My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance. The decision, announced in a national broadcast, was justified by the president as a necessary measure to address the prolonged political crisis, breakdown of law and order, and threats to national security in the oil-rich state. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period.

Tinubu cited the governor’s alleged unconstitutional actions, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and failure to rebuild it, as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the state effectively without a functional government. He also highlighted recent pipeline vandalism by militants and the inability of the executive and legislative arms to work together as reasons for the declaration. Tinubu emphasized that the move was aimed at restoring peace, order, and democratic governance in the state.

However, the declaration has been met with widespread condemnation from political leaders, legal experts, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians, who argue that the president’s actions are unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Political Opposition and Legal Challenges

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Governor Fubara belongs, rejected the declaration, calling it an “utter violation” of the 1999 Constitution. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the president lacks the power to suspend a democratically elected governor and described the move as an attempt to impose undemocratic rule and undermine the will of Rivers State voters. He also accused Tinubu of seeking to advance the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticized Tinubu for being a “vested partisan actor” in the crisis. Atiku accused the president of enabling the chaos and failing to prevent the destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers State. He described the declaration as “political manipulation” and an assault on democracy.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the move, with its president, Afam Osigwe, stating that the suspension of elected officials under a state of emergency is unconstitutional. The NBA warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic governance. Legal experts, including human rights lawyer Morakinyo Olasupo, argued that the president cannot suspend a democratically elected governor without following due legal processes, such as impeachment by the state House of Assembly or a court order.

South-South Leaders and Civil Society React

South-South leaders and stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), criticized the declaration as ill-advised and politically motivated. Former Akwa Ibom Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko described the move as part of a “script” to take control of Rivers State, while former Ijaw Youth Council president Eric Omare accused Tinubu of bias in favor of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the crisis.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) condemned the declaration as an act of oppression against the Ijaw people, while former MOSIEND spokesman Amaebi Clarkson called it a “well-oiled script” aimed at influencing the 2027 elections.

Public Outcry and Mixed Reactions

Nigerians on social media expressed mixed reactions to the declaration. While some supported the move as necessary to restore order, others criticized it as an overreach and a threat to democracy. Many questioned the legality of suspending elected officials and accused Tinubu of double standards, noting that other regions facing severe security challenges, such as the North-East and South-East, have not been subjected to similar measures.

Users like Ebovi Wali Global highlighted the perceived inconsistency, stating, “IPOB and UGM ravaged the East, no state of emergency. Boko Haram and herdsmen ravaged the North, no state of emergency.” Others, such as Jamilu Sufi, questioned the democratic legitimacy of the move, asking, “How can you suspend a democratically elected governor? Is this a democracy or a one-man dictatorship?”

Rivers State, already embroiled in a deepening political crisis, faced further turmoil this week as two separate explosions rocked oil facilities in the state, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential economic fallout. The incidents come amid a bitter feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has plunged the state into political instability.

First Explosion: Trans-Niger Pipeline Blown Up

On Monday night, an explosion struck the Trans-Niger pipeline near the Bodo-Bonny Road in Gokana Local Government Area, a key route for exporting Nigerian crude oil to international markets. The pipeline, operated by Shell, transports crude from oil fields in Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny export terminal. Footage shared by Channels Television showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky, highlighting the severity of the blast.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but it occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in the state. Just days earlier, the Ijaw National Congress had threatened to shut down crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta if Governor Fubara was impeached. The explosion also followed a move by pro-Wike lawmakers to serve Fubara and his deputy with a notice of gross misconduct, further escalating the political standoff.

Second Explosion: Pipeline Manifold in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni

Just hours after the first explosion, a second blast occurred on Tuesday at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The manifold connects to a federal pipeline that transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State. Community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the remote forest location, though the incident has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.

The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she would verify the incident but had not provided further details at the time of reporting. A video obtained by journalists showed a large fire burning in the forest, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Analysis: Dire Consequences for Nigeria’s Struggling Economy

The explosions at these critical oil facilities could not have come at a worse time for Nigeria’s economy, which has been grappling with consistently low oil production in recent years. Oil exports account for over 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and a significant portion of government revenue. Any disruption to oil production and exports, such as the one caused by these explosions, has far-reaching implications for the country’s already fragile economy.

