shaaban Abbas to speak at Dubai SOFT conference

    Saudi billionaire Shaaban Abbas to speak at Dubai SOFT conference

    One of Saudi Arabia’s most influential billionaires, Shaaban Marwan Abbas, will be a keynote speaker at the groundbreaking two-day Sustainability, Opportunity, Future, Technologies (S.O.F.T) conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    The organisers – the Godwin Aigboviose Foundation, in collaboration with Eki Co-Net, a rising African climate tech company – said Abbas is a visionary in global trade and infrastructure investment.

    This high-level summit has confirmed the participation of billionaires and investors from Russia, Asia, America, and across the Middle East.

    They are all united by one bold goal: to fund and support key government projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Abbas, known for his vast portfolio across energy, infrastructure, and innovation, is set to deliver a transformative keynote address focused on unlocking strategic private sector investments for climate action, sustainable cities, and technological advancement. 

    His involvement signals the seriousness of the private sector in reshaping the global development landscape.

    The organisers said the SOFT Conference is not just another global event—it is a power-packed platform for collaboration between billionaires, policymakers, and tech innovators, designed to create actionable funding opportunities for climate-smart government projects around the world.

    “Having Mr. Shaaban Marwan Abbas join this global stage is a landmark moment. 

    “His track record in transformative investments across continents embodies the spirit of SOFT—where sustainability meets opportunity and future technology,” said Godwin.

    Aigboviose, founder of the organising foundation and CEO of Eki Co-Net.

    He said attendees will gain exclusive access to global funding networks, policy dialogues, and technology showcases, with the rare opportunity to network with confirmed billionaire investors and impact leaders from every region of the world. 

    “With Shaaban Marwan Abbas sharing the spotlight, the conference promises to inspire a new wave of public-private partnerships that fund the future,” the statement said.

    Godwin Aigboviose Foundation is an initiative driving leadership, innovation, and global partnerships for sustainable impact.  

    Eki Co-Net is a climate tech company developing smart digital solutions to promote environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.

    SOFT Conference Dubai – where the billionaires of today invest in the future of tomorrow – will begin on July 29, 2025.

  • China to U.S.: completely cancel reciprocal tariffs

    China to U.S.: completely cancel reciprocal tariffs

    China yesterday called on the United States to “completely cancel” its reciprocal tariffs after Washington announced exemptions for consumer electronics and key chip-making equipment.

    “We urge the U.S. to take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ and return to the right path of mutual respect”, a commerce ministry spokesperson said yesterday in a statement.

    A notice late Friday by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office said smartphones, laptops, memory chips and other products would be excluded from the global levies President Donald Trump rolled out this month.

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    Beijing’s commerce ministry said the exemptions were a “small step” by Washington and China was “evaluating the impact” of the decision.

    It came as retaliatory Chinese import tariffs of 125 percent on U.S. goods took effect Saturday, with Beijing standing defiant against its biggest trade partner.

    The exemptions will benefit U.S. tech companies like Nvidia and Dell, as well as Apple, which makes iPhones and other premium products in China.

    Most Chinese goods still face a blanket 145 percent levy after the country was excluded from a 90-day tariff reprieve.

  • Russian missiles kill 30 in Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday

    Russian missiles kill 30 in Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday

    Russian missiles struck the heart of the Ukrainian city of Sumy as people gathered to celebrate Palm  yesterday, killing at least 32 people, officials said.

    It was the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week.

    The two ballistic missiles hit around 10:15 a.m., officials said. Images from the scene on official channels showed lines of black body bags lying on the side of the road, while more bodies were seen wrapped in foil blankets among the debris.

    Video footage also showed fire crews fighting to extinguish the shells of burned-out cars among the rubble from damaged buildings.

    The dead included two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. A further 99 people were wounded, including 11 children, it said.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the attack.

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    “Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people,” he said. The head of the Ukrainian president’s office, Andriy Yermak, said the strike also used cluster munitions in an attempt to kill as many people as possible. The Associated Press was unable to verify the claim.

    The attack on Sumy followed a deadly missile strike on Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed some 20 people, including nine children.

    Zelenskyy also called for a global response to the attack. “Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves,” he said.

