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Total Trade In Goods Increased To N12.02trn In Q2, NBS Confirms

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Total merchandise trade increased by 23.28 per cent in Quarter Two (Q2, 2021) to N12.02trillion from N9.75trillion recorded in Q1, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says.
The NBS said this, yesterday in Abuja in its “Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics, Q2, 2021”, adding that the increase was a result of the sharp increase in export value during the quarter under review.
According to the report, the export component of the trade was valued at N5.07trillion or 42.22 per cent, while import was valued at N6.95trillion or 57.78 per cent with trade balance deficit of N1.87trillion.
It said that crude oil, which was the major component of export trade, stood at N4.07trillion or 80.29 per cent of total export.
“This further shows a sharp increase of 111.32 per cent in crude oil value in Q2 compared to N1.92trillion recorded in Q1, while the non-crude oil export recorded N1trillion or 19.71 per cent of total export trade in Q2.”
In its products classification by sectors, the NBS said that total value of trade in agricultural goods in Q2 stood at N817.35billion, with the export component totaling N165.27billion while the import was valued at N652.08billion.
It added that top most of these exported agricultural products were good fermented Nigerian Cocoa beans exported mainly to Netherlands (N16.48billion), Malaysia (N9.32billion) and the United States of America (N8.41billion).
The NBS said that the total value of trade in solid mineral goods in Q2, stood at N63.68billion, with the export component of at N14.93billion while import was valued at N48.75billion.
According to it, the leading exported mineral products were cement exported to Niger Republic and Togo in values worth N3.12billion and N2.32billion.
For the manufactured goods sector, the value of trade stood at N4.51trillion representing 37.50 per cent of total trade.
It said that out of the figure, the export component accounted for N211.67billion while the import component was valued at N4.29trillion.
“The products that drove up manufactured products were vessels and other floating structures for breaking up, which was exported to Cameroon in the value worth N71.90billion.
“Vessels and other floating structures for breaking up were also exported to Spain and Equatorial Guinea in values worth N18.34billion and N6.26billion.
“In terms of manufactured imports, used vehicles were mainly imported from United States and Italy in values worth N33.78billion and N5.74billion.”
In the raw materials goods sector, total trade stood at N904.51billion with the import component valued at N840.50billion while the export component stood at N64.01billion.
The report said that import trade classified by region showed Asia as the leading partner with a record of N3.46trillion or 49.92 per cent with Europe with N2.30trillion or 33.16 per cent closely following.
Others are America with N869.1 billion, Africa N248.8billion and Oceania N58.1billion.
It added that out of the value recorded for Africa, import from ECOWAS countries accounted for N24.2billion.
It said that in its analysis of imports by country of origin, data showed that the majority of the goods imported during the quarter originated from China with value of N2.078trillion, followed by India with N570.01billion, Netherlands N557.16billion, United States N526.92billion.
The NBS said that export by section revealed that mineral products accounted for N4.63trillion or 91.29 per cent of total export trade.
“This was followed by vehicles, aircraft and parts, vessels at N141.73billion, vegetable products N92.80billion among others.
“In terms of regional trade, Nigeria exported most products to Asia (N1.84trillion), Europe (N1.82trillion), America (N806.81billion) and Africa (N584.11billion) while Oceania totaled N23.28billion with goods worth N363.3billion exported to ECOWAS.
“Analysis by country export trade showed that most goods were exported to India (N949.05billion or), Spain (N524.49billion), Canada (N355.60billion) and Netherlands (N298.29billion) and United States N256.63billion.”

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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