News April 18, 2026 FG expands import ban to cement, fertiliser, soaps, others

The Federal Government has revised its list of restricted imports, adding cement, fertiliser, soaps and several other products, increasing the total number of affected categories to 17.

This update was contained in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Finance, endorsed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, following presidential approval of the 2026 fiscal policy framework.

Titled “Approval for the Implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments,” the circular indicated that the new policy took effect on April 1, 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff.

According to the document, “This is to confirm that His Excellency, Mr President, has approved the implementatiAon of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures made up of Supplementary Protection Measures (SPM)… with effect from 1st April 2026.”

The ministry noted that the import restrictions target goods coming from countries outside the ECOWAS bloc, forming part of efforts to strengthen trade protection.

“The approved SPM, in line with the provision of the ECOWAS CET, comprises… Import Prohibition list (Trade), applicable only to certain goods originating from non-ECOWAS Member States. It consists of 17 items,” the circular stated.

Annex III of the document lists the affected goods, which include poultry (live, frozen or processed), pork, beef and other meat products such as carcasses and offal; eggs except those meant for breeding or research; refined vegetable oils (excluding linseed, castor and olive oil); packaged sugar; cocoa products; tomatoes in all forms; and non-alcoholic beverages with sweeteners.

Other items on the list are bagged cement, various medicaments and pharmaceutical waste, fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soaps and detergents, paper and carton materials, large glass bottles, certain steel products, as well as ballpoint pens and related parts.

Additionally, the circular introduced an Import Adjustment Tax covering 192 tariff lines, with a plan for gradual removal in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

It stated, “With effect from January 2027, all Import Adjustment Taxes except for products on the African Continental Free Trade Area 3 per cent list, shall be gradually reduced on an annual basis until full elimination to 0 per cent by 2036.”

The government also disclosed that new excise duties, including a green tax, will commence on July 1, 2026, with a 90-day grace period granted for compliance.

“A grace period of ninety (90) days commencing from the date of this circular is hereby granted to all importers, manufacturers, and service providers before the implementation of the new excise duty rates,” it added.

It further clarified that goods backed by valid import documentation before April 1, 2026, could be cleared under the previous rules within the grace period, while transactions initiated after that date would be subject to the new regime.

“However, any new import transaction entered from the 1st of April 2026 shall be subjected to the new import duty regime,” the circular stated.

The updated measures replace the 2023 fiscal policy framework and are expected to be formally gazetted as part of efforts to support local industries and cut import dependence.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has consistently advised Nigeria to reconsider its import restriction policies to enhance competitiveness. In its Nigeria Development Update: May 2025, the institution projected that removing import bans and tariff distortions could raise customs revenue by 66 per cent.

It also warned that restrictive trade policies often encourage evasion and weaken revenue collection. “The government should consider seizing the opportunity created by the market-reflective, competitive exchange rate to reorient trade policy for growth and jobs.

“Nigeria maintains higher-than-average tariffs on many products, bans the imports of others, and imposes many non-tariff barriers. The average tariff rate in the country is twice as high as the sub-Saharan average,” the report read.

In its April 2026 edition of the Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank reiterated concerns, cautioning that broad import bans could undermine efforts to control inflation and stimulate growth.

The report urged authorities to relax certain trade restrictions, particularly on food and industrial inputs, to improve supply and ease price pressures.

Specifically, it stated that policymakers should “reduce import tariffs and lift import bans for selected products, particularly food and key intermediate inputs,” noting that such reforms would help ease supply constraints and moderate inflationary pressures.

The bank added that stringent import restrictions, including bans and surcharges, have driven up production costs and consumer prices, especially in sectors dependent on imported raw materials such as agriculture and manufacturing.

(PUNCH)

News Sports April 18, 2026 Why we must not lose against Arsenal – Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that his side’s chances of retaining the Premier League crown could effectively end if they suffer defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

The highly anticipated clash between the top two teams is set to take place at Etihad Stadium, in a fixture widely seen as pivotal to the outcome of the title race.

City head into the encounter trailing the league leaders by six points, although they still have a game in hand.

“Arsenal will be champions if they manage to get a win at the Etihad. If we lose, it’s over,” Guardiola said.

Guardiola acknowledged Arsenal’s all-round quality, highlighting their strength across different aspects of the game.

“They are so strong in all departments — duels, physicality. If you allow them to build up without being aggressive, they will punish you. [David] Raya is extraordinary, and their set-pieces are also very good.

“That’s why they are where they are — top of the Premier League all season. I’m proud to be there challenging them.”

A victory for City would reduce the gap to three points, and they could move to the summit if they secure another win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday.

Despite that possibility, Guardiola warned that even triumph over Arsenal would not necessarily guarantee success in the title race, citing a demanding run of fixtures before the end of the campaign.

“Our calendar is terrible — Everton away, Bournemouth away, and Aston Villa at home,” he said.

“We still have Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford at home, and games in Europe as well. There are still many things to do.”

