United States President Donald Trump has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that Muslims are also victims of violent attacks in Nigeria, marking a notable shift from his earlier rhetoric that framed the country’s insecurity largely as a campaign against Christians.

Trump made the admission in a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, even as he maintained his long-held position that Christians remain the primary targets of extremist violence in the country.

“I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” Trump was quoted as saying, repeating the statement when pressed further during the interview.

The remarks represent a partial retreat from the US president’s earlier stance, which had drawn criticism from Nigerian authorities and security analysts who argue that armed violence in the country cuts across religious lines and is driven largely by terrorism, banditry and criminal insurgency.

Trump’s comments come weeks after the United States carried out a Christmas Day military strike on terror targets in Nigeria, an operation Washington said was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government and aimed at Islamic State-linked militants operating in the country’s northwest.

Asked whether the strike marked the beginning of a broader military campaign, Trump suggested that further action remained possible.

“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” he said. “But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”

The US president’s framing of Nigeria’s insecurity as primarily religious has been a point of contention. His senior Africa adviser had previously stated that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province had killed more Muslims than Christians over the years.

When confronted with that assessment, Trump acknowledged Muslim casualties but continued to emphasise Christian victimhood, a position that has fuelled debate over the accuracy and consequences of his characterisation.

In late October, Trump warned that Christianity faced what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria, a claim that coincided with his decision to redesignate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” under US religious freedom laws. He accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect Christian communities and threatened possible military intervention.

The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected allegations of a targeted religious genocide, stressing that violent attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims and are largely driven by extremist and criminal groups rather than faith-based agendas.

Following Trump’s remarks and policy decisions, Nigeria dispatched a high-powered delegation to Washington to engage US officials and present what it described as a clearer picture of the country’s security challenges. That diplomatic engagement was later followed by visits to Nigeria by senior American officials seeking firsthand assessments of the situation.

Security experts have warned that oversimplifying Nigeria’s complex violence risks distorting policy responses and inflaming religious tensions in a country already grappling with fragile communal relations.

While Trump’s latest comments signal a slight moderation of his earlier claims, analysts say his continued emphasis on religious identity rather than broader security dynamics underscores the persistent gap between US political rhetoric and Nigeria’s lived reality on the ground.

The post Nigeria Killings: Trump Revises Claim, Says Muslims Also Affected appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a renewed push to tackle America’s deepening housing affordability crisis, President Donald Trump has proposed a new and controversial idea: a 50-year mortgage.

The suggestion, dropped casually in a social-media post, immediately sparked debate across the real estate and financial sectors.

For many struggling buyers, it sounded like a lifeline. But analysts say the actual savings may be far smaller than the headlines suggest.

Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency  and the man overseeing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac quickly signaled support, calling the proposed long-term loan “a complete game-changer.”

But beneath the optimism are tough questions about whether the plan would genuinely help buyers… or simply stretch their repayment period without easing the real financial burden.

Small Monthly Savings, Big Long-Term Costs

At first glance, stretching a mortgage to 50 years does reduce the monthly bill. Using the median U.S. home price of $415,200 and today’s interest rate of about 6.3%, a typical 30-year mortgage with a 20% down payment costs roughly $2,056 each month in principal and interest.

A 50-year loan would bring that down to about $1,823 — a monthly savings of $233.

Homeowners would build equity much more slowly and pay about 40% more interest over the life of the loan.

For families hoping their home will one day become a financial asset, that slower equity growth could be a significant setback.

Regulators Would Need to Rewrite the Rules

The idea also faces legal hurdles. A 50-year mortgage does not qualify under existing federal standards set by the Dodd-Frank Act. These standards protect investors and lenders, and without them, most banks simply won’t issue such loans.

Changing the rules could take up to a year — and would likely require Congress.

Jaret Seiberg, a housing policy analyst at TD Cowen, warned that lenders are unlikely to participate unless federal regulators first redefine what counts as a “qualified mortgage.”

