China said on Wednesday it would extend a suspension of additional tariffs on US goods for one year, making official an agreement reached in talks between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last week.

The two leaders held talks in South Korea at the end of October that effectively extended a delicate truce for a year, after several rounds of trade negotiations in recent months.

A statement published Wednesday on the Ministry of Finance website, citing Beijing’s State Council, said that “for one year the 24 percent tariff on US goods will continue to be suspended, (and) a 10 percent tariff on US goods will remain”.

The statement said the pause follows “the consensus reached in the China–US economic and trade consultations” and would be effective from November 10.

Trump on Tuesday formalised an agreement that Washington would cut its additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 20 percent to 10 percent, also effective from November 10.

Temperatures have spiked between the world’s two biggest economies this year as Washington and Beijing imposed escalating tariffs on each other’s products.

At one point, duties on both sides reached prohibitive triple-digit levels, hampering trade.

Advertisement

The two have been engaged in an uneasy truce since, as top economic leaders met several times for talks in recent months, with tensions surging over export controls and other issues.

In a separate statement, China said it would “cease implementing the additional tariff measures” imposed in a March order hitting a list of American farm products.

That move was a response to Trump doubling additional tariffs on Chinese goods over Beijing’s handling of fentanyl — now back to 10 percent starting next week.

Beijing had placed an additional 15 percent levy on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton imported from the US and an additional 10 percent tariff on American soybeans, pork, beef, dairy and other farm products.

That had hurt a key source of Trump’s political support: farmers.

More than half of US soybean exports went to China last year, but Beijing halted all orders as the trade dispute deepened.

Also following talks, Beijing agreed to suspend for one year restrictions on the export of rare earths technology.

Advertisement

Rare earths are a strategic field dominated by China and are essential for manufacturing in defence, automobiles and consumer electronics.

Washington in turn agreed to suspend for one year a move imposing “Entity List” export restrictions on affiliates of blacklisted foreign companies in which they had at least a 50 percent stake, the Chinese commerce ministry said.

The United States also said it would halt for a year measures targeting China’s shipbuilding industry that led to both sides applying port fees against each other’s ships, it said.

China would suspend its “countermeasures” after the US action, they added, for one year too.

PUNCH

Advertisement

Following its designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’, the United States has said it will work with the Federal Government to take decisive actions aimed at arresting perpetrators of religious violence, protecting Christians, and rescuing those held hostage, as reported by The PUNCH.

The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler — whose recommendation led President Donald Trump to blacklist Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom — disclosed this while welcoming the US leader’s decision.

Hartzler, in a statement, commended Trump for taking steps to address what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

China, however, voiced strong support for Nigeria and criticised what it called foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Trump had announced Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, alleging that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” and claiming that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamists.

He warned that the United States could take decisive measures — including possible military intervention — if the Bola Tinubu administration failed to act.

In its reaction, the Federal Government rejected the US claim, describing it as inconsistent with facts, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating violent extremism, protecting citizens, and promoting religious freedom and inclusiveness.

Advertisement

As part of its response to Nigeria’s alleged violations, the United States Congress is considering a bill that would impose severe sanctions on state governors, public officials, and non-state actors involved in enforcing the Sharia Penal Code.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, has passed second reading and been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.

The draft legislation, S. 2747, dated September 9, 2025, is titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.’ It directs the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, impose specific sanctions, and take other related measures.

The proposed legislation also targets terrorist groups and individuals implementing or supporting Islamic laws in the country.

Under the draft law, penalties would extend to judges, magistrates, prison officials, and other judicial or law enforcement officers found complicit in terrorism, corruption, or the enforcement of blasphemy laws.

It specifically includes anyone responsible for prosecuting, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving individuals of their liberty on charges of blasphemy.

Reacting to the executive action, the USCIRF chair, Vicky Hartzler, said, “USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.”

Advertisement

“The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued,” she added in a statement published on the commission’s website on Monday.

The USCIRF vice chair, Asif Mahmood, also told The PUNCH in an emailed response on Tuesday that the commission would ensure the Trump administration implements a series of executive actions against Nigeria, which it described as a serial violator of religious freedom since 2009.

During Trump’s first administration, the US State Department had placed Nigeria on its Special Watch List in 2019 and designated it as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020, citing recurring violent attacks against religious communities.

