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.

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The United States government has retained Lagos as Nigeria’s only designated visa processing hub while excluding Abuja from a new list of 20 African cities that will continue to offer full visa processing services under a major consular restructuring initiative.

The decision follows a directive approved by Marco Rubio as part of the administration’s plan to reduce the American consular footprint across Africa from approximately 50 locations to just 20 regional visa processing hubs.

According to reports, the new arrangement is expected to take effect in June, although U.S. authorities have yet to announce a formal implementation date.

Lagos Retained as Nigeria’s Sole Visa Processing Hub

Under the new framework, Lagos remains one of only 20 African cities authorised to maintain full visa processing capabilities.

Other cities on the list include Accra, Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, Kinshasa, Monrovia, Yaoundé and several other strategic locations across the continent.

Notably absent from the list is Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, which currently hosts a fully operational U.S. Embassy and processes thousands of visa applications annually.

The exclusion of Abuja means Lagos will become the primary location for full U.S. visa processing services in Nigeria under the new arrangement.

New Requirements for Visa Applicants

The policy change could have significant implications for visa applicants across Africa.

Citizens from countries or cities not included in the list of designated hubs may be required to travel to another country to complete visa application procedures, increasing travel expenses and logistical challenges for applicants already facing lengthy processing times.

However, consular operations in non-hub locations will continue to provide limited services, including passport renewals for American citizens, emergency assistance, diplomatic visas and special national-interest cases.

US Tightens Global Immigration Procedures

The State Department said the restructuring forms part of a broader review aimed at aligning diplomatic resources with U.S. national interests while maintaining strict security screening standards.

The move also aligns with wider efforts by the administration to strengthen immigration controls and streamline diplomatic operations globally.

Reports indicate that U.S. diplomats worldwide have already been briefed on planned personnel reductions at embassies and consulates as part of the broader restructuring programme.

What the Change Means for Nigerians

For Nigerian applicants, Lagos is expected to remain the central hub for visa processing services, while the future scope of services available at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja remains unclear.

The development could lead to increased demand for appointments in Lagos, potentially affecting waiting times for visa applicants seeking travel, study, business and immigration opportunities in the United States.

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The United States has begun a sweeping withdrawal from dozens of international organisations following a directive issued by President Donald Trump, marking one of the most significant shifts in U.S. multilateral engagement in recent years.

In a presidential memorandum signed on Wednesday, Trump ordered all federal departments and agencies to immediately cease participation in, and funding for, 66 international organisations, including several United Nations agencies and non-UN bodies. The White House said the decision followed an extensive review of U.S. involvement in global institutions.

According to an official fact sheet released by the administration, the affected organisations were identified as entities that no longer align with American national interests, security priorities or economic objectives. The pullout affects 31 UN-linked bodies and 35 other international organisations.

Administration Cites Sovereignty and Cost Concerns

The White House said the decision is aimed at protecting U.S. sovereignty and ensuring that taxpayer funds are not channelled into institutions deemed ineffective or hostile to American policy positions.

Officials argued that many of the organisations promote agendas that conflict with U.S. economic strength, security interests or domestic priorities, while offering limited tangible benefits despite years of financial support.

The administration also accused some of the bodies of advancing global policy frameworks that, in its view, undermine national independence and impose regulatory or ideological standards on member states.

Climate, Human Rights, Health Agencies Affected

Among the organisations impacted are several involved in climate policy, environmental governance and international development. These include bodies linked to global climate coordination, public health initiatives, peacebuilding efforts and human rights advocacy.

The White House said U.S. participation in such institutions has often resulted in policy disagreements, criticism of American domestic decisions and limited accountability for how funds are utilised.

While specific funding figures were not disclosed, officials said billions of dollars have been committed over time with minimal measurable returns, prompting a reassessment of U.S. involvement.

Continuation of Trump’s ‘America First’ Agenda

The latest withdrawals build on earlier decisions taken since Trump’s return to office. Within days of resuming the presidency, he initiated the U.S. exit from the World Health Organization and reaffirmed the country’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.

The administration has also challenged international tax coordination efforts, notifying global economic bodies that multilateral tax arrangements would not be enforced within the United States. Reviews were further ordered to assess whether foreign tax policies unfairly disadvantage American companies.

