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UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries

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UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries

By Michael Mike

The United Kingdom (UK) said it has radically simplified trading rules and cut tariffs on products from developing countries, saving businesses and consumers millions of pounds a year.

A statement on signed by the
Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer | Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Ndidiamaka Eze said the
UK’s new post-Brexit Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) scheme has entered into force on Monday and that it covers 65 countries, including Nigeria.

The statement said the scheme removes or reduces tariffs and simplifies trading rules so that more products qualify for the scheme, making it more generous than the EU scheme the UK was previously a member of.  

Eze, in the statement, said: “The scheme will benefit developing countries looking to diversify and increase exports, driving their prosperity and creating jobs. Over time, were developing countries to increase trade with the UK under the scheme, businesses could save millions more on import costs.

“In Nigeria, over 99% of goods exported from the country will automatically be eligible for duty-free access to the UK. Nigeria will receive enhanced preferential
access for almost 3,000 products. E.g. 4.5% removed on cocoa paste, 26.5% removed on fruit juices, & 14% removed on prepared tomatoes.”

Eze disclosed that the UK’s Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston launched the scheme while on a visit to Ethiopia’s largest industrial business park, Bole Lemi.

Speaking at the park, Minister Huddleston, was quoted to have said:
“This DCTS scheme is a brilliant example of the UK taking advantage of its status as an independent trading nation and I am excited to see it implemented
today.

“It will create opportunities for businesses around the world, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and diversifying local and international supply chains. It will also benefit UK businesses and consumers by lowering import costs on a whole range of products.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, was also quoted to have said that: “The UK’s new trading scheme for 65 developing countries, DCTS, shows how we can use trade to deliver development.
“It will benefit traders around the world, including women-owned businesses, which we are supporting through the UK Trade Partnership programme.”

The scheme is to benefit businesses all over the world and British companies that trade with these countries in everyday products such as bicycles and camping
gear.

Speaking on the launch, UK Deputy British High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones said:“Nigeria is one of the UK’s most important partners in Africa and the UK Government is committed to working with Nigerian businesses and exporters to boost trade between our two great nations. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria and other emerging economies grow and prosper.

“One major benefit of this new UK trading scheme is that it abolishes tariffs on over 3000 everyday products that Nigeria currently exports including cocoa, cotton, plantain, flowers, fertilizers, tomatoes, frozen shrimps and sesame. The overarching aim of the new scheme is to grow trade with developing countries, boosting the economy and supporting jobs in those countries, as well as in ours.”

UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries

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NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

By: Michael Mike

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared full support for Nigeria’s intensifying war against substance abuse, aligning with the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the growing threat of illicit drug use among young people.

The position was made known when NANS leaders, led by their National President, Sola Oladoja, paid a strategic visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Marwa at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.

In a meeting that underscored rising concerns over drug abuse in tertiary institutions, the student leaders commended the NDLEA’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks and its preventive campaigns targeting campuses.

Oladoja described the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as a transformative intervention that has significantly increased awareness among students about the dangers of substance misuse.

He said the association’s support for the NDLEA is rooted in a shared responsibility to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths, noting that drug abuse continues to threaten academic performance, mental health, and societal stability.

The NANS leadership also used the occasion to reaffirm its backing of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to policies they believe have directly impacted students and young people. Oladoja cited the rollout of the student loan scheme, improved stability in the academic calendar following the resolution of strikes, and expanded youth-focused programmes as evidence of the administration’s commitment.

According to him, these measures have strengthened confidence among students in the current government and informed their willingness to support its continuity beyond the current term.

Responding, Marwa welcomed the endorsement, describing Nigerian students as a critical constituency in the national effort to curb drug abuse. He noted that meaningful progress in the anti-drug campaign would require active collaboration with young people, particularly those in higher institutions where vulnerability to substance use remains high.

Marwa warned that drug abuse poses far-reaching consequences, from deteriorating health and disrupted education to increased crime and long-term social instability. He called on student leaders to take ownership of the campaign within their campuses by promoting awareness and discouraging peer influence toward drug use.

Addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s newly introduced drug integrity test policy for students, the NDLEA boss clarified that the initiative is not designed to punish but to protect. He explained that early identification of drug use allows for timely counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, thereby preventing long-term damage.

The engagement ended with both NANS and NDLEA agreeing to deepen collaboration, signalling a more coordinated approach to tackling substance abuse within Nigeria’s academic environment.

NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

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Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.

The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.

“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.

The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.

Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.

They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.

Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.

Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.

Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims following a swift response to a distress call in Kaduna State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on April 21, when troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace at Ungwan Gora checkpoint received reports of gunshots suspected to be from kidnappers.

The sources said the attack took place along the axis between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi Bridge in Sanga Local Government Area.

“On receipt of the report, troops responded immediately and moved to the location, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers,” a source said.

According to the source, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.

During the operation, two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were rescued by the troops and promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Military authorities said the swift intervention of the troops prevented what could have escalated into a successful abduction.

They added that patrols have been intensified within the area to track down the fleeing suspects and forestall further criminal activities.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

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