Headlines
Current Visa Arrangement Frustrating Nigeria-US Trade, Says Lagos US Consul

By Derrick Bangura
The Head of Commercial Section/Commercial Counsellor, Lagos US Consulate, David Russell, on Tuesday, stated that the current visa environment between Nigeria and the United States of America was the biggest limiting factor hindering trade between both countries.
The US envoy stated this at the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce ((NACC) breakfast meeting in Lagos, with the theme: “US Mission’s Current Commercial-focused Activities in Nigeria.”
According to him, many Nigerians doing business with the United States have had difficulties traveling for training and connecting with their business partners which he said was detrimental to the overall business relationships.
In his words: “We put a lot more focus on ensuring that we work with our partners across the embassy to facilitate traveling when we are able to. We are dedicated to doing what we can to build capacities for both travels to the United States and here in Nigeria.”
Russell added: “One of the biggest limiting factors we have with doing business with US is the current visa environment in which people doing business with US have had difficulties travelling for trainings and connecting with their business partners which is detrimental to their overall business relationships.”
He also stated that US businesses were willing to invest in Nigeria, but are however worried over trust gaps in working in unfamiliar markets like Nigeria.
“We have to get the risk profile to a level that is acceptable to US businesses. Our goal is to look to the bright sides and perceptions of risk within markets like Nigeria.
“Many times the risk is what keeps companies from not looking into a market like Nigeria, so we want to make sure companies are giving Nigeria a second look,” he assured.
He, however, stated that the Biden-Harris administration was focused on Africa, stressing that the administration was committed to revitalising partnerships and alliances based on dialogue, respect, and mutually shared values.
“This means working together with African partners to advance our shared vision of a better and greener future; this means building long-term partnerships, creating jobs in our economies, and doing so with two way trade and investment. There are significant opportunities for both countries as we look to reopen for business,” said.
He pointed out that the US mission to Nigeria has several initiatives to engage Nigerian businesses such as those that make up the membership of the NACC, adding that these programmes could provide the tools and opportunities for those looking to carry out businesses in the US.
He said the US government was dedicated to increasing two way trade and mobilising investment inside Africa’s fast growing markets.
He noted that through Prosper Africa initiatives, the embassy was delivering on the Biden administration’s agenda of strengthening the ability of the availability of capital and right sizing some of the perceptions of debt and liability on the continent.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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