
The Nigeria Customs Service and the American Business Council have pledged to enhance trade relations and address operational challenges between Nigeria and the United States. This commitment was made during a quarterly meeting held on June 16, 2026, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. Discussions focused on trade facilitation, cargo clearance efficiency, border security, and ongoing customs administration reforms, with the aim of improving the ease of doing business for investors in Nigeria. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in the Service's reforms, which include initiatives like the Advance Ruling system, Authorised Economic Operator program, Post Clearance Audit processes, and the B鈥橭dogwu digital platform. He also highlighted improvements in scanning technology and cargo clearance automation to enhance transparency and reduce delays. Nneka Enwereji, President of the American Business Council, praised the Customs leadership's openness and commitment to improving the business climate, noting that sustained collaboration is crucial for reducing trade bottlenecks and attracting foreign investment. These efforts align with the Federal Government's broader goals to improve Nigeria鈥檚 ease-of-doing-business ranking, boost non-oil exports, and strengthen international trade partnerships.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadIvory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not participate in the team's second World Cup match against Germany after being denied a visa to enter Canada. The Ivorian federation confirmed that the necessary administrative authorizations for his entry into Canadian territory were not obtained, preventing him from traveling with the delegation for Saturday's match in Toronto. Wahi is the second World Cup player to face a Canadian entry denial, following Ghana's Thomas Partey. Wahi was arrested by French police in May as part of an investigation into alleged spot-fixing activities, specifically claims that he deliberately sought a yellow card during a French Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17. Authorities are examining suspicious betting patterns related to wagers on Wahi receiving a booking. A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor鈥檚 office confirmed his arrest on May 29 as part of an investigation into organized fraud, sports corruption, handling of criminal proceeds, and money laundering. Wahi was released after questioning, and investigations are ongoing. The Ligue de Football Professionnel is also looking into the matter but has not initiated disciplinary action at this stage. Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and played for 55 minutes in their 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Must ReadThe United Arab Emirates has announced a social media ban for children under 15, effective Thursday, joining countries like Australia, Britain, and Canada in adopting similar measures. Social media platforms must monitor and disable accounts created by individuals under 15 within a 12-month transition period, or risk being blocked. The official WAM news agency stated that children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. The resolution also bars children from accessing full platform features like social interaction, publishing, commenting, and joining public groups. Children aged 15-16 are permitted to use social media with enhanced protective measures, including content restrictions and time limits. Parents and caregivers are responsible for preventing children from circumventing age checks, and parental consent does not provide an exemption. The ban is driven by concerns over mental health, cyber-bullying, lack of physical activity, online predators, and addictive behavior. The UAE's media and telecommunications bodies have the authority to take necessary measures against non-compliant platforms, including warnings, partial or full blocking, or administrative penalties.
Must ReadReal Madrid announced the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on Thursday, with the player agreeing to a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2030. The 27-year-old center-back, who joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig, made 183 appearances for the English club, winning the Premier League in 2025 and the FA Cup in 2022. Konate, currently with the French national team at the World Cup, joins a Real Madrid squad that has also seen the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho and the signings of Spain left-back Marc Cucurella and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer. The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to further strengthen their team, having been linked with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, as they aim to rebuild after two seasons without a major trophy. Real Madrid has also renewed the contract of center-back Antonio Rudiger until 2027, following the departures of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.