•Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry Trade and Investment

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called for ongoing lending support for high-performing sectors of the economy and targeted intervention for sectors currently in recession.

This appeal follows the recently rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), now based on a new reference year 2019.

The latest GDP data for Quarter 1 of 2025 reveals the following:- 37 sectors recorded growth, though many experienced a slowdown.- 9 sectors contracted, and 3 sectors are in recession.

The top-performing sectors include:- Financial Services: 15.3%- Oil Refining: 11.51%- Transportation: 14.08%- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 7.4%- Metal Ores: 25%Conversely, the sectors that contracted are:- Livestock: -16.7%- Fishing: -0.21%- Textiles: -1.63%- Coal Mining: -22.3%- Quarry & Minerals: -21.55%- Plastics and Rubber: -3.2%- Iron & Steel: -0.35%- Air Transport: -0.81%.

The sectors currently in recession include air transport, textiles, and coal mining.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, director and CEO of CPPE, emphasised the importance of enhancing productivity in critical areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.

He stated, “These sectors are essential for economic inclusion, job creation, self-reliance, economic security, and diversification.

However, their growth rates are currently below expectations: agriculture grew by only 0.7%, and manufacturing by 1.7% in Q1 2025.

These sectors require targeted interventions to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable development.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has appointed David Bird, the former head of Oman’s Duqm Refinery, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

A report by S&P global on Friday said, Bird heads the refinery’s petroleum and petrochemicals division in a strategic move to overcome production challenges and advance its next wave of expansion.

Effective from July 2025, the former Shell head of operations at its Balau Pokom refinery stepped in as CEO of the Dangote Group’s fuels and petrochemicals business, which commissioned the world’s largest single-train refinery last year.

The CEO participated at the just concluded Dangote Leadership Development Program Graduation Ceremony.

US President Donald Trump has approved a 15 percent import tariff on Nigeria and dozens of other countries.

The White House announced the implementation of the new reciprocal tariff rates on Thursday.

In April, Trump imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian imports, citing the need for fairer trade terms.

That move was followed by a 90 – day grace period to allow time for bilateral trade negotiations, pushing the final decision deadline to August 1.

However, the majority of talks failed to result in new trade agreements.

As a result, the new tariff rates are now being implemented, with Nigeria among dozens of countries facing increased duties under the revised plan.

African countries, including Nigeria, were unable to secure individual trade deals with the United States despite urgent efforts from both sides.

During the negotiation window, Trump also reintroduced travel restrictions targeting several African nations. Though Nigeria was initially exempt, it was later added to the list as the policy evolved.

Under the revised tariff schedule:15% tariffs now apply to Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, Israel, Norway, and several others.10% tariffs target countries such as the Falkland Islands, the United Kingdom, and others not explicitly listed.

Tariffs climb to 18% for Nicaragua, 19% for countries like Indonesia and Pakistan, and 20% for countries like Indonesia and Pakistan, and 20% for Bangladesh, Vietnam, and others.

10% tariffs target countries such as the Falkland Islands, the United Kingdom, and others not explicitly listed.Tariffs climb to 18% for Nicaragua, 19% for countries like Indonesia and Pakistan, and 20% for Bangladesh, Vietnam, and others.

More severe penalties include 25–41% tariffs for countries like India, South Africa, Iraq, and Syria.

Switzerland faces a steep 39% duty, while Laos and Myanmar are hit with 40%.Syria tops the list at 41%.

Meanwhile, negotiations are still ongoing with China, Washington’s main trade rival.

Canada is facing a 35% tariff, while Mexico was hit with a trio of levies, including a 50% duty on metals. Brazil, previously under a 10% tariff, was slapped with an additional 40% charge on Thursday, bringing its total to 50%.