Even if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac start buying or holding 50-year loans, he said, “lenders will not originate them absent policy changes.”

Rates Could Be Higher, Not Lower

Another challenge: There is currently no market for 50-year mortgages. That means investors might demand higher interest rates to compensate for the risk.

Matthew Graham of Mortgage News Daily was blunt: the loan could become a “double whammy” — higher rates combined with extremely slow principal repayment.

In practical terms, he said, it may function almost like an interest-only loan for many years, especially because most Americans sell their homes long before 50 years.

“This is not the best way to solve housing affordability,” said Realtor.com senior economist Joel Berner. He argues the administration should instead target the broader economic policies keeping existing mortgage rates high, particularly tariff-driven inflation.

Meanwhile, other analysts warn that pushing such a mortgage could complicate the administration’s plan to eventually privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

America’s Housing Squeeze Is Years in the Making

Behind the debate is a much deeper crisis. Pandemic-era demand and historically low interest rates sent home prices soaring more than 50% in just five years. First-time buyers, once typically in their late 20s, now enter the market at an average age of 38.

Sales are down, mortgage demand has dropped sharply, and many would-be buyers feel locked out.

The Trump administration has repeatedly pressured homebuilders to ramp up construction, accusing them of sitting on unused land. Builders push back, pointing to rising costs for land, materials and labor.

PulteGroup CEO Ryan Marshall recently underscored the complexity: despite a nationwide housing shortage of about 4 million units, he said meaningful progress requires coordination across all levels of government — something the industry has been requesting for years.

A Plan That Raises More Questions Than Answers

For now, the 50-year mortgage remains only an idea — one that has stirred hope among some buyers, skepticism among experts, and political momentum in Washington.

Whether it becomes a real option will depend on federal regulators, investor appetite, Congress, and how far the administration is willing to go to reshape America’s mortgage system.

But one thing is clear: the pressure to make homeownership attainable again is not going away any time soon.

The post Trump Pushes 50-Year Mortgage Plan Amid Affordability Crisis appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Reform, Don’t React
Kale urged leaders to stop waiting for problems to happen. Instead, he wants proactive policies that solve deep-rooted issues. He pointed out Nigeria’s key strengths—its young population and rich natural resources. These, he said, must be used better to gain from African and global trade.

Stabilize the Economy First
He called for quick action to fix the economy. Kale said Nigeria must restore trust in its financial systems. Inflation needs to drop, and investor confidence must grow. He also stressed the need to invest in key areas like farming, tech, manufacturing, and services. Strong institutions will help carry these plans forward.

Farming Is a Weak Spot
Kale raised concerns about agriculture. For example, maize yields in Nigeria are just 1.5 tons per hectare, while the global average is six to eight. This, combined with high post-harvest losses and climate change, makes agriculture risky. Kale believes Nigeria needs more than just any growth—it needs growth that creates jobs and spreads wealth.

Private Sector Calls for Support
Dele Kelvin Oye, head of NACCIMA and leader of the Organized Private Sector, agreed with Kale. He said the U.S. tariff increase will hurt non-oil sectors badly. Oye warned that many businesses could shut down and jobs may be lost. He criticized the government for not consulting business leaders before making major decisions. Sudden changes in taxes and trade rules, he said, make investors nervous.

Time for a Reset
With youth unemployment over 53% and inflation above 23%, Oye believes Nigeria must look beyond the U.S. He advised forming new trade deals with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Relying on just one trade partner, he said, is risky and limits growth.

Talk Is Not Enough—Act Now
Other experts at the event said Nigeria must move from planning to action. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, said strong institutions are the key. He added that poor leadership and weak systems are the real reasons for Nigeria’s slow progress.

Muda Yusuf, head of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, added that Nigeria’s trade rules focus too much on collecting revenue. High tariffs, he said, are putting pressure on businesses and blocking investment.

