Nigeria considers sanctions against South Africa over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Nigerian Federal Government has expressed strong displeasure with the South African government's response to renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals, stating that retaliatory diplomatic measures, including a review of bilateral privileges, are under consideration. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, briefed State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, refuting claims by some South African authorities that the attacked Nigerians are illegal migrants. She highlighted that Nigerian passport holders are facing harassment, looting, and burning of their shops, and intimidation of their children in schools, while South African police reportedly fail to intervene. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria's historical support for South Africa's independence struggle, making the current treatment of Nigerians particularly painful. She noted that the attacks specifically target black migrants. When asked about retaliatory measures, the Minister confirmed that such actions are being considered at the highest level of government. The House of Representatives previously recommended a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies in Nigeria, and the Senate plans to send a delegation to South Africa. President Tinubu has approved five Air Peace evacuation flights for Nigerians, with 1,092 individuals voluntarily registered for repatriation as of June 8. The first evacuation flight, initially scheduled for Jun
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Must ReadThe United States has imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Nigeria, among 60 economies, as part of a new trade measure targeting countries that have not prohibited the importation of goods produced with forced labor. This measure was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative USTR on Thursday. Countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom will face a 10% tariff after adopting or committing to implement bans on imports linked to forced labor. The USTR launched investigations in May 2026 into 60 of the largest US trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act, receiving over 1,600 written submissions and holding public hearings. The USTR stated that the 12.5% rate applies to all other investigated economies that have not implemented or committed to implementing forced labor import prohibitions. A Federal Register notice confirmed the 12.5% tariff on Nigerian products, with specific exemptions. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated the action aims to encourage trading partners to strengthen measures against forced labor, noting that the US has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century. Tariffs will not apply to certain products, including raw materials, goods causing economy-wide disruptions, products unavailable in sufficient quantities in the US or from alternative sources, and selected goods from countries that have adopted or pledged to implement forced labor import bans.
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