    Other world leaders also condemned the attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying that it undermined Washington-led peace talks between the two sides.

    “Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it – with blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump,” he wrote in a statement. Elsewhere in Ukraine, a 62-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said yesterday. The mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, also said yesterday that a Russian strike had hit one of the city’s kindergartens, shattering windows and damaging the building’s facade. No casualties were reported.

    The strikes come a day after Russia and Ukraine’s senior diplomats accused each other of violating a tentative U.S.-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of negotiating an end to the three-year war.

  • Convalescing Pope Francis opens Holy Week

    Convalescing Pope Francis opens Holy Week

    A convalescing Pope Francis greeted the crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Palm  Sunday, wishing more than 20,000 faithful “Happy Holy Week,” in yet another reassuring public sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia.

    Many in the crowd reached out to touch Francis’ hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone.

    The 88-year-old pope was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, as he had during a similar appearance Sunday.

    On his way back to St. Peter’s Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary, and offered candy to a boy who greeted him.

    The 88-year-old Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds.

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    While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis that has labored his speech. The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter  yesterday.

    It was his second time in St. Peter’s Square before a crowd since leaving the hospital, following last  Sunday’s unexpected appearance that thrilled the faithful. He also met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla last week, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, stopping to pray, and to thank a pair of restorers for their work on the basilica’s masterpieces.

    On Saturday, the eve of Holy Week, Francis went to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The basilica, which he typically visits before and after his foreign trips, was also his first stop after leaving the Gemelli hospital on March 23.

    In the traditional  yesterday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. “At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.” For the ninth week, including his five-week hospitalisation starting Feb. 14, the blessing was delivered as a text.

  • Guinea woos Nigerian businesses with $20b project opportunities

    Guinea woos Nigerian businesses with $20b project opportunities

    Guinean Ambassador to Nigeria Siaka Cissoko has urged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of the ongoing $20 billion worth of projects in his country.

    Cissoko said Nigerian companies are invited to participate in the areas where they have the expertise.

    This is as he also stressed the need for his country and Nigeria to strengthen partnership.

    The envoy spoke while receiving in audience diplomatic correspondents, who visited the embassy.

    He said:  “As I speak to you, there is an ongoing mega multibillion-dollar project in Guinea, about $20 billion that could be handled by Nigerian companies. “

    Cissoko  also explained that “our businessmen always go to India, Pakistan and other Asian countries to look for $5 million to $10 million business opportunities that could be gotten in Nigeria because they don’t have comprehensive information.”

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    He stressed the potential for collaboration in the mining sector, given that both countries are rich in mineral resources.

    “We are great mining countries, which Nigerian investors could leverage on the opportunity to invest in our country,” he said.

    Cissoko also highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries and expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to share information and foster greater collaboration.

  • Measles rip through Texas communities after stagnant vaccine funding

    Measles rip through Texas communities after stagnant vaccine funding

    The easily preventable disease, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ripped through communities sprawling across more than 20 Texas counties in part because health departments were starved of the funding needed to run vaccine programmes, officials said.

    “We haven´t had a strong immunisation programme that can really do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work for years,” said Katherine Wells, the health director in Lubbock, a 90-minute drive from the outbreak’s epicentre.

    The more than 700 measles cases reported this year in the U.S. have already surpassed last year´s total. The vast majority – more than 540 – are in Texas, but cases have popped up in 23 other states. Two Texas children have died. A 6-year-old girl from Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, died in February, the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. An 8-year-old girl from the same town, Seminole, died earlier this month.

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    Immunisation programmes nationwide have been left brittle by years of stagnant funding by federal, state and local governments, according to MailOnline.

    In Texas and elsewhere, this helped set the stage for the measles outbreak and fueled its spread. Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks.

    Health departments got an influx of cash to deal with COVID-19, but it wasn´t enough to make up for years of neglect. On top of that, trust in vaccines has eroded. Health officials warn the situation is primed to get worse.

    Recent cuts by the Trump administration have pulled billions of dollars in COVID-19 related funding – $2 billion of it slated for immunisation programmes for various diseases. Overseeing the cuts is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who rose to prominence leading an anti-vaccine movement.

