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• March 31, 2025
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US: Trump’s team considering global tariffs of up to 20%

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump is hurrying to determine the specifics of its new tariff agenda ahead of its self-imposed deadline of Wednesday. The Trump’s administration is reportedly considering possibilities after promising to remake the American economy with a slew of new levies. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed people familiar
US: Trump’s team considering global tariffs of up to 20%

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump is hurrying to determine the specifics of its new tariff agenda ahead of its self-imposed deadline of Wednesday.

The Trump’s administration is reportedly considering possibilities after promising to remake the American economy with a slew of new levies.

The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed people familiar with the discussions as saying that one key point of debate is whether to impose individualized tariff rates for US trading partners.

Trump had recently hinted this move in recent weeks and also the option of sticking to his campaign promise of an across-the-board tariff that would affect nearly every country doing business with the US.

WSJ reports that Trump’s advisers have considered imposing global tariffs of up to 20% that would hit virtually all US trading partners.

The American leader is also considering implementing a series of new industry-specific tariffs that could hit crucial minerals and products containing them.

DAILY POST reports that Tariffs are customs duties levied on certain merchandise imports or a category of products.

Governments impose tariffs to help local producers and manufacturers be more competitive in the market, among other things.

US: Trump’s team considering global tariffs of up to 20%

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• March 31, 2025
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Iran rebuffs Trump threat over nuclear deal

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said the US would receive a strong blow if it acts on President Donald Trump’s threat if Tehran does not reach a new nuclear deal with Washington. DAILY POST reports that Trump reiterated his threat on Sunday that Iran would be bombed if it does not accept
Iran rebuffs Trump threat over nuclear deal

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said the US would receive a strong blow if it acts on President Donald Trump’s threat if Tehran does not reach a new nuclear deal with Washington.

DAILY POST reports that Trump reiterated his threat on Sunday that Iran would be bombed if it does not accept his offer for talks outlined in a letter sent to Iran’s leadership in early March, giving Tehran a two-month window to make a decision.

He threatened Iran on Sunday with bombing, and also with what he called secondary tariffs, if Tehran did not come to a new agreement with Washington over its nuclear program.

“The enmity from the U.S. and Israel has always been there. They threaten to attack us, which we don’t think is very probable, but if they commit any mischief they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow.

“And if they are thinking of causing sedition inside the country as in past years, the Iranian people themselves will deal with them,” Khamenei said.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities blame the West for recent unrest including 2022-2023 protests over the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained for allegedly flouting hijab rules, and nationwide protests in 2019 over fuel price rises.

Last week, Iran responded to the US letter, with President Masoud Pezeshkian explaining on Sunday that Tehran would not enter direct negotiations with Washington but was willing to continue talks indirectly as per an injunction from Khamenei.

Trump, in his first 2017-21 term, withdrew the US from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran’s disputed nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump also reimposed sweeping US sanctions.

Since then, Iran has far surpassed that deal’s limits on uranium enrichment.
Western powers accuse Iran of having a clandestine agenda to develop nuclear weapons capability by enriching uranium to a high level of fissile purity, above what they say is justifiable for a civilian atomic energy program.

Tehran said its nuclear programme is wholly for civilian energy purposes.

Iran rebuffs Trump threat over nuclear deal

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• March 31, 2025
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Wike, Fubara need to reveal real cause of Rivers crisis – Gov’s aide, Omotsegunwa

Jerry Omotsegunwa, the Special Assistant to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara on Electronic Media, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and the governor need to clarify the cause of their conflict. Omotsegunwa said, “The FCT minister has not told us anything that led to the crisis,
Wike, Fubara need to reveal real cause of Rivers crisis – Gov’s aide, Omotsegunwa

Jerry Omotsegunwa, the Special Assistant to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara on Electronic Media, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and the governor need to clarify the cause of their conflict.

Omotsegunwa said, “The FCT minister has not told us anything that led to the crisis, and the governor too has not provided any clarity.”

In a statement he issued, Omotsegunwa said Fubara still does not know why Wike turned against him.

The political crisis between Fubara and Wike led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

Tinubu also suspended Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly.

Commenting on the crisis, the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said the crisis was over money.

In an interview on DW, Amaechi criticized Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers, calling it unconstitutional.

However, Omotsegunwa described Amaechi’s claim as a personal opinion because the real cause of the crisis is unknown.

“As it stands right now, I will not dispute Amaechi’s position even though he has the right to his own opinion.

“This crisis has dragged on for almost two years now, and nobody has told us what the actual problem is.

