Oshiomhole urged the Nigerian government to revoke the licenses of South African companies operating within its borders. He linked these calls to the deaths of at least two Nigerians since tensions escalated last month. He emphasized that Nigerians living in South Africa are economically productive and not dependent on the host country.

The former governor argued that nationalising MTN would create opportunities for local firms and send a strong message against economic targeting of Nigerians abroad. He stated, “If you hit me, I’ll hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It’s an economic struggle.” This marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with South Africa.

Oshiomhole also pointed out broader political dynamics, noting anti-immigrant sentiments prevalent in South Africa. His statements reflect growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt a stronger stance amid recurring xenophobic violence.

The Senate, however, did not adopt Oshiomhole’s position regarding the motion on these attacks. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for a review of all bilateral agreements with South Africa following the violence.

Victor Umeh, another political figure, added that “The AU, of which South Africa is a member, should raise now and impose necessary sanctions.” The situation continues to evolve as Nigerian citizens seek protection from escalating xenophobia abroad.

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The policy will remain effective until April 30, 2028. As of December 2024, China had already enacted a duty-free policy for 33 least-developed African nations. The first shipment benefiting from the new policy was 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa.

China’s trade deficit with Africa increased by 65% last year, reaching approximately $102 billion. African exports to China primarily consist of minerals and raw materials like crude oil and metallic ores. Analysts warn that tariff reductions alone cannot address deeper economic challenges in Africa.

Eswatini is one of only 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The exclusion of Eswatini from this policy is perceived as a political maneuver rather than an economic decision. It reflects China’s strategy to strengthen ties with Africa while isolating Taiwan diplomatically.

Key facts:

• 53 African countries will benefit from the zero-tariff policy.
• The policy will last until April 30, 2028.
• China’s trade deficit with Africa rose by 65% last year.
• African exports to China mainly include minerals and raw materials.

Lauren Johnston, a trade analyst, noted that “China positions itself as a trade liberaliser and Africa-friendly economic partner,” contrasting it with the U.S. approach under Donald Trump. Ken Gichinga added that these new measures aim to improve access to Chinese markets and close the trade deficit.

However, Wangari Kebuchi cautioned that “zero tariffs on commodities wey don already comot our shores unprocessed no go solve dat problem.” Wen-Ti Sung emphasized that China aims to demonstrate how it treats its friends compared to Taiwan’s allies.

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On March 12, 2026, tensions escalated in Cross River State, Nigeria, as troops from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army successfully foiled an ambush by suspected criminals. The incident unfolded early in the day, with the Nigerian Army responding promptly to the threat, which was critical in preventing further violence.

During the ambush, four armed attackers were neutralised, showcasing the effectiveness of the military’s rapid response. However, the confrontation resulted in injuries to one soldier, who was subsequently evacuated to Jennifer Hospital for treatment. In light of the incident, a curfew was imposed in the affected area to maintain law and order and prevent any potential escalation of violence.

Simultaneously, another alarming event occurred in Maiduguri, where bomb explosions rocked the vicinity of Monday Market at approximately 7:02 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene, with dead bodies on the ground and many injured individuals rushed to the State Specialist Hospital. The simultaneous detonations raised concerns about the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.

These incidents highlight the persistent security issues in Nigeria, which have been a significant concern for both the government and the citizens. The Nigerian Army’s ability to respond effectively to threats is crucial in maintaining stability in regions like Cross River State, where criminal activities have been on the rise.

In the broader context, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled for a state visit to the United Kingdom on March 17, 2026. This visit is notable as it marks the first time a Nigerian leader will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The timing of these security incidents raises questions about their potential impact on diplomatic relations and Nigeria’s international image.

Experts suggest that the visit carries symbolism beyond mere ceremony, reflecting the evolution of relations between Nigeria and the UK from historical ties to deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation. Temitope Ajayi, a political analyst, stated, “The partnership provides a platform for structured cooperation in the creative industries including film production, music, fashion and digital media while attracting more British investment into Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.”