  • Namibia’s high commissioner lauds Nigeria’s role in independence struggle

    Namibia’s high commissioner lauds Nigeria’s role in independence struggle

    The High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, has lauded Nigeria’s pivotal role in Namibia’s liberation struggle, describing the country as a steadfast ally in the fight against colonial rule and apartheid.

    Speaking in Abuja during the celebration of Namibia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, Geiseb emphasised that Namibia’s freedom, attained on March 21, 1990, would not have been possible without the support of Nigeria and other frontline states.

    He stated that Nigeria made a monumental contribution through political, economic, diplomatic and logistical support to the Namibian cause.

    According to him, many Namibian students were trained in Nigerian institutions during the 1960s through the 1980s.

    He said despite over three decades of peace and political stability, Namibia continues to battle socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty.

    Geiseb, who stated that significant strides have been made in lifting many out of poverty, he said the task ahead remains daunting.

    However, with Vision 2030 guiding national development efforts, the High Commissioner expressed optimism about the country’s journey toward sustainable prosperity.

    “Namibia, already recognised as a high middle-income country, faces hurdles in securing development funding due to its status; these challenges are not insurmountable,” he affirmed.

    He, however, noted the government’s commitment to improving living standards.

    Geiseb also commended the successful outcomes of the 5th Session of the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation, which resumed in February 2025 after a 15-year hiatus.

    “The discussions were productive and have taken our bilateral cooperation to new heights,” he stated,

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    Furthermore, he revealed that Namibia currently hosted two Nigerian companies – Premier Charcoal and King Charcoal, which are leading exporters of quality charcoal, adding that Namibia also exports $5 to $6 million worth of salt annually to Nigeria.

    The High Commissioner expressed hope that more Nigerian products will soon grace Namibian supermarket shelves, signaling a promising future for trade ties between the two nations.

    He said: “This year’s independence celebration was especially significant, following the historic inauguration of Dr. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah as Namibia’s 5th President and the first woman to hold the office, both in the country and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

    “Her election is a moment of pride for all Namibian women,” said Geiseb, pointing to a wave of female leadership now dominating Namibia’s political landscape, including a female Vice President, nine women cabinet ministers and a female Speaker of Parliament.

    “As our national anthem reminds us, ‘their blood waters our freedom’ and we remain forever grateful to those who made our independence possible,” he added.

  • Why Nigeria should renew 1994 bilateral deal with Taiwan, by envoy

    Why Nigeria should renew 1994 bilateral deal with Taiwan, by envoy

    The Representative and Chief of Taiwan Mission in Nigeria, Andy Liu, has explained why the President Bola Tinubu administration should consent to renewal of the 1994 bilateral Agreement for Investment Protection and Promotion (IPPA) between both countries.

    According to Liu, the renewal and signing of the IPPA would encourage Taiwanese investors interested in visiting and investing in Nigeria to come in. The renewal would also enable Nigerian investors to invest in Taiwan, knowing that their investment will be protected.

    Liu, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos, said both countries share the same belief in upholding democracy and development as fundamental principles.

    He said: “Taiwan welcomes the Nigerian Federal Government’s approach to renew the 1994 bilateral Agreement for Investment Protection and Promotion (IPPA) and we are ready to sign for renewal, together with our counterpart Nigerian Trade Commission in Taiwan. This renewal signing will greatly encourage Taiwanese investors interested in visiting and investing in Nigeria.

    “Taiwan welcomes the re-activating of Bilateral Consultations of our two governments, and would like to propose consultations being hosted at Permanent Secretary level / decision-making officials. The Australian Government has practiced this consultation for at least two decades.

    “Taiwan can be more than a valuable partner for both Nigeria and Africa, because Taiwan plays a significant role in global economy, democracy, science & technology, social development, and serves as a true model of non-oil economy. We, therefore, urge the Nigerian Federal or State Governments to take up the world trend of collaborating with Taiwan to upgrade and deepen our bi-lateral relations in the near future.”

