The United States has proposed additional tariffs of 12.5 per cent on imports from Nigeria and seven other African countries over concerns that they have failed to adequately prevent the importation of goods produced through forced labour.

The proposed measure was announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following investigations conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

If approved, the tariffs would apply to imports from Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and South Africa, potentially affecting trade flows between the United States and Africa.

According to U.S. authorities, 54 of the 60 economies reviewed were found to have failed to establish or effectively enforce restrictions on goods produced with forced labour. These countries have therefore been recommended for an additional 12.5 per cent tariff.

The proposal remains subject to a public consultation process. Written comments will be accepted until July 6, after which hearings will be conducted before a final decision is reached.

Unlike previous trade measures that focused primarily on trade deficits and reciprocal market access, the latest proposal is centred on labour standards, supply-chain transparency and regulatory enforcement.

The USTR argued that countries allowing forced labour-produced goods to circulate through global supply chains gain unfair cost advantages that undermine fair competition and disadvantage American workers.

Officials said the review assessed whether countries had effective legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms capable of preventing imports linked to forced labour.

Following the investigation, the United States concluded that the eight African countries identified had either insufficient legal protections or inadequate enforcement of existing regulations, placing them among economies facing the proposed tariff increase.

The recommendation exceeds the 10 per cent baseline tariff associated with broader reciprocal trade policies previously introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Countries that have already implemented strict forced-labour import controls or entered into labour-related trade commitments with the United States are expected to face lower tariff exposure under the framework.

For African exporters, the proposal could have significant implications. The United States remains an important export destination for agricultural products, manufactured goods, minerals and industrial commodities from across the continent.

Analysts warn that higher tariffs could increase export costs, reduce competitiveness and create new challenges for businesses seeking access to the American market.

Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies, may face heightened scrutiny if the proposal advances, particularly in sectors dependent on exports to the United States.

Industry stakeholders say affected businesses may need to strengthen supply-chain monitoring systems, labour compliance procedures and transparency reporting to remain competitive in global markets.

The proposal also reflects a growing global shift toward ethical sourcing, labour rights protection and supply-chain accountability, with governments and multinational corporations increasingly incorporating these standards into trade and procurement decisions.

Although the measure has not yet been finalised, trade experts believe it sends a strong signal that future market access may increasingly depend on labour governance, transparency and compliance with international standards.

The post US Proposes 12.5% Tariffs on Nigeria, Seven African Countries Over Forced Labour Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged the Federal Government to suspend penalties on late tax filings for one to two years, allowing business owners time to adapt to Nigeria’s new tax laws and digital filing systems.

Chairman of the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) under ACCI, Dr Aliyu Hong, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Hong said many business owners are still struggling to understand the new tax framework and online submission platforms, stressing that enforcement of penalties at this stage could further strain the private sector.

He recommended a grace period of between one and two years to enable taxpayers to adjust properly to compliance requirements.

According to him, online tax filing systems should be fully tested, stable and widely understood before strict penalties are enforced.

“Online tax submission platforms should be properly tested and widely understood before enforcement of penalties for non-compliance,” he said.

Hong added that government should prioritise building reliable digital tax infrastructure and ensuring smooth adoption before full enforcement begins.

He also noted that the ACCI recently organised a tax roundtable aimed at educating business owners on the new tax laws, implementation process and compliance obligations.

The initiative, he said, is designed to simplify the reforms and improve understanding among stakeholders across different sectors.

Hong further explained that many Nigerians still lack adequate knowledge of the new tax policies and their practical implications, while implementation structures are yet to be fully stabilised.

He urged the government to adopt a gradual rollout approach, warning that abrupt enforcement could negatively affect small and medium-scale enterprises already facing high operational costs.

According to him, taxation should not focus only on revenue generation but must also support economic stability, job creation and national development.

He said businesses in Nigeria already operate under difficult conditions, including the need to provide their own electricity, water and security.

Hong also warned that unrestricted importation, combined with weak infrastructure, continues to undermine local industries and competitiveness.

He called for stronger policy support to improve the business environment, reduce production costs and encourage domestic enterprise growth.

The post ACCI Calls For Suspension Of Tax Penalties For 1–2 Years In Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

As the March 31 deadline for filing annual tax returns closes, many Nigerian taxpayers remain unclear about the process despite new legal requirements under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

The law mandates that every income-earning Nigerian must file an annual tax return, covering earnings from the previous year. Personal Income Tax (PIT) is administered by the relevant State Internal Revenue Service based on where the taxpayer resides—not their state of origin.

For most salary earners, taxes are deducted automatically through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system. However, the new law now requires employees to still file annual returns for proper documentation, verification, and to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).

Requirements for filing
To file successfully, taxpayers must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), which can be generated using a National Identification Number (NIN) or obtained from tax authorities.

Other required documents include valid identification, payslips or income statements, bank statements, and records of business or freelance income. Taxpayers may also need proof of deductions such as pension contributions or insurance, rent receipts for relief claims, and previous tax records where applicable.