As Nigeria grapples with these security challenges, the implications for its diplomatic engagements and internal stability remain significant. The ongoing violence in regions like Maiduguri and Cross River State underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and community engagement to restore peace and order.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of casualties from the Maiduguri bombings, but the situation continues to evolve as authorities respond to the aftermath of these incidents. The Nigerian government’s approach to these security threats will likely influence both domestic stability and international relations in the coming weeks.

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India and several other countries have declined to accept ambassadors nominated by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, primarily due to concerns regarding the short time left in his administration. This rejection poses significant challenges for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations as the next presidential election approaches in January 2027, with Tinubu’s current term concluding in May 2027.

The policy of rejecting ambassadors from governments with less than two years remaining in office has been a key factor in this diplomatic setback. India has explicitly signalled its reluctance to grant approval for Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to New Delhi, Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru. This situation reflects a broader trend, as only a few countries, including the United Kingdom and France, have granted agrément for Nigeria’s ambassadors thus far.

As of now, Nigeria has nominated 65 ambassadors and high commissioners, but only two of these nominees have received approval from host governments. The Nigerian government previously recalled ambassadors from more than 100 foreign missions in September 2023, which has left many diplomatic posts vacant for over two years. This delay in appointing ambassadors has compounded the challenges faced by Nigeria’s diplomatic push.

Countries are increasingly concerned that a new government could replace the ambassadors if the current administration fails to win the next election. A senior diplomat noted, “If you are less than two years to the end of the tenure, there will be difficulties accepting an ambassador.” This sentiment has been echoed by a presidency official, who stated, “They don’t accept an ambassador from an administration that has less than two years in office.” Such policies reflect a pragmatic approach to international diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria has secured funding for the mandatory induction course for ambassadors-designate, but the timeline for this initiative remains uncertain. With 109 diplomatic missions worldwide, the Nigerian government faces a pressing need to fill these vacancies and improve its diplomatic standing.

As countries like India adopt strict conventions regarding short-tenure ambassadors, there is a growing concern that others may follow suit. The exact number of additional countries that may reject Tinubu’s envoys is not disclosed, leaving Nigeria’s diplomatic future uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Nigeria will navigate these challenges and potentially convince other nations to make exceptions to their policies.

The underlying word here is pragmatism, as articulated by Amb Ogbole Amedu-Ode, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach in addressing these diplomatic hurdles. The coming months will be crucial for Nigeria as it seeks to bolster its international relations and secure the acceptance of its ambassadors in a rapidly changing political landscape.

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On March 5, 2026, at 08:00 GMT, a drone attack occurred in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, injuring two civilians and damaging the airport terminal building. This incident has heightened tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran, with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev seeking an apology from Iran.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the drone attacks, stating, “We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In response to the incident, Azerbaijan summoned the Iranian Ambassador and announced a full suspension of truck traffic on its state border with Iran.

Iran, however, denied any involvement in the drone attack, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has not targeted the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Instead, Iran suggested that Israel could be responsible for the attack, further complicating the situation.

The drone attacks specifically targeted civilian infrastructure in Nakhchivan, an exclave of Azerbaijan that borders both Iran and Turkiye. Turkiye has expressed support for Azerbaijan, condemning the drone attack and standing in solidarity with its ally.

In light of the escalating conflict, Azerbaijan has begun withdrawing its diplomatic personnel from Iran. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, noted that this process affects both the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Tabriz.

The backdrop of this incident includes ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, with Iran accusing Azerbaijan of transforming into an Israeli spy base. This accusation has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations in the region.

As the situation develops, the implications of these events are significant for all parties involved. The conflict not only affects bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran but also has broader regional implications, particularly in the context of US and Israeli interests in the area.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the diplomatic fallout and potential future actions by both Azerbaijan and Iran in response to this incident.

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