1. Decline in Oil Production and Revenue Losses

Nigeria has struggled to meet its OPEC production quota in recent years, with output often falling below 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) due to a combination of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and underinvestment in the sector. The explosions in Rivers State are likely to exacerbate this situation, as repairs to the damaged pipelines could take weeks or even months. During this period, oil production from affected fields will be halted, leading to significant revenue losses for both the government and international oil companies operating in the region.

2. Impact on Foreign Exchange Earnings

The Nigerian naira has been under immense pressure due to a shortage of foreign exchange, driven in part by declining oil revenues. The disruption of crude oil exports through the Trans-Niger pipeline and the Brass manifold will further reduce foreign exchange inflows, worsening the naira’s depreciation and making it more expensive to import essential goods. This could lead to higher inflation, which is already at double-digit levels, further eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians.

3. Threat to Energy Security and Power Supply

The explosions also pose a threat to Nigeria’s energy security. The Trans-Niger pipeline not only transports crude for export but also supplies gas to power plants that generate electricity for the national grid. Any disruption to gas supply could lead to a further decline in power generation, exacerbating the country’s chronic electricity shortages and negatively impacting businesses and households.

4. Escalating Security and Environmental Concerns

The explosions highlight the vulnerability of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure to sabotage and vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has a history of militancy and unrest. The political crisis in Rivers State has created a volatile environment that could encourage further attacks on oil facilities, leading to a cycle of instability and economic losses. Additionally, the environmental damage caused by the explosions, including oil spills and air pollution, could have long-term consequences for local communities and ecosystems.

5. Investor Confidence at Risk

The recurring incidents of pipeline vandalism and the inability of the government to secure critical infrastructure could further erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. International oil companies, already wary of the country’s challenging operating environment, may scale back investments, leading to a decline in exploration and production activities. This would further constrain Nigeria’s ability to boost oil output and revenue in the medium to long term.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has announced plans to reopen two federal government bonds worth N300 billion for auction, with subscriptions available at N1,000 per unit.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the bonds will be auctioned on March 24, with settlement scheduled for March 26. Investors can subscribe at a minimum of N50,001,000, with additional investments in multiples of N1,000.

The bonds offer semi-annual interest payments, and the principal will be repaid in full upon maturity. For reopenings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders will pay a price based on the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the auction volume, plus any accrued interest.

Bond Details and Interest Rates

DMO outlined the details of the two offerings:

• A five-year bond maturing in April 2029, with an interest rate of 19.30% per annum.

• A nine-year bond maturing in May 2033, offering 19.89% per annum.

Like all federal government securities, the bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Nigerian government and qualify as approved investments under the Trustees Investment Act.

Additionally, they are classified as government securities under the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act, making them eligible for tax exemptions and suitable for pension funds and other institutional investors.

The bonds will also be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and qualify as liquid assets for banks’ liquidity ratio calculations, the DMO added.

Israel shoots down Houthi ballistic missile after ceasefire collapses

The Israeli military said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Tuesday, the terror group's first attack on the Jewish state following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens sounded in southern Israel after a missile launched from Yemen. The Israeli Air Force said it intercepted the missile before it crossed into Israeli territory.

President Donald Trump's ordering of U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen over the weekend is believed to have deterred the terror group from resuming an attack on Israel sooner and with greater volume, IDF sources told the Jerusalem Post. 

Nearly a quarter-million people were sent to bomb shelters across the central and southern desert Negev region as a precaution due to shrapnel from the interception Tuesday, Fox News has learned. 

The Houthi attack came hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled over what U.S. officials said was the terror organization's refusal to release more Israeli hostages.

There are still 59 hostages in Gaza, but Israel believes only 24 of those who remain are alive.

Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, eliminating the head of the Hamas government and other key leaders. 

At least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes so far, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. The death toll has not been independently verified.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with security officials at the Kirya, Israel’s version of the Pentagon, on Tuesday during the airstrikes. 