How the process works
Taxpayers are expected to declare all income sources, including salaries, business earnings, freelance income, dividends, interest, and any foreign income.

Returns must clearly state total income, applicable deductions, and the final tax payable. Filing can be done online through state tax portals or physically at designated tax offices. Importantly, submissions must be made in the taxpayer’s state of residence with accurate personal and financial details.

Who must file
Even under PAYE, filing is compulsory for individuals with additional income streams, multiple jobs, business activities, or those who changed employment within the year.

After submission, taxpayers receive an acknowledgment, and authorities may either accept the filing or issue a revised tax assessment. Taxpayers also retain the right to challenge any assessment within the legal timeframe.

Why compliance matters
Filing tax returns is now a legal obligation tied to access to key services such as government contracts, loans, and visa applications, all of which often require a valid TCC.

Failure to comply attracts penalties. Under the law, defaulters risk a fine of ₦100,000 for the first month and ₦50,000 for each additional month of default.

In extreme cases, tax authorities may invoke the “power of substitution,” allowing them to recover unpaid taxes through third parties such as banks, tenants, or business associates holding funds on behalf of the taxpayer.

The measure is typically enforced after due notice and when a taxpayer fails to settle established liabilities, reinforcing the government’s push for stricter tax compliance across the country.

The post Tax Filing Deadline: What Nigerian Income Earners Must Know appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Amid growing concerns over rising poverty levels in Nigeria, analysts and commentators have urged governments at all levels to prioritise production-driven economic policies rather than relying on temporary financial handouts.

The debate comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to call on state governors to intensify efforts to tackle poverty and improve the living conditions of citizens across the country.

Observers say the real challenge lies not in policy pronouncements but in achieving measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Concerns over limited impact of public funds

Across many states, there is increasing public frustration over the perceived gap between the large monthly allocations received by governments and the economic hardship faced by citizens.

Despite billions of naira distributed through federal allocations, millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with unemployment, hunger and rising living costs.

Critics argue that the situation raises serious questions about how public funds are utilised and whether current development strategies are delivering tangible benefits.

Infrastructure projects vs economic relief

In many cases, state governments have focused heavily on large infrastructure projects such as flyovers, government buildings and monumental structures.

While these projects may symbolise development and provide political visibility, analysts say they often deliver limited immediate relief to citizens battling poverty.

According to economic observers, infrastructure development alone cannot solve widespread economic hardship if it is not accompanied by policies that stimulate productivity, employment and income generation.

Limits of cash transfers and handouts

Another area of concern is the growing reliance on cash transfer programmes and other forms of short-term financial assistance.

Although such interventions can provide temporary relief to vulnerable households, experts say they rarely address the structural causes of poverty.

In some cases, critics argue that frequent handouts may create dependency rather than empowering citizens to build sustainable livelihoods.

Learning from global experience

International development experiences suggest that large-scale poverty reduction requires long-term investment in productive sectors.

Countries such as China have significantly reduced poverty through sustained investments in industrialisation, agricultural productivity and human capital development.

Over the past four decades, China lifted more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty through coordinated economic reforms and expansion of productive industries.

Nigeria’s poverty numbers, however, have continued to rise in recent years.

Estimates indicate that the number of Nigerians living in poverty increased from about 83 million to more than 133 million within a relatively short period.

Focus on productivity and economic growth

Experts say Nigeria must adopt a strategy that emphasises security, productivity and inclusive economic growth.

Agriculture remains a critical sector where improvements in security and infrastructure could enable farmers to increase food production and incomes.

Similarly, small and medium-sized businesses require supportive policies, improved access to credit and a stable operating environment to expand and create jobs.

Youth employment is also seen as a central pillar of poverty reduction, with analysts stressing the need to transform young people from job seekers into job creators through entrepreneurship and skills development.

Call for stronger leadership and accountability

Analysts say that although the federal government can provide policy direction and financial support, the success of poverty reduction programmes will largely depend on implementation at state and local government levels.

These tiers of government are closest to citizens and have a direct role in delivering services, supporting local economies and ensuring development initiatives reach communities.

They argue that tackling poverty must go beyond political rhetoric and campaign promises.

Instead, it should be treated as a national emergency requiring coordinated policies, transparent governance and measurable results.

Ultimately, citizens expect leadership that delivers real improvements in living standards, restores economic opportunities and provides hope for a better future.

The post Ending Poverty Requires Production, Not Handouts – Experts Urge Policy Shift appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

BY: Brian L. Crawford

As housing costs soar across the United States, federal, state, and local governments
are intensifying efforts to address the growing need for affordable and workforce
housing.

Through strategic investments and targeted tax incentives, policymakers aim
to close the widening gap between wages and housing costs, ensuring that essential
workers — from teachers to first responders — can afford to live in the communities
they serve.

