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

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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

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NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

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NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalization of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.

He revealed that the operation was executed following a credible intelligence report that indicated unscrupulous elements were conniving with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located at Savannah, in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.

He noted that the SIS operatives swiftly responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspects at the scene. The arrested suspects, all from Yobe State, are Ibrahim Jibrin, 44, from Damaturu; Dahiru Ibrahim Isa, 38, from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and Usman Ali Isa, 27, from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum.

He said ongoing investigation has revealed that Mr. Ibrahim Jibrin, who specializes in the act, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had received an initial payment of N200,000 from an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru from Kano before his arrest. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include vandalized components of the tower and various tools used in the criminal operation.

Babawale said in line with the Corps’ renewed mandate to confront criminality, the SIS also made several other arrests across different locations. Acting on intelligence received on November 15, 2025, concerning criminal elements snatching motorbikes and phones in the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis, SIS operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui suburb of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered, and the duo confessed to the crime, revealing their mode of operation and naming an accomplice who paid them with two Bajaj motorbikes (valued at N400,000 and N350,000 respectively) in exchange for stolen items.

He revealed that three additional suspects Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi, and Ezugwu Godwin were apprehended in connection with an earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen. Their charges relate to unauthorized connection and distribution of power,tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) staff.

Babawale said following a distress call, Vincent Haliru Maigari, 27, was arrested for stealing plumbing materials from an apartment he was contracted to fix, which was intended to be converted into a hotel near Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his accomplices who fraudulently purchased the stolen items have also been arrested.

He noted that the Corps Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi has directed all specialized units to intensify efforts against critical infrastructure vandalism and various forms of economic sabotage.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the SIS, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura,l expressed strong optimism that with the sustained collaboration of the public, the Corps will discharge its mandate maximally, promising that all arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of diligent investigation.

NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe

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Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

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Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has continued his tour of southern Borno following recent attacks in parts of Gwoza and Askira-Uba Local Government Areas. The Governor spent the night in Uba and paid condolence visits to affected communities in Warebe and Uba.

During the visit, Zulum acknowledged and commended the efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters for their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities despite ongoing security challenges.

The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Uba General Hospital and the Emir’s Palace, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and encouraged the contractor to maintain the standard. He further directed the Ministry of Health to conclude arrangements for deploying doctors and nurses ahead of the hospital’s completion.

Similarly, Zulum visited Lassa General Hospital, several schools, and Uvu community area in Askira-Uba, where he assessed ongoing projects and assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, and community security.

Additionally, the Governor approved the rehabilitation of Central Secondary School, Uba, as part of efforts to strengthen education infrastructure in the region.

Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba

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Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

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Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum has said that he has spent about N100b cumulatively in 2025 to improve security in the state.

He made the revelation recently when
visited the Emir of Uba Ali Ibn Mamza at his Palace.

The Governor noted that the visit aims at assessing the current security situation in Askira/Uba council area of the state and its environs and preparing to step up where there are obvious challenges in the security architecture.

The Governor however acknowledged that he is aware that the lingering insecurity situation actually scares road contractors who have been hired to construct road networks in and around the communities.

He nonetheless assured the Monarch and residents of more road constructions in the near future with a proposal for the establishment of a tertiary institution a computer training institution and more.

” I am on a tour most especially to asses the security situation in this area of the state. I will meet with the security agents to make sure we have greater input in the security in Askira/Uba.

” Security is important without it, peace cannot be guaranteed. I have plans to construct roads but the problem is no contractor will want to come down here and work.

“That’s why I will be establishing a quarry in Gworza which will be backed by the purchase of 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads easily.

“On higher institution I assure you, i will build a higher institution before I leave office. I will also build a Computer Institute, Jamb training center and a tertiary institution in Uba. We have a lot of plans for education, health and more. We spent a lot to make we put structures on ground”.

Responding the Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Samaila (ii) said “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you we will be suffering.

“If the Constitution was amenable we would want you to continue with the good works. May God bless you”.

Tragedy struck the council area recently when about 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira Uba. While residents lamented their plight, one escaped back home leaving 12 others in the Sambisa who were later rescued by hunters.

Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

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