Amid mounting global trade tensions and economic uncertainty, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called on African nations to deepen intra-continental trade ties and reduce reliance on foreign ai… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Trade among African countries is the way forward By Abimbola Akomolafe on April 10, 2025 Amid mounting global trade tensions and economic uncertainty, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called on African nations to deepen intra-continental trade ties and reduce reliance on foreign aid. Speaking at the 4th World Customs Organisation Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa region in Abuja, Edun pointed out that countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire are now facing average tariffs of 13.83% on exports to the U.S., a situation triggered by retaliatory trade measures. He warned that these rising trade barriers and the withdrawal of crucial development aid in health and education sectors have worsened the region's economic challenges. Edun stressed the need to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), modernize customs operations, and invest in self-sustaining regional systems. He emphasized that customs modernization is key to attracting investment and ensuring smooth cross-border trade, encouraging all regional stakeholders to set bold, actionable goals to transform customs services. Also speaking at the event, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale, showcased the country's commitment to customs reform, highlighting pilot projects already underway and Nigeria's readiness to serve as a training hub for the region. He invited development partners to support high-impact, well-researched initiatives for regional transformation. WCO Secretary General, represented by Ebenezer Taofik, added that capacity building remains crucial, as customs services in West and Central Africa face increasing demands with limited resources. He called for more targeted investment and strategic prioritization to maximize impact.Amid mounting global trade tensions and economic uncertainty, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called on African nations to deepen intra-continental trade ties and reduce reliance on foreign aid. Speaking at the 4th World Customs Organisation Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa region in Abuja, Edun pointed out that countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire are now facing average tariffs of 13.83% on exports to the U.S., a situation triggered by retaliatory trade measures. He warned that these rising trade barriers and the withdrawal of crucial development aid in health and education sectors have worsened the region's economic challenges. Edun stressed the need to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), modernize customs operations, and invest in self-sustaining regional systems. Read also, Trade among African countries is the way forward Zamfara mining halted as FG battles toxic outbreak." Kaduna State launches Nigeria's first agro-industrial zone with AFDB backing US-China trade war escalates as Trump slams 125% tariff on Chinese imports China releases white paper defending trade ties as US-China tariff war escalates He emphasized that customs modernization is key to attracting investment and ensuring smooth cross-border trade, encouraging all regional stakeholders to set bold, actionable goals to transform customs services. Also speaking at the event, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale, showcased the country's commitment to customs reform, highlighting pilot projects already underway and Nigeria's readiness to serve as a training hub for the region. He invited development partners to support high-impact, well-researched initiatives for regional transformation. WCO Secretary General, represented by Ebenezer Taofik, added that capacity building remains crucial, as customs services in West and Central Africa face increasing demands with limited resources. He called for more targeted investment and strategic prioritization to maximize impact.

SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS © 2025. Manage your email settings or unsubscribe. Get the Jetpack app Subscribe, bookmark, and get real‑time notifications - all from one app! Automattic, Inc. 60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110

In the wake of renewed cases of lead poisoning in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Government has issued a stern directive for all illegal miners to immediately vacate mining sites across the state. This comes as authorities express grave concerns over the h… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Zamfara mining halted as FG battles toxic outbreak." By Abimbola Akomolafe on April 10, 2025 In the wake of renewed cases of lead poisoning in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Government has issued a stern directive for all illegal miners to immediately vacate mining sites across the state. This comes as authorities express grave concerns over the health risks tied to unauthorized mining activities. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, stressed that the ongoing six-year mining ban should have prevented the recent outbreak in Bugundu Local Government Area. He attributed the incident to failures by traditional and local authorities, accusing them of turning a blind eye to illegal operations despite being funded by the federal government. Dr. Alake warned that such negligence fosters lawlessness with dangerous consequences, as seen in the current health emergency. He emphasized the need for all citizens and local leaders to uphold federal regulations. To prevent future disasters, the Minister revealed that the government will act on expert reports to recommend immediate and long-term safety measures. He also applauded the Zamfara State Government's emergency response efforts, urging deeper collaboration between the state and federal agencies to root out illegal mining. Read also, Zamfara mining halted as FG battles toxic outbreak." Kaduna State launches Nigeria's first agro-industrial zone with AFDB backing US-China trade war escalates as Trump slams 125% tariff on Chinese imports China releases white paper defending trade ties as US-China tariff war escalates Nigeria posts $6.83bn balance of payments surplus in 2024 as reforms boost investor confidence Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to roll out comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to govern the safe and regulated resumption of mining in the state. These SOPs will cover licensing, community development obligations, and environmental safeguards. Additionally, a new satellite monitoring system will be deployed nationwide to track and shut down unauthorized mining activities, marking a major step towards reforming Nigeria's mining sector.

SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS © 2025. Manage your email settings or unsubscribe. Get the Jetpack app Subscribe, bookmark, and get real‑time notifications - all from one app! Automattic, Inc. 60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110

Kaduna State has become the first in Nigeria to launch a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a move hailed as a game-changer for agricultural development and economic growth. The landmark project was celebrated on Tuesday during a visit … Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Kaduna State launches Nigeria's first agro-industrial zone with AFDB backing By sbinsights on April 10, 2025 Kaduna State has become the first in Nigeria to launch a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a move hailed as a game-changer for agricultural development and economic growth. The landmark project was celebrated on Tuesday during a visit by Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. Adesina praised Governor Uba Sani's commitment to agriculture, commending the state's dramatic increase in agricultural funding from N1.4 billion to N74 billion. "You didn't just put your money where your mouth is—you put your money where your mind and your body are," he said, drawing applause from the audience. He described Kaduna as a trailblazer in agricultural transformation. "You are the first state to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Nigeria. This is a great day for us all," Adesina said. He also expressed admiration for the state's warm reception and leadership, adding humorously, "Not only did we get hospitality here in Kaduna, I think we got maternity too—because your Deputy Governor is a medical doctor." Read also Adesina announced AfDB's plans to deepen its support for Kaduna through expanded school feeding programmes linked to the SAPZ, as well as investments in healthcare, digitalisation, water, and sanitation. "We're proud to partner with a government that listens, leads with compassion, and delivers results," he added, describing Governor Sani as "a listener, a unifier, and above all, a doer." Governor Sani, in return, called Adesina "a blessing to Nigeria, Africa, and humanity," citing his transformative agricultural policies, especially the E-Wallet initiative that supported over 15 million smallholder farmers. "That initiative could have addressed financial exclusion and insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria," he noted. Sani linked Kaduna's economic strength to its agricultural sector, which he said contributes about 42% of the state's GDP and provides 60% of employment. "This is why we raised the agriculture budget to meet the Malabo Declaration's 10 percent target—the first sub-national government to do so," he added. He called the SAPZ launch a vital step toward economic inclusion and food security.

SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS © 2025. Manage your email settings or unsubscribe. Get the Jetpack app Subscribe, bookmark, and get real‑time notifications - all from one app! Automattic, Inc. 60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110