“The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom welcomes President Trump’s making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” the statement read. “USCIRF has recommended this designation since 2009 because of the government’s engagement in and tolerance of systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.”

The statement cited several recent incidents, including the killing of at least 200 people — among them internally displaced persons — at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June, and the murder of at least 27 worshippers during an early-morning mosque attack in Katsina State in August.

“These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians’ ability to freely express their faith,” it added.

Mahmood noted that, in addition to violence by non-state actors, the Nigerian government must also be held accountable for allowing the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states.

Advertisement

“Enforcing these laws and tolerating violence targeting Christians, Muslims, and other communities justify the CPC designation,” he said. “Now the administration can use this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act to incentivise needed change in the country.”

In his email to The PUNCH, Mahmood reiterated that Nigerian authorities had “repeatedly failed to address ongoing violence targeting religious communities.”

“In our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, we reported on violence targeting religious communities where Nigerian authorities far too often fail to adequately respond,” he wrote.

He explained that USCIRF uses international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under the International Religious Freedom Act, to determine when to recommend a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”

“Nigeria has met that standard since 2009,” Mahmood said, noting that 12 state governments continue to enforce strict blasphemy laws used to prosecute Christians, Muslims, and humanists for alleged insults to religion.

He added that the USCIRF, in its annual reports, had repeatedly recommended policy actions the US government and Congress could adopt to improve religious freedom conditions in Nigeria.

“Now that President Trump has named Nigeria a CPC, the International Religious Freedom Act empowers the US government to execute multiple Presidential Actions,” Mahmood said. “We encourage the administration to do so and not to waive these actions.”

Advertisement

On steps Nigeria could take to secure a reprieve, Mahmood explained that ending or significantly reducing “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” violations of religious freedom, as outlined in USCIRF’s Annual Report, was the key condition for removal from its list of Countries of Particular Concern.

“Our recommendation is based on international human rights law, facts on the ground, and our statutory mandate,” he stated. “USCIRF’s monitoring and reporting efforts are ongoing, and our next CPC recommendations will be included in our 2026 Annual Report, which is due to Congress no later than May 1 of each year.”

Beijing backs Tinubu

However, the People’s Republic of China has strongly criticised the US action against Nigeria, describing it as a flagrant interference in the country’s internal affairs.

At a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China stood firmly with Nigeria in pursuing its own development path and opposed the use of religion or human rights as tools for political pressure.

Her remarks, circulated by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, read, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national realities.

“We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights. We also oppose the wanton threat of sanctions or the use of force.”

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu was taking concrete steps to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Idris said his discussions with Tinubu included the recent US comments on Nigeria.

He noted that the President had called for calm, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains focused on strengthening national security and promoting unity amid growing international scrutiny.

“It’s a routine meeting that we always have with Mr President,” Idris said. “Of course, the issue of the US also came up, and we discussed that extensively.”

According to him, the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation,” while working to ensure the international community better understands Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.

“Only last week, Mr President, in his desire to reinvigorate the country’s security architecture, appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. That tells you he’s been working seriously to ensure Nigeria remains safe for all,” Idris added.

He explained that the government was deliberately keeping its diplomatic tone measured while expanding engagement with international partners to clarify Nigeria’s position.

Advertisement

“We are opening channels of communication so that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to address any domestic or international concerns,” he said.

Responding to calls for broader engagement with religious and community leaders, Idris said Tinubu had adopted a multi-pronged approach.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking industry.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded the Agbor-born banking czar for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and for pioneering innovations that have redefined modern banking in the country.

Governor Oborevwori commended Ovia’s unwavering commitment to excellence, corporate governance, and youth empowerment through his numerous philanthropic interventions, particularly in education, entrepreneurship and security.

He said Ovia’s life and career remain a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, noting that his achievements have placed Delta State and Nigeria on the global financial map.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dear elder statesman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary on November 4.

“Dr. Jim Ovia is a quintessential entrepreneur whose foresight and leadership have not only transformed Nigeria’s banking sector, but also empowered countless individuals and institutions,” Oborevwori stated.

The Governor joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the renowned banker, praying God to grant him long life, good health, and greater wisdom to continue contributing to national development.

Advertisement

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.

The award, which also recognised Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrates outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the organisers of AFRIFF for the recognition, reaffirming Delta State Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the creative sector.

Onyeme said: “On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate.

“Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa.”

The Deputy Governor further highlighted the state’s initiatives to boost the creative economy, noting that Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses.