News Politics April 18, 2026 2027 : Wike tells PDP leadership what to do

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abduraham Mohammed, to begin reconciliation efforts by reaching out to former members and persuading them to return.

The minister made the appeal on Friday during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The faction of the PDP aligned with Wike had taken over the party’s headquarters on April 10, several months after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) shut the premises amid a leadership crisis that escalated into violence.

Wike expressed optimism that the internal dispute is nearing resolution, noting that his faction has recorded favourable judgments at both the federal high court and the court of appeal, while awaiting a final decision from the supreme court.

“Yes, we had a crisis, and we have almost come out of the crisis. It is not going to be easy. It requires a lot of hard work. It requires a lot of sacrifice to move the party forward,” Wike told the NWC members.

“I also want to urge you to do what you can to bring back our members who have defected. Make sure you attract them back into the fold.

“Talk to them, and send a powerful team to interact with them. Most of them are uncertain about securing tickets when they return. You know what to do. I am sure that Nigerians will prefer this party to all of those making noise.”

He dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be regarded as the country’s leading opposition, arguing that such recognition must be earned through electoral success.

In his response, Mohammed assured that the party would reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP has come to stay, and under my leadership, we will make ourselves available to our teeming aspirants and those who will emerge as candidates, to ensure that we win elective positions in the 2027 general election,” he said.

The supreme court is expected to hear appeals filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction against Wike’s group on April 22.

Business News April 18, 2026 Naira records marginal loss against US dollar

The Naira wrapped up the trading week on a modest decline at the official market, closing at N1,343.63 against the United States dollar.

Figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday showed the local currency shed N1.33, representing a 0.09 per cent drop from Thursday’s closing rate of N1,342.30.

The week’s performance marked a reversal from a two-week streak of gains, as the naira weakened at the close of trading on Friday.

Earlier in the week, the currency opened at N1,356.18 on Monday before strengthening to N1,343.76 on Tuesday. It remained relatively stable midweek, closing at N1,343.74 on Wednesday.

Health News April 18, 2026 US-based doctor dies while providing free medical service in Nigeria

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep grief following the death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who was in the state on a humanitarian medical outreach.

In a condolence message he personally signed and released on Friday in Umuahia, Otti said he received news of her death with shock, describing the late doctor as a committed and compassionate professional.

The outreach, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, was a five-day programme held from April 13 to April 17.

Otti noted that Nwaubani, a member of ANPA, had travelled to Nigeria alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student in the United States—to offer free healthcare services to residents of the state.

He explained that during the outreach, she suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent attention.

According to him, both ANPA members and local medical professionals collaborated intensively to stabilise her condition.

“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.

The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, loved ones, and members of ANPA, noting that the state government had already established contact with both her family and the association’s leadership.

He assured that the government would provide necessary support to them during the mourning period.

Otti also praised the late doctor’s family and ANPA for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the loss.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and safeguarding the well-being of both residents and visitors in the state.

The governor further prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for her family to bear the loss.

News Politics April 18, 2026 ‘Gov Uba, Olisa Metuh …’- Renewed Hope Agenda appoints top officials (See List)

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who serves as Director-General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), has approved the appointment of senior officials to oversee critical divisions within the organisation.

In a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity for the RHA, Uzodinma explained that the appointments were aimed at “strengthen the structure and improve the operational effectiveness of the RHA” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PlatinumPost reports that the RHA, set up in November 2025, functions as a strategic platform for promoting the programmes, policies, and achievements of the Tinubu-led administration nationwide.

Under the new arrangement, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has been designated as Deputy Director-General, while Gov. Mohammed Yahaya of Gombe will serve as Secretary, alongside Mr James Faleke as Deputy Secretary.

The organisational framework also includes six zonal coordinators, 37 state coordinators, and 774 local government coordinators.

Among the newly named directors, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), will lead the Youth Directorate, while Chief Olisa Metuh heads Organisation and Mobilisation.

Rahman will continue as Director of Media and Publicity, with Sunday Dare taking charge of Digital and New Media.

Other appointments include Mr Mele Geidam (Finance); Mr Muiz Banire (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal); and Mrs Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).

Also listed are Mr Abubakar Abubakar (Support Groups); Mr Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence); Sen. Sani Musa (Special Duties); and Simon Karu (Planning).

Further appointments include Dr Halima Zakari (Welfare); Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri (Administration); Mrs Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs); Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora); and Ms Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).

According to the statement, the appointments represent a strategic move to establish a broad-based and efficient structure capable of engaging Nigerians effectively while communicating government policies across all levels.

News April 18, 2026 BREAKING : JAMB releases first batch of 2026 UTME results for over 632,000 candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted on Thursday.

In a statement issued late Friday by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, candidates who sat for the examination were advised to proceed to check their results.

It reads: “The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.

“To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

“At this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available.

“Candidates are strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform (55019/66019) to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to mislead others, including parents. Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence. The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity. Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.

“The examination is ongoing, and results will continue to be released as they become available.”