Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment , says that the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue trading with America not minding the recent tariff measures announced by the Government of the United States of America in which it imposed a 14 percent tariff on Nigerian exports.

‎‎In a Position Statement on U.S. Tariff Measures the Minister noted: ” While these developments potentially impact global trade negatively, under the ‎Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria remains firmly committed to building economic resilience and accelerating export diversification.‎‎

The statement reads:” The Federal Government of Nigeria considers the United States a valued trade and investment partner, bound by shared values and mutual economic interests. ‎‎The U.S. Ambassador’s visit to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment on March 26, 2025, reaffirmed our joint commitment to strengthening economic ties that benefit both economies. ‎‎

In response to the recent tariff announcements, Nigeria remains actively engaged in consultations with U.S. counterparts and the WTO, approaching evolving trade dynamics with pragmatism and a commitment to mutually beneficial solutions.‎‎

Since May 2023, Mr President has remained actively committed to attracting and retaining much-needed investments from old and new friends of Nigeria.‎‎

The FGN is implementing a range of interventions in policy, financing, infrastructure, and diplomacy to help Nigerian businesses remain competitive amidst regional and global tariff hikes, including expanding alternative market access opportunities and ensuring off-take diversification to reduce and mitigate trade risks.‎‎

Nigeria’s exports to the United States over the last 2 years has consistently ranged between $5–6 billion annually.‎ A significant portion—over 90%—comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. ‎‎

The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3%, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1% ‎of total exports (valued at approx $82 million). ‎

Dr Oduwole reiterated that her ministry “is approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global and regional trade policy challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy.

Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2% of our total exports to the U.S.‎

While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.‎‎

Dr Oduwole acknowledged that Nigeria’s exports to the US, especially non-oil products previously exempted under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—now face potential disruption.‎‎“

A new 10 percent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S.‎‎

For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and ‎market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.‎‎

Dr Jumoke emphasized that SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments. ‎‎

She , however, maintained that this development would strengthens Nigeria’s ‎resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe. ‎‎

”It also signals for Africa—and Nigeria in particular—the urgent need to enhance intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area ‎(AfCFTA), reinforcing the case for Nigeria’s accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, deepening regional integration, and leveraging frameworks like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to lower trade costs and promote intra-African trade.,’ said Dr Oduwole.‎‎

Dr Oduwole reiterated that her ministry “is approaching this moment with pragmatism and purpose—turning global and regional trade policy challenges into opportunities to grow our non-oil export footprint and build a more resilient economy.

The new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, has officially taken over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Mr. Mele Kyari.

In a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Friday, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPCL and his sterling service to the nation.

Ojulari disclosed that the objective of his management was to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

He said though the targets set for his management were quite enormous, he would be relying on the co-operation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.

“I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari told Kyari.

Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

He pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

“Marketing is their superpower. They will show you flashy 3D designs, promise you world-class infrastructure, and make you feel like you’re buying a piece of Dubai in Ibeju-Lekki.”

So, you’ve finally decided to buy land or a house in Lagos. Congratulations!

You’re about to step into the unpredictable, sometimes dramatic, and always exciting world of Lagos real estate.

If you’re dealing with a real estate company for the first time, you might be wondering: What should I expect?

Well, let me prepare you. Some things will make you smile, some will test your patience, and some will make you wonder if you should have just stayed a tenant forever.

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

1. A Lot of Marketing Hype

The first thing you’ll notice when dealing with real estate companies in Lagos is that they know how to sell a dream.

You’ll hear phrases like:● “Buy now! Price increases tomorrow!”● “Fastest-growing estate in Lagos!”● “C of O is in process” (what does ‘in process’ even mean?)

Marketing is their superpower. They will show you flashy 3D designs, promise you world-class infrastructure, and make you feel like you’re buying a piece of Dubai in Ibeju-Lekki.

While some of these promises are real, some are just sugarcoating.