“The other day, when they talked about impeaching the governor, he asked, ‘What is my offence?’ And the FCT minister said the governor tried to destroy his structure and all. These matters put together, we’ve not been able to decipher.

“So, as much as I don’t want to say he has lied, I also say he has the right to his own opinion, and that is his personal opinion,” Omotsegunwa said.

Wike, Fubara need to reveal real cause of Rivers crisis – Gov’s aide, Omotsegunwa

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• March 31, 2025
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West African juntas impose levy on imported goods

West African neighbours of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have imposed a new 0.5% levy on imported goods. They said this in a statement as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc. DAILY POST reports that the Alliance of Sahel States began in 2023 as a security
West African juntas impose levy on imported goods

West African neighbours of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have imposed a new 0.5% levy on imported goods.

They said this in a statement as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc.

DAILY POST reports that the Alliance of Sahel States began in 2023 as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries, who all took power in coups in recent years.

It has since grown into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.

According to the statement, the levy was agreed on Friday and will take effect immediately.

The levy, it was gathered, will affect all goods imported from outside the three countries, but will not include humanitarian aid, the statement said.

The move ends free trade across West Africa, whose states have for decades fallen under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and highlights the rift between the three states that border the Sahara Desert and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.

The juntas of the three countries announced plans to leave ECOWAS last year, accusing the bloc of failing to assist in their fight against Islamist insurgents and ending insecurity.

ECOWAS had imposed economic, political and financial sanctions on the three in a bid to force them to return to constitutional order, to little effect.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are some of the poorest countries in the world and have been overrun by an armed Islamist insurgency over the past decade.

The violence, committed by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, has killed thousands, forced millions to flee, and eroded faith in the democratically-elected governments who initially struggled to contain it.

West African juntas impose levy on imported goods

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• March 31, 2025
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Interview with HFM Nigeria MD, Ope Abiola, leading advocate on Forex and CFD trading regulation

Question: HFM has built a strong reputation in Nigeria’s online trading space. Can you share how trust and security have shaped your journey so far? HFM MD: Absolutely. Trust and security have been the foundation of our growth in Nigeria. From the beginning, we understood that online trading, especially CFDs, can be complex and intimidating
Interview with HFM Nigeria MD, Ope Abiola, leading advocate on Forex and CFD trading regulation

Question: HFM has built a strong reputation in Nigeria’s online trading space. Can you share how trust and security have shaped your journey so far?

HFM MD: Absolutely. Trust and security have been the foundation of our growth in Nigeria. From the beginning, we understood that online trading, especially CFDs, can be complex and intimidating for many retail investors. So, we focused on transparency, regulatory alignment, and providing a secure platform. That’s how we built credibility. We’ve also invested heavily in client education and personalized support, which we believe has earned us the trust of many Nigerian traders today.

Question: With growing concerns about fraud and financial scams in online trading, what steps is HFM taking to enhance trust and security, particularly in CFD trading? What specific measures are in place to protect retail investors from risks like leverage misuse, fraud, or platform vulnerabilities?

HFM MD: At HFM, client protection is at the core of everything we do. We take fraud prevention, responsible use of leverage, and fund security extremely seriously, and have implemented multiple layers of safeguards to create a secure and transparent trading environment.

Starting with client onboarding, we enforce strict KYC/AML procedures to verify identity and prevent fraudulent activity. Our real-time trade monitoring systems are designed to detect and address suspicious behaviour. When it comes to leverage, clients are given full control to adjust it based on individual risk tolerance and trading strategies, and we provide comprehensive risk information before any trading begins.

To ensure fund security, all client deposits are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, separate from the company’s operational funds. This means that no matter the market conditions, client funds remain protected. We also partner with leading liquidity providers to maintain a strong financial position that supports smooth, reliable trade execution.

On the technology front, our infrastructure is regularly audited, stress-tested, and protected by advanced encryption protocols. We offer Two-Factor Authentication for an added layer of account security. Additionally, our market-leading insurance program offers coverage against fraud, operational errors, and other unforeseen risks. A dedicated risk monitoring framework operates around the clock to safeguard client interests.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide a safe and transparent environment where traders can focus on their strategies with full confidence.

Question: Investor protection is critical, but so is innovation. How does HFM balance regulatory compliance with fostering growth in CFD trading?

HFM MD: It’s a fine balance, but one we’ve managed carefully. We view compliance not as a burden but as a backbone that gives clients confidence to trade. At the same time, we continue to innovate, whether it’s through new trading tools, intuitive interfaces, or mobile access that democratizes trading. Our product development and compliance teams work hand-in-hand to ensure every innovation aligns with the highest regulatory standards while offering users a seamless experience.