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu’s office wrote in a series of posts on X as the airstrikes commenced.

Fox News

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Putin-Trump phone call: key takeaways

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a much-anticipated phone call on Tuesday, discussing a potential settlement of the  Ukraine conflict. The conversation lasted for two and a half hours, with both the White House and the Kremlin describing it as positive. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation.

Potential ceasefire

Putin and Trump discussed Trump’s idea of a 30-day ceasefire, with the Russian side outlining multiple issues to be resolved before its implementation, the Kremlin press service said in a statement following the call. Namely, Putin outlined the need to establish a mechanism to properly monitor a potential ceasefire, as well as stop forced mobilization and rearmament in Ukraine.

“Serious risks associated with the Kiev regime’s inability to negotiate, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted,” the Kremlin press service said, adding that Putin also drew Trump’s attention to “the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of Kursk Region.”

Infrastructure strikes pause

Trump proposed that Moscow and Kiev mutually halt strikes on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Putin backed the idea, immediately giving the Russian military the corresponding order.

“The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” the White House said in a statement.

Prisoner swap

The Russian president told his American counterpart about an upcoming prisoner swap with Ukraine, scheduled for Wednesday, the Kremlin press service revealed. The two sides are set to exchange 175 prisoners-of-war each. In addition, Moscow will return 23 critically wounded Ukrainian servicemen to demonstrate its goodwill, the press service noted.

Need for lasting peace

Putin and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a “lasting peace” rather than a temporary solution for the Ukraine conflict. Moscow regards the need to “eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” as well as meet “Russia’s legitimate interests in the area of security” and “the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kiev,” as key elements required to achieve the goal, the Kremlin press service noted.

Bilateral cooperation

Ties between Russia and the US were also discussed, with both agreeing to work on mutually beneficial projects. Washington and Moscow have been considering a “broad spectrum of areas where our two countries may establish cooperation,” the Kremlin press service stated.

“The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved,” the White House said.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Putin agrees to 30-day halt on energy facility strikes but no full Ukraine ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities temporarily but declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that President Donald Trump hoped would be the first step toward a permanent peace deal.

Ukraine said it would support the scaled-back agreement, which would require both countries to hold off firing on each other's energy infrastructure for about a month. Experts said Putin avoided making significant concessions in what could be a play for time as Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine.

The White House said talks on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea as well as a more complete ceasefire and a permanent peace deal would begin immediately, following a lengthy call between Trump and Putin on Tuesday.

It was unclear whether Ukraine would be involved in those talks, which Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

"Up until recently, we really didn't have consensus around these two aspects - the energy and infrastructure ceasefire and the Black Sea moratorium on firing - and today we got to that place, and I think it's a relatively short distance to a full ceasefire from there," Witkoff told Fox News "Hannity" program.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, outside business hours, on Witkoff's remarks.

Putin ordered the Russian military to stop attacks against energy sites after speaking with Trump, the Kremlin said.

But he raised concerns that a temporary ceasefire might allow Ukraine to rearm and mobilize more soldiers, and doubled down on his demand that any resolution required an end to all military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, according to a Kremlin statement.

Trump told Fox News aid to Ukraine did not come up in the conversation.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country would support the proposal to stop strikes on energy facilities and infrastructure for 30 days. He said Russia launched more than 40 drones late on Tuesday, hitting a hospital in Sumy and other areas, including the Kyiv region that surrounds the Ukrainian capital.

"Today, Putin de facto rejected the proposal for a complete ceasefire. It would be right for the world to reject in response any attempts by Putin to drag out the war," Zelenskiy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Trump, who has had a complicated relationship with Zelenskiy, spoke positively of his call with Putin.

"We had a great call. It lasted almost two hours," Trump said on Fox News's "The Ingraham Angle" show.

But the U.S. president did not get what he wanted. Ukraine, which Trump had previously described as being more difficult to work with than Russia, had agreed to the U.S. proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire. Putin did not.

"This call brought to light how difficult of an interlocutor Russia is going to be and the general unwillingness of Russia to talk about making real progress in stopping this war," said Kristine Berzina, a managing director at the German Marshall Fund think tank. She called the limited ceasefire "a very small step forward."