    On the President’s dream of making South-East the Taiwan of Africa Taiwan and Renewed Hope Agenda for economic revitalisation, the envoy said: “President Tinubu openly declared during the election campaign November 2022 that he would promote the South-East of Nigeria to become the Taiwan of Africa. We have never been so proud, and we’re ready to offer assistance to fulfill the great Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Liu asserted that a partnership between Nigeria and Taiwan could bring immense benefits, considering Nigeria’s rich natural resources and Taiwan’s technological and digital innovation expertise.

    He noted that such cooperation could drive development in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and energy.

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    “We have never felt prouder. Taiwan stands ready to support the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Taiwan and Nigeria are both members of the World Trade Organisation and share the values of free trade and economic cooperation. We are eager to work together to strengthen ties in sectors like mining, agriculture, and energy development. Taiwan is willing to offer technological expertise to help harness Nigeria’s abundant resources in a mutually beneficial partnership,” Liu said.

    The diplomat reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace and prosperity despite China’s recent move to ramp up naval surveillance around Taiwan with highly sophisticated warships, jet fighters and drone carriers.

    According to him, Taiwan wants peace and prosperity, not war, urging both countries to address the development.

    Appealing to for international support, Liu said, “Our major appeal to the world focuses on two things: we Taiwanese want a peaceful and prosperous way of life. We are surprised by China’s constant bullying.

    “The Chinese military threats around Taiwan have been ongoing for many years. The recent escalation in April, with their naval fleet, has shocked the world and made everyone nervous.

    “Taiwan is uncomfortable with this, as it is an island separate from China. We’ve maintained our separation for over half a century.

    “I don’t think China wants war, but these threatening gestures are alarming. We take the Russian invasion of Ukraine seriously, which is why we’ve built our military strength.”

    Liu asserted that Taiwan is not part of China, as stated in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, passed in 1971.

    “Now, China is using that old document to claim Taiwan is part of China, which is unacceptable. We want the Nigerian people and the international community to understand this,” he said.

  • Trump holds reciprocal tariffs on Nigeria, others for 90 days, raises China’s to 125%

    Trump holds reciprocal tariffs on Nigeria, others for 90 days, raises China’s to 125%

    UNITED States (U.S.) President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs imposed on 60 countries, including Nigeria, with the exception of China.

    Trump announced the reversal of his rattling trade policy, which took effect yesterday, in a post on Truth Social.

    However, the U.S. president kept the 10 per cent baseline tariff in place for all countries.

    “I have authorised a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 per cent, also effective immediately,” he said.

    Nigeria was one of the 60 countries affected by the reciprocal tariffs with the U.S. imposing a 14 per cent tariff on goods from Nigeria, the second highest in West Africa.

    In response, the Nigerian government said it would not retaliate but use the instruments of the World Trade Organisation to call for dialogue between all parties.

    In his statement, Trump also increased tariffs imposed on China from 104 to 125 per cent and noted that the levy would continue to rise due to the country’s continued retaliation.

    The tariff increase on Chinese goods will take effect immediately, he said.

    “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the world’s markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125 per cent, effective immediately.

    “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realise that the days of ripping off the USA and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable,” he wrote.

    The higher tariffs on China came after the Asian country hiked its retaliatory duties on U.S. imports to 84 per cent from 34 per cent.

    This tariff was a response to the U.S. earlier doubling its duties on Chinese goods, bringing the total tariff rate to as much as 104 per cent.

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    President Trump’s reciprocal tariff imposed last Tuesday escalated the trade war between the two global giants.

    Trump described it as payback for unfair trade policies used in the past years. However, several countries retaliated with a levy on U.S. imports.

    Earlier yesterday, the European Union approved a 25 per cent tariff on a broad range of U.S. goods as its first countermeasure against Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

    The bloc imposed a 25 per cent duty on U.S. cars, steel and aluminium.

    The levy also affected imports from the U.S., such as soybeans, sweet corn, rice, almonds, orange juice, cranberries, tobacco, iron, steel, aluminum, certain boats and vehicles, textiles, and certain clothes, and various types of makeup.

    The total value of US goods affected by the EU tariffs is 22.1 billion euros, based on the EU’s 2024 import data from Eurostat.

    However, this is less than 26 billion euros of EU metals exports hit by Trump’s tariffs.