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US Empowers Nigerian Businesses to Benefit from Its Market Opportunities

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By Gloria Ikibah
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Prosper Africa, a U.S. government Presidential-level national security initiative, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and key Nigerian government institutions, has played host to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) workshop aimed to empower Nigerian businesses to benefit from U.S. market opportunities.
Naijablitznews.com reports that AGOA is a program that allows eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa to export 6,800 different products to the United States without paying tariffs or facing limits on the amount they can export.
The two-day workshop, organized in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), provided valuable training to export-ready Nigerian businesses. It focused on businesses in the agriculture, manufacturing, textile, and apparel sectors, and had in attendance customs and trade officials.
Over 200 participants learned about the requirements for benefiting from AGOA, strategies for export growth, and practical guidance on improving the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian exports. They also received practical guidance on navigating the U.S. market, enhancing trade capacity, and the benefits of strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking at the workshop for the apparel and textile sector, USAID Nigeria Mission Director Melissa Jones said, “Diversifying Nigeria’s export base away from crude oil is extremely important if the country is to shield its economy from the volatility it currently suffers. Nigeria is a critical partner in U.S.-Africa trade and this AGOA workshop represents a unique opportunity for Nigerian businesses to increase their presence in the U.S. market.”
U.S. Consul General Will Stevens also urged the participants to take full advantage of the preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  “We remain as committed as ever to the goal of creating the necessary conditions for a long-term, durable trade and investment relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria,” Consul General Stevens added.
The workshop was held in response to a request by the Nigerian government during the Bi-National Commission in April 2024, to train Nigerian businesses on how to effectively utilize and benefit from AGOA.
Prosper Africa coordinates across 17 US government agencies to increase trade and investment between the United States and the African continent, including supporting strategic efforts to increase AGOA utilization at scale. Since June 2019, Prosper Africa, in collaboration across the US government, has closed trade deals valued at $509 million dollars.
The U.S. Government, through Prosper Africa, is also a sponsor of this year’s Lagos Fashion week scheduled for October 23-27.  Prosper Africa works with partners to leverage innovation, technology and collaboration, transforming U.S.-Africa trade and investment into dynamic, sustainable and empowering relationships.
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Trump Replies Episcopal Bishop’s Call for Mercy on LGBTQ+ Community and Migrant Workers

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

During the inaugural prayer service, Right Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, delivered a poignant message urging President Donald Trump to extend mercy to the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.

Her powerful appeal was made in front of a congregation gathered for the historic event, calling on the president to embrace compassion and understanding toward marginalized groups.

Following the service, President Trump was asked about the sermon and the bishop’s remarks.

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In a brief interaction with the press, the president remarked that he did not believe the service had been “a good service,” without further elaborating on his stance.

Bishop Budde’s remarks have sparked a range of reactions, with advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities expressing hope that her call would resonate with the president, while others have criticized the president’s response.

The appeal for mercy and inclusion comes as the new administration begins its term, and its stance on issues of social justice and human rights remains closely watched.

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Inflation, Rising Costs Behind 50% Telecom Tariff Increase – Minister

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…FG to invest ₦6bn in fibre optic expansion

 

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By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has attributed the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs to inflation and rising operational costs.

 

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The Minister disclosed this during the 2025 budget defense session held by the joint House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Communication, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the tariff hike, Dr. Tijani stated that the move aligns with broader economic trends where increased tariffs lead to higher consumer prices due to added costs on imported goods.

 

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The Minister also revealed plans by the Federal Government to invest ₦6 billion in the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, increasing Nigeria’s current coverage from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers, and he described this initiative as a critical step towards boosting communication infrastructure and fostering growth in key sectors of the economy.

 

“Tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.

 

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“Outside of South Africa and maybe Egypt or Tunisia, many African countries face a significant deficit in fiber optic cable coverage.

 

“This is going to become a big business. We want Nigerian companies not only to lay cables within Nigeria but also to provide these services for neighboring countries. And we want our people to be the workforce driving this transformation,” he said.

 

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Dr. Tijani who emphasised the importance of communication infrastructure in ensuring security and economic development, highlighted the historical reliance on private investment for telecommunications infrastructure, which has often prioritized profitable urban areas over rural communities.

 

“Private companies only invest where they see potential returns.

“They use tools like night-time satellite data to identify economic activity, represented by lights, and focus their investments in those areas. This has left many underserved regions without proper infrastructure. Addressing this disparity is a priority for us,” he explained.

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The Minister, however, lamented the inadequate funding of the Ministry, which he said hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

 

“The Ministry is underfunded compared to agencies like the NCC. We lack the necessary resources and software to track revenue-generating activities efficiently. With better funding, the Ministry could generate significantly more revenue and enhance its impact,” he said.

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In his remarks, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communication, acknowledged the critical contributions of the communication sector to Nigeria’s economic growth. He called for a review of the Ministry’s 2025 proposed budget to ensure it is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate.

 

Following discussions, the Committee adopted a motion urging the Committees on Appropriation to consider an upward revision of the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

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Kalu Calls On UK Govt to Support Nigeria’s War Against Corruption

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…praised diplomatic ties between the two countries

 

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By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

 

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The Deputy Speaker made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.

 

Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.

 

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He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.

 

Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the  opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

 

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He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

 

“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.

 

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“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.

 

“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat  corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.

 

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Kalu who is the Chairman,  Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.

 

“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.

 

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“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.

 

“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.

 

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