China has announced that it will implement zero-tariff treatment on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, beginning May 1, 2026.

The move, reported by state media on Saturday, is expected to deepen trade ties between China and African nations by granting broader market access to goods exported to the Asian economic powerhouse.

According to the report, the zero-tariff policy will apply to countries that have formal diplomatic relations with China, covering a wide range of products entering the Chinese market.

Authorities also disclosed plans to accelerate negotiations and signing of joint economic partnership agreements with African nations. Beijing is expected to further expand market access for African exports through enhanced trade facilitation mechanisms, including its existing “green channel” initiative designed to fast-track agricultural and other priority goods.

The development signals a major boost for African exporters seeking improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Analysts say the policy could significantly increase export volumes from African economies, particularly in agriculture, raw materials, and manufactured goods, while strengthening Beijing’s economic footprint across the continent.

The zero-tariff implementation is scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.

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A disturbing video circulating online has reportedly shown more than 100 abducted women and children following a deadly attack on Woro village and nearby Nuku communities in Kwara State.

The footage, linked to the February 3 assault, allegedly features captives taken during a raid carried out by suspected Boko Haram fighters said to be under the command of Mallam Sadiku.

Residents said the attackers stormed the communities, killing dozens of villagers who resisted their demands. Some local sources claim the death toll could be as high as 160, although official figures are yet to confirm that number.

The insurgents, in the video, reportedly accused authorities of downplaying the scale of the abductions, insisting that more than 100 people were taken — far above the 20 earlier mentioned in preliminary reports.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the incident as a “pure massacre,” condemning the brutal attack on innocent residents.

In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional security forces to the affected areas, directing the military and other security agencies to intensify rescue operations and restore calm.

Security assessments are ongoing as authorities work to verify casualty figures and locate the abducted victims.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the expansion of Boko Haram activities into Nigeria’s north-central region, particularly Kwara State, which has not traditionally been a stronghold of the insurgent group.

Families of the missing victims remain in anguish, awaiting updates from security agencies as search and rescue efforts continue.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ordered that he be taken into custody upon his arrival in Nigeria.

In a statement addressing his recent airport incident, El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu “made the call and ordered that I must be in custody when I landed.”

He further alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) used the Department of State Services (DSS) to carry out what he described as an abduction, claiming it was part of a broader pattern.

According to El-Rufai, “The ICPC procured the DSS to abduct me for them; this is their modus operandi; they are personal tools of Nuhu Ribadu.”

The former governor also claimed he was informed in advance of the alleged move, suggesting that communications were monitored.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Ribadu, the ICPC, or the DSS regarding the allegations.

The development adds a new dimension to the ongoing tensions surrounding the former governor’s recent encounter with security operatives.

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Nigerian investor and Chairman of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, has commended ongoing economic reforms but warned that unreliable electricity supply continues to hinder Nigeria’s economic growth.

Elumelu spoke on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

While acknowledging efforts to stabilise the foreign exchange market and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Elumelu stressed that resolving Nigeria’s power challenges remains critical to unlocking sustainable development.

According to him, the Federal Government must urgently clear outstanding debts owed to power generation companies (GenCos) to boost electricity production and improve supply across the country.

He noted that improved policy predictability and greater stability in the foreign exchange market have restored investor confidence, describing the current economic direction as encouraging.

However, Elumelu maintained that without reliable and affordable electricity, businesses would continue to struggle with high operating costs, limiting productivity and job creation.

His remarks underscore the central role of power sector reform in Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday embark on a one-day official visit to Kebbi State to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Nasir Idris.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will feature the commissioning of key developmental projects undertaken by the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Idris.

During the visit, President Tinubu will also serve as Special Guest of Honour at the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

The Argungu festival, one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events, attracts thousands of local and international tourists annually. The festival is traditionally staged along the banks of the historic Matan Fada River in Argungu.

The cultural festival has earned global recognition, with UNESCO listing the Argungu Fishing Festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural significance and enduring legacy.

The one-day visit underscores the Federal Government’s continued support for cultural heritage promotion and infrastructural development across states.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Friday, June 13, 2026

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