The Message Is Clear
Nigeria is running out of time. The economy won’t fix itself. Leaders must choose: real growth or more hardship. Kale’s message was loud and clear—the country must act now, or fall further behind.

The post Yemi Kale Warns: Nigeria Must Sprint to 40% Growth or Face Tariff Trouble appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Trump Urges Companies to Return Home
Donald Trump responded quickly. He posted on Truth Social, asking American companies to move back to the United States. “Don’t wait, do it now!” he urged. He also told the public, “BE COOL! Everything is going to work out well. The USA will be bigger and better than ever before!” He followed with, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!! DJT.”

Europe Enters the Trade Fight
The European Union has decided to hit back too. It plans to apply tariffs on some US products starting April 15. More will follow in May and December. While the full list is not out yet, agriculture looks like an early target. Poultry, corn, and fruit could all be affected. Motorcycles may also face tariffs.

American Whiskey May Avoid Tariffs
One product might escape punishment. American whiskey is not likely to be targeted. Trump has threatened to raise tariffs even higher if the EU touches whiskey. Also, the EU wants to protect the struggling spirits industry.

Markets React with Uncertainty
The financial markets responded with mixed signals. US stocks had a quiet start, but European markets dropped. At the same time, many investors sold off US government bonds. These bonds are usually seen as a safe option during global uncertainty.

Trump Says Countries Want to Deal
Trump claimed other countries are eager to talk. “They’re calling up and kissing my ass,” he said, in another post on his platform.

Warnings from Wall Street
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon appeared on Fox News to share his thoughts. He said it makes sense to fix trade issues. However, he warned that deals take time and are never simple. He also predicted that a recession in the US is a likely outcome.

Global Trade War Getting Hotter
This is the EU’s first major response since Trump launched his latest round of tariffs. The tension now feels like a repeat of the earlier steel and aluminum conflict. With big economies now trading blows, pressure is building on all sides.

The post Tariff Tensions Explode: China Hits Back Hard as EU Joins the Trade Battle appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This clash follows a recent move by Washington to impose new tariffs. On March 26, the U.S. applied a 14% tariff on certain Nigerian exports. The change has sparked concern in Abuja and among Nigerian exporters.

American Officials Speak Out
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) accused Nigeria of “unfair trade practices.” The USTR noted that bans on items such as poultry, pork, fruit juices, and spirits hurt American businesses. They said these policies reduce export opportunities and lead to financial losses for U.S. producers.

Nigeria’s Ban Dates Back to 2016
Nigeria introduced its import restrictions in 2016. The goal was to promote local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods. The ban includes a broad list of items: frozen meats, refined oils, spaghetti, cement, beer, and even recharge cards.

Recently, Nigeria announced it may add solar panels to the list. The move is intended to support local clean energy industries.

Nigerian Leaders React to Tariffs
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, said the government is reviewing its economic approach. He noted that crude oil exports remain unaffected by the U.S. tariffs. However, non-oil sectors now face a 14% tariff, which he called “significant.” He also compared it to Vietnam, which faces a higher 46% tariff.

Edun suggested that Nigeria could become an attractive location for global manufacturing. With a stable economy and favorable exchange rate, he believes foreign companies may look to Nigeria as a production hub.

Concerns Over Non-Oil Exports
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, expressed concern over the long-term impact. She said that while oil makes up over 90% of exports to the U.S., other sectors  like fertilizers, lead, and nuts — will suffer from the tariffs.

She warned that small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those relying on AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) benefits, are at risk. Higher tariffs could increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and reduce access to the U.S. market.

A Call to Diversify Nigeria’s Exports
Dr. Oduwole stressed the need for export diversification. She said Nigeria must improve product quality and meet international standards. This, she added, is the only way Nigerian goods can compete globally.