Always ask questions and verify every claim.

2. Payment Plans That Sound Too Good to Be True.

Many real estate companies offer installment payments. This is great news, especially if you don’t have all the money at once.

However, read the fine print carefully. Some of them will tell you it’s “zero interest” but hide extra charges in other places. Others will offer discounts that only apply if you pay immediately.

Ask about:● Total cost after installments – Don’t just focus on the monthly payment; check how much you’ll pay in the end.

● Hidden fees – Development fees, documentation fees, survey fees—these things add up!

● Penalty for late payment – Some companies charge ridiculous fees if you miss a payment.

3. Titles and Documentation Confusion

Ah, the famous Lagos land titles. This is where many first-time buyers get confused.

A real estate company might tell you they are selling land with “Excision in Progress” or “Gazette Available.” Sounds good, right?

But what does it really mean?Here’s a simple breakdown:

● C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) – The safest and strongest title. If your land has this, you can sleep well at night.

● Governor’s Consent – Almost as good as a C of O. It means the government has approved the transaction.

● Excision – The government has released the land to the community, but it’s not yet fully documented.

● Gazette – A record showing that the land is excised. It’s a step in the right direction but still needs further documentation. If a company cannot clearly explain the land title to you, be careful.

Always verify with a property lawyer.4. Site Inspections:

What You See vs. What You Get

When a real estate company invites you for a site inspection, prepare yourself mentally. Some estates look perfect on flyers but appear very different in real life.

You might find that:

● The roads are not as smooth as they looked in the advert.

● The estate gate is just a wooden plank.

● The “five minutes from the express” location is actually 15 minutes by Okada on a bumpy road.

Always visit the site before paying. Don’t buy land based on just pictures or drone shots. And if the company refuses to take you for an inspection, that’s a red flag.

5. Sweet-Talking Sales Agents

Sales agents are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

They will call you “boss,” “madam,” and sometimes even “our landowner.” Their job is to make you feel like this is the best decision of your life.

But remember, their goal is to close a sale.A few things to note:

● Don’t let pressure make you rush into buying.

● Ask them direct questions—if they dodge, be cautious.● Verify all information from a second source.

6. Delays in Allocation

Many real estate companies in Lagos sell land that is yet to be fully developed.

If you’re buying into an estate that promises allocation at a later date, be prepared for possible delays.

Some people wait months or even years before getting their plots.

To avoid frustration:● Ask for a timeline for allocation.

● Find out if other buyers have already received their plots.

● Get everything documented in writing.

7. Development Fees and Other Surprise Costs

One thing Lagos real estate companies will not always tell you upfront is that buying land is just the first step.

There are other costs, such as:

● Survey Plan Fee – Required to register your land.

● Deed of Assignment Fee – Legal documentation of your ownership.

● Development Levy – To build estate roads, drainage, and electricity.

Before making payments, ask for a breakdown of all charges. If they say, “Don’t worry, we will discuss it later,” don’t believe them.

8. Real vs. Fake Companies

Not all real estate companies in Lagos are legitimate. Some are run by land grabbers (Omo Onile) or individuals looking to scam unsuspecting buyers.

To protect yourself:

● Check if the company is registered with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission).

● Ask for reviews from past buyers.

● Visit their office—if it’s a small kiosk, be careful.Final Advice for First-Time Buyers

Buying property in Lagos can be rewarding if you do it right.

Here are a few final tips:

1. Do your research – Don’t just take the company’s word for it.

2. Use a lawyer – A real estate lawyer will save you from expensive mistakes.

3. Be patient – Rushing can lead to regret.

4. Keep records – Save every receipt, agreement, and message exchanged.

At the end of the day, Lagos real estate is like Jollof rice—it’s sweet, but if you don’t cook it well, you might end up with something you didn’t bargain for.

If you need help navigating this journey, feel free to reach out.

I’m always ready to help you secure your piece of Lagos without stress.

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