Since Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion, Ukraine has tried to fight back against its much larger neighbor with drone and missile strikes deep in Russian territory, including on energy facilities. Those attacks, which Moscow says amount to terrorism, have allowed Kyiv to keep pressure on Russia's economy.

That means a ceasefire on attacking energy infrastructure could benefit Russia, said Maria Snegovaya, senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In a social media post after the call, Trump said he and Putin had agreed to work quickly toward a ceasefire and eventually a permanent peace agreement.

"Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end," he wrote, using an alternate spelling for the Ukrainian leader.

Ukraine said on March 11 it was prepared to accept a full 30-day ceasefire, a step that U.S. officials said would lead to a more substantial round of negotiations to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two. The war has killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions and reduced entire towns to rubble.

Trump has hinted that a permanent peace deal could include territorial concessions by Kyiv and control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskiy, who arrived in Helsinki for an official visit on Tuesday shortly after Trump and Putin's call ended, said Europe must be included in Ukraine peace talks.

The talks between Trump and Putin came as Israel resumed its attacks on Hamas in Gaza, threatening a fragile truce and underscoring the difficulty of securing lasting ceasefires in long-running conflicts.

The two leaders also discussed how to prevent future conflicts in the Middle East and "shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel," the White House said.

U.S. SHIFT WORRIES EUROPEAN ALLIES

Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine's east and pushing back Ukrainian troops from Russia's Kursk region.

The agreement on a narrow ceasefire reflects Trump's desire to normalize relations with Russia and suggests that Putin may be playing for time, said Susan Colbourn, an expert on European security issues at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy.

"It was striking how little concession Trump is asking from the Russians, although they invaded their neighbor," Colbourn said.

The U.S. president's overtures to Putin since returning to the White House in January have alarmed U.S. allies.

Ukraine and its Western allies have long described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist land grab, and Zelenskiy has accused Putin of deliberately prolonging the war.

Zelenskiy says Ukraine's sovereignty is not negotiable and Russia must surrender the territory it has seized.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Tuesday that Russia had massively expanded its military-industrial production capacity in preparation for "future confrontation with European democracies."

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the limited ceasefire was an important first step but again called for a complete ceasefire. He reiterated that Ukraine must be part of any final decision.

Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and most of four eastern Ukrainian regions following its invasion in 2022. All told, it controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Putin said he sent troops into Ukraine because NATO's creeping expansion threatened Russia's security. He has demanded Ukraine drop any ambition of joining the Western military alliance.

Putin has also said Russia must keep control of Ukrainian territory it has seized, Western sanctions should be eased and Kyiv must stage a presidential election. Zelenskiy, elected in 2019, has remained in office under martial law he imposed because of the war.

RT/Reuters

US President Donald Trump’s penchant for shaking things up is fracturing the Global North. The Global South must remain steadfast in its commitment to peaceful development and seize this moment to advance a more equitable and just global order.

One of the central focuses of last week’s “two sessions”, China’s annual parliamentary meetings, is the increasingly prominent role of private technology companies in driving the country’s development. Indeed, a decade after the launch of the “Made in China 2025” initiative, most of its targets have been achieved, positioning the country as a global technological powerhouse.

Through the Digital Silk Road and companies like DeepSeek, China’s advancements are helping to propel the Global South’s Fourth Industrial Revolution, enabling countries in Africa, for example, to leapfrog development stages in their race to embrace the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

If President Xi Jinping’s “Made in China 2025” initiative has met most of its goals, President Trump’s second attempt to “Make America Great Again” (Maga) is off to a contentious and rocky start. For instance, efforts to improve government efficiency through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) programme have drawn criticism, with some accusing the Trump administration of steering US democracy towards authoritarianism.

Last month’s altercation between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office was, for many, a watershed moment. It marked the unravelling of the transatlantic alliance and signalled the decline of US leadership in the post-World War II liberal international order.

For some, the post-Cold War era is transitioning from Francis Fukuyama’s idealistic vision of the “end of history”, where liberal democracy triumphs, to Samuel Huntington’s ominous view of a “clash of civilisations”, where race and religion become flashpoints and “might makes right” prevails.

