Nigerian House of Representatives approves state police bill, US imposes 12.5% tariff on Nigerian imports, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
This morning's top headlines include the Nigerian House of Representatives' approval of the State Police bill, despite a minority walkout over concerns about the legal framework and constitutional amendment process. Separately, the United States has imposed a 12.5 percent tariff on Nigerian imports, citing the country's alleged failure to prohibit goods produced with forced labor. In security news, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to enhance operational effectiveness and address evolving security challenges. Other notable stories include the Nigerian Army declaring Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted for allegedly selling military uniforms to terrorists, and an Enugu Air aircraft veering off the runway at Benin Airport, leading to a safety investigation and flight suspensions.
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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, expressed relief after an Enugu Air aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Benin Airport, with all 68 passengers and crew safely evacuated. Obi, in a statement on X, thanked God for the preservation of lives and commended the pilot, cabin crew, and airport emergency response teams for their swift actions. He highlighted the incident as a reminder to strengthen aviation safety measures, including adherence to protocols, rigorous aircraft maintenance, and investment in infrastructure. The former Anambra State governor urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation, making their findings public. Obi emphasized that every aviation incident offers an opportunity to improve safety standards and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria's aviation sector. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has reportedly begun an investigation into the incident involving the Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft.
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.
Lagos emergency responders successfully contained two separate fire incidents on Thursday, preventing major disasters and recording no casualties. In Ikotun, a gas-laden tanker caught fire after striking a road bump, causing the driver to lose control and a tire to burst. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Police collaborated to extinguish the blaze and manage traffic. LASEMA Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu urged motorists to obey speed limits. Separately, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a fire at the electronics section of a Justrite Superstore in Egbeda-Akowonjo. Controller General Margaret Adeseye reported that firefighters quickly contained the fire, which preliminary findings suggest originated from an alternative power source, specifically the building's solar inverter system. Both incidents were brought under control with no loss of life or injuries.