Balancing Local Growth and Global Relations
As trade dynamics shift worldwide, Nigeria faces a tough choice. It must support local industries without losing key partners like the United States. The government now has to walk a fine line between protectionism and diplomacy.

The post U.S. Slams Nigeria’s Import Ban, Raises Tariffs on Exports appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Finance Minister Wale Edun made this clear at a recent forum in Abuja. According to him, the aim is to assess all possible outcomes and guide the country through any challenges that may arise.

Despite the tension, Nigeria might not feel the full weight of the tariff. The new U.S. policy excludes oil and mineral-related exports, which make up the bulk of Nigeria’s trade with America. Edun explained that Nigeria has long maintained a 27 percent tariff on U.S. imports. Over the last three years, trade has consistently favored Nigeria. In 2024 alone, exports hit N5.5 trillion, with oil and minerals making up 92 percent of that figure.

This detail changes the outlook. Unless there is a major drop in global oil prices, the new tariff may not significantly harm the economy. Still, the Finance Minister stressed the need to stay alert. A drop in oil prices could reduce national income. To stay ahead, the government is working to boost oil production and explore new revenue sources.

Agencies like the FIRS and Customs are being pushed to increase non-oil revenue. At the same time, the administration is looking into fresh ways to fund key projects without piling on more debt.

The forum also raised deep concerns about Nigeria’s State-Owned Enterprises. These organizations play major roles in energy, telecom, and infrastructure. Yet, many are underperforming. Edun said inefficiency, waste, and poor oversight have drained value from these vital assets. The issue, he said, is not whether SOEs should exist, but how they can be restructured to succeed.

Corporate governance, he emphasized, is the key. A lack of it has led to lost funds, weak performance, and fading public trust. The government, through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), is taking steps to fix that. MOFI, originally founded in 1959 and recently restructured, now acts as an asset manager for government investments.

One of its new tools is the Corporate Governance Scorecard. This initiative will track and improve the performance of public enterprises. Global partners like the World Bank are also supporting these efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the system.

Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu added more insight. He revealed that government-owned power plants, despite a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts, often generate only 500 to 800 megawatts. Compared to private-sector plants like Azura and Transcorp, the gap in performance is alarming. Adelabu insisted that poor management and weak governance are the main reasons for this failure.

Meanwhile, MOFI’s CEO, Dr. Amstrong Ume Takang, announced a major audit of national assets. The review will determine the current state of each holding. Based on this, the government will decide what to keep, reform, or sell. This move is meant to align public assets with the country’s development goals.

As global policies shift and new economic challenges emerge, Nigeria is working to stay ahead. The mix of trade pressure, oil dependency, and structural inefficiencies makes this a critical time. Policymakers are not waiting for a crisis. They’re choosing foresight, reform, and strategy.

The message from Abuja is clear: Nigeria is ready to adapt.

The post Trump’s Tariff Twist Puts Nigeria’s Economic Planners on High Alert appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Early in the day, the Central Bank of Nigeria acted fast. It sold $124 million at rates between N1,595 and N1,611 per dollar. This followed a $197 million sale just days before. These moves were aimed at calming the FX market. But despite the intervention, the naira continued to struggle. Demand for the dollar remained high, and supply stayed tight.

The impact was felt in the Eurobond space too. Investors began dumping Nigerian debt. Some Eurobond prices fell by up to $5. Yields jumped to 12%, a sign that borrowing costs for Nigeria could climb. Analysts believe this sell-off has more to do with global fears than local fundamentals. Yet the result is the same Nigeria may now find it harder to borrow abroad.

The main trigger for this global panic was Trump’s latest trade remarks. He floated a 10% import tax across the board. He also proposed new duties targeting goods from China and Mexico. Global investors reacted sharply.

The S&P 500 futures dropped by 3.1%. Nasdaq futures fell even harder. In Asia, Hong Kong’s stock market plunged by 13%. That’s its worst single-day crash this century. Europe also saw big drops. Germany’s DAX fell 6.4%, while the FTSE 100 lost over 5%.