The Scope of the Crisis

The housing affordability crisis has reached historic levels. According to the Harvard
Joint Center for Housing Studies, the U.S. now has 20.3 million cost-burdened
homeowners, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a
The figure rose by 646,000 in 2024 alone.

Among renters, the situation is even more dire: 49% of American renters are cost-burdened, and 47% of extremely low-income renters pay more than 50% of their income on housing.

In Durham, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom unit has surged to $1,872,
an 89% increase since 2019. Currently, 31% of renters in the city are cost-burdened,
and 77% of low-income renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent.

Workforce Housing Under Pressure

Workforce housing — typically serving households earning between 60% and 120%
of Area Median Income (AMI) — is also under strain. From 2021 to 2025, rents in
workforce housing increased by over 20%, outpacing rent hikes in higher-end
“discretionary” housing sectors.

In regions like Florida and the Northeast, increases exceeded 25%, making it harder for middle-income earners to find stable housing.

“Workforce housing is the invisible middle,” said Emily Schultz, Senior VP at Berkadia.
“These are the people who don’t qualify for subsidies but still can’t afford market-rate
housing.

They’re stuck.”Government Action and Incentives To combat the crisis, governments are deploying a mix of tools:

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) remain the cornerstone of affordable
  housing development.
• Zoning reforms and streamlined permitting are being used to reduce construction
  costs and timelines.
• Public-private partnerships are enabling cities like Durham to leverage federal and
  local funds for mixed-income housing.

Durham’s Forever Home initiative, backed by a $160 million investment, aims to build
or preserve 2,400 affordable rental homes, move 1,700 unhoused residents into
permanent housing, and create 400 affordable homeownership opportunities by
2025.

Tax Incentives Driving Private Sector Engagement

New tax incentives are encouraging private developers to participate:

• Property tax abatements for projects that include affordable units.
• Accelerated depreciation for workforce housing developments.
• Density bonuses for mixed-income projects near transit hubs.

These incentives aim to reduce financial risk and make affordable housing projects
more viable in high-cost markets.

Looking Forward

Experts agree that solving the housing crisis will require sustained investment,
innovation, and collaboration. “We need to treat housing like infrastructure,” said
Schultz. “It’s essential to economic stability and public health.”

As Durham and other cities grow, the challenge remains: how to ensure development
includes everyone — not just those who can afford it.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter.
Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Source: mondaq

The post Making Livable Towns And Cities A Priority appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Angola yesterday formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening bilateral relations and enhancing capacity in central banking operations between the two institutions.

The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials and distinguished guests, featured the Governors of both central banks, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso of Nigeria and Mr. Manuel Tiago Diaz of Angola who officially endorsed the landmark agreement.

Speaking at the event, Governor Cardoso described the MoU as a product of long-standing dialogue, noting that its timing amid the ongoing forum was particularly fitting. “This forum brings together stakeholders from different countries with diverse interests, creating opportunities to meet, collaborate, and build relationships. What we have done today reflects the very spirit of the annual and spring meetings,” he said.

Governor Cardoso underscored the broader significance of the pact for Africa’s financial architecture, emphasizing that enhanced cooperation among central banks is vital for addressing shared challenges and fostering regional integration. “I am very pleased, and I believe this marks a significant milestone for both organizations and both countries,” he added.

In his remarks, CBN Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Mohammed Abdullai, hailed the MoU as a critical development in advancing bilateral collaboration. He highlighted that the agreement will establish a formal bilateral forum for technical exchanges, facilitate cross-border supervision of authorized institutions, and provide a framework for licensing and resolution planning.

Abdullai further detailed the key areas of cooperation to include exchange control, financial markets, foreign reserves and currency management, research and monitoring, payment systems oversight, financial sector development, banking supervision, and regulation, as well as anti-money laundering (AML), combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), and market conduct supervision.

“Training of staff and sharing of experiences will also form a central part of the collaboration,” he added, underscoring the commitment to continuous capacity building and knowledge transfer between the two central banks.

The post CBN and Bank of Angola Sign MoU to Strengthen Bilateral Central Banking Cooperation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Kaduna State Government has begun implementing the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6.

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a welcome first step — but called for immediate extension to all workers.

“The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but we want to make it clear that this is only the first phase,” said State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman. “We expect the implementation to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals.”

The government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to conclude by the end of September.

“While we understand the need for proper documentation, we want the government to fast-track the process so that no category of worker is left behind,” Suleiman said.

He welcomed the plan to revise healthcare salary structures in line with the new wage but expressed concern that local government staff, primary school teachers, and healthcare workers are yet to benefit.

“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eroded salaries, and families are struggling to survive. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favor; it is a right,” he added.

Talks between the NLC and the state government are ongoing. Suleiman urged transparency, warning that industrial peace depends on timely and fair implementation.

“We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.

The post NLC Seeks Inclusion as Kaduna Begins ₦72,000 Minimum Wage Implementation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.