Nigeria and 59 other economies face new US tariff threat over forced labor imports
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Nigeria is among 60 economies identified by the United States for allegedly failing to enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced findings from investigations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, concluding that these failures are unreasonable and burden U.S. commerce. The USTR has proposed additional duties on products from these economies, including Nigeria, pending a public consultation. If approved, this penalty could add 12.5% to existing tariffs, potentially raising the total U.S. tariff on Nigeria to 27.5%. U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that the failure of trading partners to address forced labor imports is unacceptable and creates an uneven playing field for American workers. Nigeria is listed among 54 economies that failed to both impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on such imports. Other African countries named include Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and South Africa. The report also includes major U.S. trading partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, such as China, India, Japan, the UK, and Brazil. Six economies, including Canada, the European Union, and Mexico, were found to have existing prohibitions but failed to enforce them effectively. The USTR argues that this failure distorts global competition. Economies with or committed to forced labor import prohibitions could face an additional 10% duty, while others cou
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Security was reinforced around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, with anti-riot police cordoning off the main gates. This security measure follows a planned march to the Villa by human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore declared he would lead protesters to Aso Rock if schoolchildren abducted from Oyo and Borno states were not rescued. He announced on Wednesday that the AAC and its Take It Back Movement would march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, June 4, under the hashtag #OccupyAsoRock. Participants plan to demand the immediate release of kidnapped schoolchildren and other victims across Nigeria, calling on President Tinubu to ensure their safe return or resign. The planned march addresses the abductions of 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oyo State, and 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State, both occurring on May 15, 2026. The federal government had previously dispatched a delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to the affected Oyo communities, where President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialized rescue unit. The Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State starting June 1, with nationwide solidarity rallies held on June 2.
The Peoples Redemption Party PRP has urged President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing his alleged failure to protect Nigerians amidst escalating insecurity. The call follows the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State on May 15, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage. Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the PRP, stated that the security situation has deteriorated significantly under the current administration, with violent criminals operating freely across the country. He asserted that no Nigerian is safe, as insecurity has spread beyond previously affected regions, and that President Tinubu has "failed woefully" in his primary responsibility to secure citizens. Baba-Ahmed highlighted that schoolchildren and other vulnerable groups have become targets, and accused the President of concentrating power without improving security. He argued that Tinubu's continued tenure is unacceptable given the worsening conditions and that Nigerians should not wait until the 2027 elections to demand an end to what he described as "ineptitude and indifference." The Presidency has previously stated that the Tinubu administration inherited deep-rooted security challenges and is deploying resources to combat criminal activities.
The Federal Government has expressed confidence in the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, commending their service in combating illegal mining. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, praised the marshals during the inauguration of eight new gun trucks at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted their commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector and maximizing its contribution to national economic growth. The Minister warned individuals and groups attempting to undermine the marshals' operations, stating they would face legal consequences. He noted that those opposing the marshals often benefit from illicit mining, which deprives the nation of revenue. Alake affirmed the Federal Government's unwavering support, promising resources and institutional backing. He declared that anyone obstructing the marshals' work would be considered an economic saboteur. The new gun trucks aim to strengthen the unit's operational capacity to dismantle illegal mining sites and secure mineral assets. Alake reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector for economic diversification and urged stakeholders, traditional institutions, host communities, and security agencies to support the Mining Marshals. He warned that aiding illegal mining would lead to investigation and prosecution.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC has approved a special compensation package for eligible Band A electricity customers affected by poor power supply between February and March 2026. This directive, NERC/2026/002, addresses significant generation shortfalls in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, which prevented distribution companies from meeting guaranteed service levels for some Band A customers. The shortfalls were primarily due to inadequate gas supply and vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure, factors beyond the direct control of the distribution companies. Customers on Band A feeders receiving between 18 and 20 hours of daily supply will be compensated under an existing framework. For those receiving less than 18 hours, special compensation will be provided: non-maximum demand customers will receive 20 percent of their approved February 2026 energy cap, while maximum demand customers will receive 20 percent of their average energy billed in February 2026. Prepaid customers will receive token credits, and postpaid customers will get bill adjustments. Distribution companies must complete February 2026 compensation by May 31, 2026, and March 2026 compensation by June 30, 2026. NERC prohibits offsetting compensation credits against existing customer debt and requires clear communication of compensation details to customers. The commission will monitor compliance to ensure all eligible customers receive their due compensation. Indu