In addition, Trump has previously approved the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and ended future funding for the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees.

Global Reaction and Policy Implications

The decision is expected to generate strong reactions from international partners, particularly as many of the affected organisations play key roles in global coordination on health, climate change, humanitarian assistance and conflict prevention.

Supporters of the move argue that it reinforces national autonomy and allows the U.S. to redirect resources toward domestic priorities such as infrastructure development, border security and military readiness.

Critics, however, warn that reduced engagement could weaken global cooperation, diminish U.S. influence on international norms and create leadership gaps in multilateral institutions.

As the withdrawals take effect, analysts say the move signals a deeper recalibration of U.S. foreign policy, with Washington increasingly favouring bilateral arrangements and domestic-focused strategies over multilateral frameworks.

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A new bill introduced in the United States Senate is drawing global attention, particularly among Nigerians, following a proposal to abolish dual citizenship for American nationals.

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno on Monday unveiled the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, a legislation seeking to prohibit Americans from holding more than one nationality — a move that could impact millions of U.S. citizens, including tens of thousands of Nigerian-Americans.

What the Bill Proposes

The legislation argues that dual nationality creates “conflicts of interest and divided loyalties,” insisting that American citizenship should require complete allegiance to the United States.

Moreno, who was born in Colombia and later naturalised as a U.S. citizen at 18, said he renounced his Colombian citizenship to demonstrate “total loyalty.”

“It was an honour to pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and ONLY to the United States of America,” Moreno said. “Being an American citizen is a privilege — and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing.”

Why Nigerians Are Concerned

If passed, the bill could significantly affect Nigerians, one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in the U.S.

According to the Department of Homeland Security’s July naturalisation report,
38,890 Nigerians became U.S. citizens between 2021 and 2023, placing Nigeria 13th globally and the only African country in the top 20.

Nigeria allows dual citizenship for citizens by birth, meaning many Nigerian-Americans currently maintain both passports.

Who Else Could Be Affected?

The proposal may also affect high-profile personalities such as U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, who holds both American and Slovenian citizenship.

Political Context

The bill comes months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants — a contentious policy currently blocked by court challenges from 18 states and civil rights groups who say it violates the 14th Amendment.

What Happens Next?

The Exclusive Citizenship Act will undergo committee review before any possible vote. If enacted, Americans with dual citizenship may be forced to renounce foreign nationalities or risk losing their U.S. status.

Analysts say the proposal could reshape immigration identity in the U.S., with far-reaching implications for global communities including Nigerians.

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He faces charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. Oloyede became the monarch of Ipetumodu in 2019.

He frequently traveled between Nigeria and the United States for royal and personal matters.

His extended absence raised concerns, particularly after missing three important traditional festivals, including the annual Egungun festival and the Edi celebration.

Indictment Details
A grand jury indicted Oloyede and Edward Oluwasanmi for allegedly fraudulently obtaining over $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

The funds were under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

These funds were part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Fraudulent Activities
From April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and Oluwasanmi allegedly submitted false applications for PPP and EIDL loans. The applications were made for businesses they controlled.

Oloyede is accused of receiving $1.7 million, while Oluwasanmi received $1.2 million in SBA funds. Additionally, Oloyede allegedly submitted falsified applications for co-conspirators, receiving around $1.3 million. The total fraudulent amount exceeds $4.2 million.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The U.S. Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, is investigating the case.

Authorities are following the fraudulent activities linked to Oloyede and his associates.

Oloyede and Oluwasanmi were arrested on April 5, 2024, as investigations into the scheme continue.

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Director of Media and Corporate Affairs at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading efforts on the matter.

According to Balogun, an inter-agency committee has already been set up to manage the situation, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

“The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US,” he confirmed.

However, Balogun emphasized that NiDCOM is not yet aware of any Nigerians in America currently being processed for deportation.

This comes as reports indicate that 3,690 Nigerians in the US could face deportation as part of former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Documents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show that as of November 24, 2024, over 1.4 million non-citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal.

Mexico and El Salvador currently top the list of nationalities facing the most deportations, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals, respectively.

