Importers operating under the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), South West Zone, have rejected a proposed shipping tariff hike announced by major shipping companies in the country, according to a report by The Nation Online Nigeria.   The group raised concerns after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, where shipping firms reportedly outlined plans to increase charges by 30 to 40 per cent following what they said was approval from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.   Acting Chairman of IMAN, Joseph Ajoku, said the association was not properly consulted before the announcement, insisting that an existing memorandum of understanding requires stakeholder engagement before any tariff adjustments.   He warned that importers could take legal action if the new charges are implemented without due process, noting that business groups, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders, had expressed similar concerns.   Ajoku said the proposed shipping tariff hike could significantly raise the cost of clearing cargo at Nigerian ports, particularly Apapa Port in Lagos, where clearing a container already costs between ₦15 million and ₦16 million.   He added that the increase could push costs close to ₦20 million, worsening pressure on import-dependent businesses already struggling with low sales and reduced consumer purchasing power.   The IMAN leader also criticised what he described as additional charges linked to empty container movement and storage, arguing that such operational costs should not be transferred to importers.   He further alleged that rising port charges are encouraging cargo diversion to neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic and Ghana, where clearance processes are cheaper.   Ajoku maintained that importers are not opposed to adjustments in principle but insisted that any shipping tariff hike must follow proper consultation and transparent engagement with stakeholders.   He warned that continued increases could fuel inflation and further strain consumers, as importers would ultimately pass higher costs on to end users.

Manchester City kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a dominant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, reducing the gap at the top of the table to two points as the title race heads into its final stretch. Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Savinho secured an important win for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. City moved to 77 points, while Arsenal remain on 79 with two matches left for both sides. Pep Guardiola’s men knew anything less than victory would have handed Arsenal the chance to seal their first Premier League title in 22 years with a win over Burnley on Monday. Instead, City produced a composed display to keep the race alive. Semenyo opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after a clever back-heel from Phil Foden released him inside the area, allowing the forward to fire into the bottom corner. City doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Foden redirected a cross into the path of Marmoush, who turned smartly before drilling his effort into the far corner. The England midfielder registered two first-half assists in a Premier League match for the first time in his career. Savinho wrapped up the victory in the 84th minute after collecting a through pass from Rayan Cherki and finishing from close range. Speaking after the match, Foden described the encounter as crucial to City’s fading title hopes. “It’s a massive game, must-win, so we are really happy,” he said. “The aim is to keep pushing and keep Arsenal on their toes. We’ve seen a lot of things can happen on the final day. We just have to keep pushing and doing our part.” Guardiola rotated his squad ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea, making six changes and leaving top scorer Erling Haaland out of the starting line-up. Despite the changes, City controlled the game throughout, dominating possession and limiting Palace’s attacking threat. The hosts finished with 72 per cent possession and 15 shots compared to Palace’s six. Defender Josko Gvardiol nearly added a fourth before halftime, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced an excellent save to deny his header. The result extended City’s unbeaten league run to January and ensured the title battle remains open heading into the closing fixtures of the season. Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted his side were second best on the night. “Today City were much better than we were, were too good for us,” Glasner said. “If you want to get a point, or even more, here at Etihad, you need a top performance, and we couldn’t deliver a top performance today.” City travel to Bournemouth next before hosting Aston Villa on the final day of the season. Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to stay within two points of Arsenal in the Premier League title race as Phil Foden inspired Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City, Arsenal, Premier League title race, Crystal Palace, Phil Foden, Manchester City vs Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola

The United States has announced a temporary relaxation of strict visa bond requirements for certain visitors attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns that thousands of football supporters could be priced out of the tournament.   According to Channels Television, citing AFP, the US State Department said on Wednesday it would waive visa bond payments for players taking part in the competition, as well as ticket-holding fans from participating countries who joined a special visa priority system.   The move follows criticism of a Trump-era immigration policy that required visa applicants from 50 developing countries to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 before entering the US. The money was to be refunded only after the traveller returned home.   Mora Namdar said the decision was aimed at balancing border security with the demands of hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events.   She said the administration remained committed to national security while ensuring legitimate travel for the World Cup, adding that the goal was to host the “biggest and best” tournament in history.   FIFA welcomed the change, describing it as evidence of close cooperation between football authorities and the US government to ensure a successful tournament.   The original bond policy sparked concerns among football stakeholders because several qualified nations were affected. These include Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.   Two other qualifiers, Haiti and Iran, were also facing near-total travel restrictions under wider US entry controls.   A study by Mendoza Law Firm found that the financial barrier could significantly reduce fan attendance, especially from poorer countries. It noted that in some affected nations, the top bond amount represented around three years of average earnings.   The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 and will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that its presidential primary for the 2027 general election will take place on May 23, 2026, contrary to reports circulating online that the exercise had been postponed.   The clarification came in a statement issued by Felix Morka, who described the reports on social media and other platforms as false and misleading.   According to the party’s revised timetable, the primaries for other elective offices will begin this week. The house of representatives primary is scheduled for May 15, followed by the senate primary on May 18. The state house of assembly primary is set for May 20, while the governorship primary will hold on May 21.   The party has already begun screening aspirants for the 2027 elections. Among governors screened were Abba Yusuf, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.   Others screened included Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.   The ruling party said the schedule remains unchanged, moving to quell uncertainty around its internal process as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.