Speaking further, he said; “rhe last administration built a massive entertainment complex housing film studios, cinemas, and children’s recreational facilities.

Advertisement

“The current administration is planning to go even further by establishing a full-fledged film village, a mini-Hollywood, where actors, musicians, and other professionals can live and work.

“Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive.”

In his remarks, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, commended AFRIFF for instituting the award in his son’s honour, describing the festival as a vital platform for Africa’s creative advancement.

“Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa.

“This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape”, he said.

A significant diplomatic issue is emerging as twelve northern governors, along with prominent traditional rulers and senior judges in Nigeria, are under scrutiny by the United States Congress.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that could impose extensive sanctions on these officials, citing allegations of involvement in what some U.S. representatives characterize as a “Christian genocide” and systematic persecution occurring under Nigeria’s sharia and blasphemy laws.

This follows the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump and his instruction to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act without delay.

On Friday, Trump, in a post on Truth, lamented that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria and asked Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into the matter and report back to him.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution.

The bill proposes direct sanctions against public officials and religious authorities accused of promoting or tolerating violence against Christians and other religious minorities.

In December 2020, the US Department of State designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for the first time ever due to what it termed systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, violent Boko Haram attacks, and frequent ethno-religious conflicts exacerbated by the judiciary system.

Advertisement

Under the bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, the US Secretary of State will, within 90 days of its passage, submit a report to Congress listing Nigerian officials, including governors, judges, and monarchs who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification.”

The sanctions, to be implemented under Executive Order 13818, the US government’s Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, could result in visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions for those found culpable.

One of the highlights of the bill is the implementation of Sharia law in northern Nigeria, which it termed the blasphemy law, and believed to be against the Christian population.

Sharia, derived from Islamic jurisprudence, has long existed as a system of personal, moral, and communal regulation among Muslim communities in northern Nigeria.

The major turning point came between 1999 and 2000, shortly after Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, when several northern states, beginning with Zamfara under Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima, expanded Sharia’s jurisdiction to include criminal law and public morality.

Within two years, about 12 northern states had adopted similar Sharia-based penal codes and established parallel Sharia courts alongside existing secular courts.

The affected states include Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe.

Advertisement

However, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa, though with significant Muslim populations, still operate under the conventional secular legal system, with Sharia limited only to personal status matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family issues for Muslims, rather than criminal or public law.

Recently, the Sharia Council announced moves to establish its presence in parts of the South, beginning with Oyo and Ogun states.

The development sparked tension as both Christian and Muslim groups clashed over the perceived introduction of Sharia in the two states.

The tension, however, eased after the council clarified that it was not setting up a court of law but rather arbitration panels to mediate Muslim-related disputes and offer non-binding advice.

Cruz, while defending the bill, said Nigeria’s leadership had “institutionalised sharia law and enabled jihadist violence.”

“Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria is endemic.

“Since 2009, over 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 20,000 churches and faith institutions destroyed, and dozens of villages wiped out. The federal and state governments have failed to act, and in many cases, they are complicit.”

Advertisement

The bill underscores that since the adoption of sharia law in Zamfara State in 2000, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, nearly all 19 northern states had adopted blasphemy provisions in their legal codes.

States such as Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Katsina have drawn global outrage for death sentences imposed over alleged blasphemy, while even southern states like Oyo and Ogun, both with Sharia panels, may now come under investigation.

New reports have emerged regarding individuals and groups allegedly inciting President Donald Trump of the United States to enforce a military invasion in Nigeria.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has directed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians.

This situation has generated a wide range of reactions within Nigerian communities, and some individuals have been accused of inciting the U.S. government against the Nigerian government.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.

In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.

Advertisement

“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.

“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.

MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.

“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.

MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.

“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.

Advertisement

It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.

While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.

“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.

The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.

Meanwhile, social media platforms have witnessed significant discourse surrounding the notable silence of prominent Nigerian politicians, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

As these political figures begin to prepare for their campaigns for the upcoming 2027 elections, their lack of commentary regarding the U.S. government’s statement on potential military intervention in Nigeria has drawn attention.

Users on various social media sites have expressed concern over this reticence, prompting questions about whether these leaders are prioritizing their political aspirations over urgent national matters.

Advertisement

READ ALSO

FULL LIST: 15 States Likely To Be Targeted If US Carries Out Strike In Nigeria; Reason Emerges