Last week, hundreds of migrants were reportedly arrested, and some were deported on military aircraft as US authorities intensified immigration enforcement. Reports indicate that Nigerians and other African migrants could be next in line for removal.

With the situation unfolding, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing support for affected citizens.

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The announcement was part of a series of sweeping actions designed to reshape federal immigration and border policies, setting the stage for significant legal battles.

Trump justified the decision by framing it as a matter of national security, declaring that his primary responsibility as commander-in-chief was to protect the country from perceived threats and invasions. Birthright citizenship, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to anyone born on American soil regardless of their parents’ immigration status, is rooted in the 14th Amendment. The amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”

The executive order directs federal agencies to stop issuing citizenship documents, including passports and certificates, to children born in the U.S. under specific circumstances. This applies to those whose mothers are in the country illegally, temporary visa holders, or whose fathers are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents. Trump stated that the policy would not be retroactive and set a 30-day enforcement deadline.

The order was immediately met with backlash. Advocacy groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the move was unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential power. Critics view the action as a deliberate challenge to the 14th Amendment and a clear departure from longstanding interpretations of citizenship laws.

The executive order also included measures targeting migrants at the southern border, granting officials extraordinary powers to suspend asylum laws and block physical entry into the U.S. Trump described the migrant situation as an “invasion,” claiming it threatened national security and public health. The order authorized federal officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants, effectively halting adherence to existing asylum laws until Trump determined the situation at the border was resolved.

The move sparked intense debate, with supporters arguing it was necessary to curb illegal immigration and critics decrying it as unconstitutional and inhumane. Legal experts widely expect the matter to escalate to the Supreme Court, setting up a high-stakes battle over the interpretation of one of America’s most foundational constitutional principles.

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The announcement, made during President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, allocates nearly $823 million through USAID, with over $202 million sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation. An additional $186 million will come via the U.S. Department of State.

At the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2022, President Biden reaffirmed America’s commitment to tackling Africa’s food crisis. The continent remains the region with the highest proportion of its population facing hunger. According to the UN, nearly 300 million Africans, or one in five, experienced hunger in 2023, with the situation worsening due to armed conflict, extreme weather, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

This new funding will enhance life-saving support for affected communities, addressing malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and other urgent needs. Humanitarian partners will provide emergency health care, clean water, sanitation services, and protection programs for vulnerable groups, including refugees and internally displaced persons.

A significant portion of the funds, sourced from the Commodity Credit Corporation, will be used to purchase and distribute agricultural commodities from American farmers to deliver food assistance in East and Central Africa. Additionally, the aid will address essential needs such as education, mental health support, and shelter.

The U.S. has long been a major supporter of humanitarian efforts in Africa, with nearly $6.6 billion allocated for sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024 alone. While the commitment remains steadfast, U.S. officials continue to urge the global donor community to contribute more to meet the escalating needs.

This latest announcement underscores the U.S.’s dedication to supporting African nations and communities in overcoming the severe challenges posed by food insecurity and humanitarian crises.

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A compilation of official figures by AFP confirms 201 fatalities across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia. More than half of the deaths were in flood-ravaged North Carolina.

Helene is the deadliest on the US mainland since 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, which killed 1,392 people.

Despite hundreds of rescues across six states and an enormous response including more than 10,000 federal personnel assisting local responders, the death toll from the sprawling storm is expected to rise, with many residents still unaccounted for in a mountainous region known for its pockets of isolation.

“We are continuing to find survivors,” North Carolina’s Buncombe County, the epicenter of the tragedy where more than 60 people are confirmed dead, said in its latest update, adding there are residents still cut off from the outside world due to landslides and destroyed bridges.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families of those that had just experienced this heartbreak and this tragedy,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp told a briefing n his state, where he said the number of confirmed dead has risen to 33.

US President Joe Biden was undertaking a second straight day of visits to affected states, traveling Thursday to Florida, where Helene blew into the state’s northern Gulf shore last week as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds of 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour.

Biden took an aerial tour of the coast to survey the devastation, then walked past rows of destroyed homes and buildings in Keaton Beach, near where the storm made landfall.

He next heads to neighboring Georgia.

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