Trump’s Maga world view has undoubtedly fuelled the rise of a far-right global movement, hinting at the potential for conflict along civilisational lines. Trump’s retreat from US global leadership has also had more immediate consequences: pulling out of the Paris Agreement and World Health Organization, as well as defunding USAID, the US Agency for International Development, has weakened efforts to tackle pressing humanitarian crises.

Nonetheless, Trump’s disruptive policies have also generated unexpected outcomes. The scaling back of USAID could also signal the closing of a dark chapter: US covert operations aimed at promoting democracy through sowing dissent and regime change.

Indeed, the American global campaign to advance rights and freedom has not only relied on illicit tactics but also led to disastrous wars, as seen in Iraqand Afghanistan. The demise of the US-led world order is unlikely to be mourned by countries in the Global South. But what will emerge to replace the crumbling Western-centric international order remains uncertain.

One thing seems clear: Trump’s aversion to war. During the recent tense meeting, Trump warned Zelensky against risking a third world war. For Trump, it is evident that a direct conflict between the United States and Russia could escalate into nuclear war.

This underscores the reality of today’s great power rivalry: any open military conflict between the US, Russia and China could lead to mutual self-destruction. Ironically, despite his seemingly amoral and transactional approach, it is Trump – among Western leaders – who appears to have fully grasped the existential dangers confronting humanity.

Some speculate that Trump could negotiate a grand bargain reminiscent of the Yalta Conference, with Russia and China, aiming to establish a modern-day Monroe Doctrinethat carves out separate spheres of influence among the three nuclear-armed superpowers. While it may not entirely eliminate the risk of war, this trilateral agreement could significantly lower the chances of catastrophic conflicts in hotspots like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Herein lies the complexity of Trump 2.0: his “America first” foreign policy is disruptive, impeding collective efforts to address looming global crises. But his attempt to shake things up has also created opportunities to mitigate the risk of great power conflicts. Yet these openings for peace may be short-lived.

Trump’s efforts to broker peace with Russia have been criticised as appeasement. While some in the European Union vow to continue supporting Ukraine in the war, others advocate for Europe to step into the role traditionally held by the US in defending the liberal international order.

Trump has upended America’s long-held self-ascribed role as the defender of democracy and human rights. However, it is doubtful Trump alone is enough to fully detach Americans from their self-perception as of a “city upon a hill”. After Trump, Americans may well revert to their sense of a manifest destiny as the guardian of the free world.

Trump’s wrecking-ball tactics have fractured the Western alliance. What emerges from this fracture remains uncertain. What is clear is that a divided Global North, much like a united one, could pose significant challenges and risks to the Global South.

In his “two sessions” work report, Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined a plan to boost consumption as a key driver of domestic economic growth, alongside expanding the role of the private sector. But Li also highlighted external uncertainties and risks, such as the massive tariffs imposed by Trump, which have escalated into a trade war and now threaten the global economy.

In April, President Xi is expected to make a state visit to Malaysia, which is also scheduled in May to host the first top-level meeting between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Gulf Cooperation Council and China: the Asean+GCC+China summit.

These meetings are taking place amid historic shifts in the Global North, triggered by Trump’s America-first foreign policy. In response, countries in the Global South must remain committed to peaceful development, seizing this moment to promote an open, inclusive world order grounded in common interests and mutual respect.

SCMP

The federal government has awarded a contract for the renovation of two major Lagos ports — Tin Can and Apapa — to Chagoury Group, TheCable understands.

Chagoury Group is a multinational conglomerate led by Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire.

Sources close to the conversation said the federal executive council (FEC) approved the contract in February.

“Yes, the award was given to Chagoury Group after it followed due process,” a source said, responding to TheCable’s enquiry.

“FEC gave the approval sometime in February and the agency in charge, that is the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), will make the announcement soon.”

The NPA, in November 2023, announced plans to commence the rehabilitation of ports across the country, valuing the project at $1.1 billion.

On April 18, 2024, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said it secured a $700 million facility agreement for the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos.

