International
FG, British High Commission Host Workshop on UK’s New Trading Scheme
FG, British High Commission Host Workshop on UK’s New Trading Scheme
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the British High Commission hosted a one day workshop, on the UK’s new trading scheme.
The UK officially launched the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) in June 2023, which offers fast growing economies one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the world and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to building a long term, mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria.
The DCTS means that a wide variety of products that aren’t widely produced in the UK, including food items – olive oil and tomatoes now benefit from lower or zero tariffs. The scheme sees tariff reductions on over 3000 products, thereby boosting non-oil exports in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Zero Oil Plan.
Speaking during the workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson said: “As an independent trading nation, the UK is one of the foremost champions of free, fair and inclusive trade. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria and other emerging economies grow and will boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s wider trade policy priorities and Zero Oil Plan.
“As the UK Government, we’re keen to maximise uptake of the DCTS. In this respect, I’m happy to see so many Ministries, agencies and departments gathered here today, so that we can explore underlying export challenges in more detail in order to improve the economic and social wellbeing of both our nations.”
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige on her part noted that: “Nigeria and UK enjoy excellent bilateral relations that translate into befitting and robust programmes such as the Nigeria- UK EDF Framework, Nigeria – UK Business Dialogue and the Proposed Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership that would strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.
“I wish to put on record our appreciation of the support of the Government of the United Kingdom and the commitment to improve bilateral relations between the two countries and for approving the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)”. The scheme which was approved in June 2023 is aimed to engender trade between sixty-five (65) Developing Countries, including Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s economic aspirations have remained that of altering the structure of production and consumption patterns, diversifying the economic base and reducing dependence on oil, with the aim of putting the economy on a path of sustainable, all-inclusive and non-inflationary growth. It is my hope that the UK Government will also favourably consider the interests of Nigerian businesses operating in the UK, to foster a mutually beneficial relationship”.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) covers 65 countries globally, 37 of which are African, including Nigeria.
This DCTS, which came into force on 19 June, offers fast growing economies like Nigeria one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the world.
The DCTS also helps UK businesses access hundreds of products from Nigeria at lower prices, reducing costs for UK consumers, and increasing export opportunities for Nigerians.
FG, British High Commission Host Workshop on UK’s New Trading Scheme
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected abduction occurred on April 18, 2025, when Mr. Yangi Ming, a Chinese national working at Panda Supermarket in Jabi, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mr Yangi Ming left his residence at Stargate Apartment in Durumi around 1700hrs and was last seen wearing brown shorts and a black polo shirt.
His sister, Aisha Pan, residing in Sharanda, Kano State, later received a ransom demand of ₦300 million, made from Yangi Ming’s mobile phone number.
Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom
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