This market rout could not have come at a worse time for Nigeria. The government is relying on international loans to fund its budget and key projects. Rising yields may now derail those plans. Borrowing will cost more. Fiscal pressures could increase.

The Central Bank has been proactive. But experts say more is needed than just selling dollars. A clear, long-term foreign exchange strategy is key. Traders want to know what’s next. So do foreign investors. Without strong communication, confidence may keep falling.

Nigeria’s economy is now exposed to global winds. What began as a trade war threat in Washington is now shaking policies in Abuja. Policymakers must act with urgency and precision. If not, the storm could get even rougher.

The post Naira on the Edge as Global Markets Shake from Trump’s Tariff Bomb appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The tariffs, set for “Liberation Day,” aim to boost U.S. manufacturing and counter years of alleged unfair trade practices.

In 2023, Nigeria exported $6.29 billion in goods to the U.S., while importing $3 billion, creating a $3.29 billion U.S. trade deficit.

This move threatens Nigeria’s key exports to the U.S., particularly crude petroleum, petroleum gas, and fertilizers. It also comes as the U.S. starts importing jet fuel from Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.

Trump declared a national economic emergency, stating that these tariffs will generate billions in annual revenue.

Additional tariffs include 34 percent on China, 20 percent on the EU, 25 percent on South Korea, 24 percent on Japan, and 32 percent on Taiwan.

The post Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on All Imports, Higher Rates for Trade Surplus Nations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The affected individuals—Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans—entered the US through a program initiated by former President Joe Biden in October 2022 and expanded in January 2023. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the termination order would be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, officially setting the April 24 deadline for departure.

President Donald Trump, who has vowed to implement the largest deportation operation in US history, made immigration control a central policy. The termination affects migrants admitted under the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) program, which allowed up to 30,000 individuals from these countries to enter the US each month for a two-year stay.

The DHS emphasized that the program was always intended to be temporary, stating that parole status does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

“Parole is inherently temporary and does not serve as a basis for obtaining immigration status,” the department clarified.

In response to the decision, Welcome.US, a nonprofit supporting refugees, advised those affected to seek immediate legal counsel to explore alternative immigration options.

Biden had originally framed the program as a humane solution to border challenges, but the new administration is taking a stricter approach to enforcement.

Meanwhile, Trump recently used wartime powers to deport over 200 suspected Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, which has offered to detain them at a lower cost.

The decision marks a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration crackdown, with broader implications for asylum seekers and temporary migrants across the United States.

The post US Ends Legal Status for 532,000 Migrants, Orders Departure Within 30 Days appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Zelensky responded by expressing willingness to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve lasting peace and improve strained relations.

In his first remarks since the aid suspension, Zelensky called for a truce in sea and air operations as a first step.

He also pledged to sign a key minerals agreement with Washington while emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to securing peace efforts.

“Our meeting at the White House on Friday did not go as planned. It’s time to make things right,” he posted.

Trump’s decision followed meetings with top US national security officials, conditioning aid on Ukraine’s commitment to peace talks.

A White House official stated that aid would remain suspended until Zelensky formally commits to negotiations with Moscow.

“The president is focused on peace, and we need partners committed to that goal before resuming assistance,” the official said.

The move has sparked concerns in Kyiv and European capitals, fearing a US pivot away from allies and closer to Moscow.

The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s decision, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating it could pressure Ukraine into peace negotiations.

“If the US stops military supplies, it would be the best contribution to peace,” Peskov added in a statement.

The European Union, excluded from US-Russia talks, is rushing to bolster Ukraine’s defense against growing security threats.

EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an €800 billion plan to strengthen Europe’s defense and support Ukraine.

The urgency increased after Trump warned Zelensky’s government might not survive without a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.

The post Trump Halts Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Heated Dispute with Zelensky appeared first on Housing TV Africa.