Mohammed Bello-Koko, the ex-managing director of the NPA, had said the loan, negotiated with Citi Bank Nigeria, would be funded by the UK Export Finance (UKEF), an export credit agency, for the project.

Although no official announcement has been made yet, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, spokesperson of the NPA, confirmed that the project was awarded to Hitech Construction and ITB Nigeria, stressing that “Chagoury was not stated in the contract”.

TheCable’s checks found that Chagoury Group operates several subsidiaries — including two construction firms, Hitech and ITB Nigeria.

The conglomerate is reportedly responsible for the construction of major projects across Lagos state.

In September 2023, David Umahi, the minister of works, disclosed that Hitech would handle the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Hitech is also said to be the firm that oversaw the construction of the Lekki-Epe expressway and the Ajah flyover in Lagos.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in May 2024, criticised the federal government for awarding the construction of the coastal highway to Hitech, saying there was a conflict of interest.

Abubakar had said Seyi, President Bola Tinubu’s son, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, another subsidiary of the Group.

In response to Atiku, the presidency said Tinubu’s son is entitled to pursuehis business interests in Nigeria and around the world within the bounds of the law.

On March 16, Umahi said Tinubu did not recommend any company for the Lagos-Calabar road project.

The Cable

Following the recent 15 per cent increase by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in port and marine fees, berthing charges for vessels at Nigerian seaports have risen from $150,000 to approximately $200,000, according to the Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA).

Addressing the challenges at Nigerian ports during a briefing in Lagos over the weekend, the SACFEA Chairman, Boma Alabi, compared vessel berthing charges across several ports.

She noted that berthing fees at Tema Port in Ghana stood at $15,000, Shanghai $21,000, Lome Port $26,000, Cotonou Port $27,000, Singapore $29,000 and Abidjan $60,000.

According to Alabi, Terminal 3 at Tema Port in Ghana is a well-structured facility, noting that its dedicated container terminal operates three berths and can accommodate ships up to 366 meters in length overall (LOA) with a 16-metre draught.

She referenced a 2024 report by NPS Meridian Port Services Limited, which revealed that Tema Port handles 1.9 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) yearly, whereas Nigerian ports process only 1.2 million TEUs per year.

Alabi explained that excessive berthing charges discourage customers and push them towards alternative ports like Cotonou and Lome, with relatively lower charges.

The high cost of doing business in Nigerian ports, she pointed out, makes them less competitive, allowing smaller countries to attract cargo that would have otherwise come to Nigeria.

She further highlighted the sharp increase in container costs, stating that a 20ft container, which previously cost N55,000 now costs N145,000, while a 40ft container, which was N100,000 costs N290,000, excluding port charges and logistics fees.

The SACFEA boss emphasised that the statistics indicate that Nigerian seaports were no longer attractive to investors, who preferred locations that offer better returns on investment (RoIs).

She warned that indirect taxation, imposed through various channels at the ports, make the business environment unfriendly, leading to a decline in manufacturing and a growing unemployment crisis.

Alabi urged the government to review port charges in line with rates in neighbouring countries and called on relevant agencies to engage stakeholders to restore Nigerian ports’ competitiveness.

“If port charges are reduced, cargo throughput will increase, leading to higher government revenue and more job opportunities for youths,” she stated.

Echoing similar concerns, the Deputy Managing Director of CMA CGM Nigeria, Ramesh Saraf, pointed out that despite significant international investment in the Lekki Port/Free Trade Zone, trans-shipment activities remained limited due to high costs.

“Lekki Deep Sea Port began operations in April 2023 at less than half its capacity, and, presently, even fewer activities are taking place. The cost of operations at Lekki Deep Sea Port is nearly three times higher than port charges in other countries,” Saraf said.

He further noted that the number of jobs created at Lekki Deep Sea Port remained far below expectations.

Saraf added that with the 15 per cent increase in port and marine fees, trans-shipment costs in Nigeria are now more than thrice higher than in competing ports.

As a result, Saraf lamented that many Nigerian importers and exporters were diverting their cargo to ports in Ghana and Cotonou, only to find alternative means of bringing their goods back into the country for sale.

The Guardian