Touray Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari

By: Michael Mike

President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Touray has condoled the government and people of Nigeria on the loss of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A condolence message signed by Touray read: “It is with deep sorrow that the world learnt of the passing of His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS
Commission, extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, to His
Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the entire Nigerian people.

“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent.
May his soul rest in paradise.”

Touray Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari

Nigerian Police arrest six suspected IPOB/ESN members in Enugu raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested six suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a security raid in Aninri Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest, which took place on Saturday around 4:35 p.m., followed actionable intelligence received by the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit about the activities of a notorious herbalist who allegedly prepares charms and provides spiritual fortification for ESN operatives at Oduma Achara.

In a joint operation involving SWAT, the State Intelligence Squad (SIS), and operatives from the Octopus unit, police stormed Oduma Achara and arrested the following suspects: Festus Godwin, Chisom Nwaigwe, Chidiebere Emmanuel,Ani Chibuike, Onyedika Njoku and Chibueze Akpaigwe, 23 (from neighbouring Obeagu Oduma).

The sources said all suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
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Nigerian, Other African Exporters to Benefit from Newly Launched UK Trade Reforms

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian, other African exporters and entrepreneurs are set to benefit from a new package of United Kingdom (UK) trade reforms which was unveiled on Friday.

Known as the Trade for Development, it was designed to simplify access to the UK market and strengthen economic ties between the UK and developing countries.

Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, which will enable all Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) countries, including those further up the value chain, such as Nigeria, to source inputs on finished goods from across the African continent, while ensuring that goods can continue to enter the UK tariff-free.

This is expected to support trade not just with the UK, but between African countries, helping to unlock the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion potential.

According to a statement, last year, over £3.2 billion worth of goods imported into the UK from African countries benefitted from preferences granted by the UK’s development trading arrangements.

UK Minister for Development Jenny Chapman said: “The world is changing. Countries in the Global South want a different relationship with the UK as a trading partner and investor, not as a donor. These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.”

UK Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander added: “No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours. Over recent decades trade has been an essential ingredient in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty around the globe.”

The statement added that, in addition to the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) changes, the UK will: Providing targeted support to help African exporters meet UK standards and navigate customs procedures; Make it easier for partner countries to trade services – such as digital, legal, and financial services – by strengthening future trade agreements.

It revealed that the updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.

They also align with the UK’s new Trade Strategy, which prioritizes growth through global partnerships and future-facing markets.

Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the  Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products; the UK is committed to growing  services trade with developing countries, supporting digital trade and professional services.

The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations.

Nigerian, Other African Exporters to Benefit from Newly Launched UK Trade Reforms