Question: How is HFM collaborating with regulators like the SEC to ensure compliance while maintaining its competitive advantage?

HFM MD: We’re very proactive in this space and we’ve had ongoing conversations with the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the urgent need to regulate CFD trading in Nigeria. At HFM, we see regulation not as a hurdle but as a competitive advantage, it filters out bad actors, raises industry standards, and builds long-term trust. As a global brand regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Dubai, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus, we bring deep regulatory experience to the table.

Our engagement with the SEC focuses on helping establish clear, practical guidelines that govern CFD trading in a way that protects investors while supporting innovation. We want to ensure traders operate within a transparent, structured framework where their funds are safe, execution standards are high, and market practices align with global best practices. A well-regulated market attracts more participants, increases credibility, and drives sustainable growth across the financial ecosystem.

With a significant and growing client base in Nigeria, we recognize the responsibility we carry. That’s why we’re not just supporting regulation, we’re actively engaging with the SEC to help shape fair and effective guidelines that foster integrity, protect traders, and elevate the overall standard of the CFD trading industry in Nigeria. Our ultimate goal is to be the most transparent and trusted CFD broker in the country.

Question: What internal safeguards does HFM have to detect and prevent misconduct by traders, third-party brokers, or bad actors on the platform? How do HFM’s security policies on CFDs enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination for foreign traders?

HFM MD: Internally, we have a dedicated compliance and risk team that monitors activity around the clock. We also have advanced algorithms that flag suspicious trading behaviours or patterns, whether it’s insider abuse, or any unauthorized activity from third-party partners. When issues arise, they’re escalated immediately and investigated thoroughly. These safeguards help protect our clients.

Question: With stricter CFD regulations, is there a risk of traders shifting to unregulated platforms? How does HFM plan to retain users while ensuring compliance and security?

HFM MD: It’s a valid concern. Some traders may be tempted by unregulated platforms offering excessive incentives or zero disclosures. But we believe most clients, especially in today’s climate, value protection and trust over short-term gains. Our strategy is to educate users about the risks of unregulated brokers and continue offering world-class support, transparent pricing, and local expertise. Compliance and client retention go hand-in-hand when users see that their long-term success is our priority.

Question: Does HFM mandate clear risk warnings, leverage limits, or enhanced disclosure requirements for CFD traders? Are there plans to strengthen these safeguards?

HFM MD: Yes, absolutely. Risk warnings are mandatory on all our CFD products, and we tailor those disclosures in clear, non-technical language for Nigerian users. We’ve also implemented dynamic leverage limits based on trader experience and account type. And we’re constantly reviewing our policies, especially as regulation evolves. We’re even planning to introduce more AI-driven risk profiling to customize trading limits and alerts based on each client’s behaviour and exposure.

Question: Beyond CFDs, are there other high-risk instruments (e.g., crypto derivatives) that HFM is looking to regulate more strictly for investor protection?

HFM MD: Yes, CFD regulation should cover all CFD products, including crypto CFDs. While they offer opportunities, they also carry significant risks, especially for retail investors who may not fully understand the volatility involved. We want to continue to make these products accessible, but only within a framework that puts investor protection first.

Question: How does HFM’s approach to CFD regulation align with Nigeria’s broader goal of deepening capital markets while ensuring financial stability?

HFM MD: We see ourselves as a bridge between retail traders and the broader capital market ecosystem. By championing safe, regulated CFD trading, we’re helping introduce new participants to financial markets, many of whom may eventually graduate to equities, ETFs, or even direct capital market investments. Our compliance-driven model aligns with Nigeria’s financial stability goals while expanding access to wealth-building tools. It’s about growing the market responsibly.

Looking ahead, we’re also planning to introduce CFDs on the stocks of select Nigerian listed companies. This will give local investors the opportunity to hedge their traditional equity positions using stock CFDs, something that’s currently missing in the local market. Not only does this expand the utility of CFDs for Nigerian traders, but it also strengthens the overall market infrastructure by offering more sophisticated risk management tools. In our view, this is perfectly aligned with Nigeria’s ambition to deepen capital markets and attract more domestic investors.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time. It’s clear why HFM is a leader in financial trading.

HFM MD: Thank you. It was a pleasure speaking with you.

Interview with HFM Nigeria MD, Ope Abiola, leading advocate on Forex and CFD trading regulation