Emirates Airlines resumes daily flights from Dubai to Lagos, Nigeria

Emirates Airlines has restarted daily passenger flights to Nigeria, connecting Dubai and Lagos cities.

The first Dubai-Lagos flight was conducted on October 1, 2024, following a two-year suspension. Emirates halted it flights to Nigeria on October 29, 2022, due to trapped funds and the government’s inability to provide dollars for foreign carriers to take as their profits.

“This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are excited to resume operations to Lagos, helping reconnect travelers seamlessly to and through Dubai,” Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airlines, said in a press release published on October 3, 2024.

The new daily flight from Dubai to Lagos, EK783, is scheduled to leave Dubai at 09:45 local time and reach Lagos at 15:20 local time. The return flight, EK784, departs Lagos at 17:30 local time and arrives back in Dubai at 05:10 local time the following day. The new route is operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Dubai-Lagos service has been scheduled to optimize connections to and from key locations in Europe, the US, Far East and the wider Middle East, making it easier to travel to and from Nigeria. Emirates will also help travelers from Nigeria with 48-hour and 96-hour Dubai visa applications.

“We are pleased to welcome Emirates back to Nigeria,” Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, said. “Emirates has become a global brand and Nigeria, being the most populous black nation in the world, is the sure destination for all major airlines in the world.”

Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, will assist Nigerian businesses by providing over 300 tons of cargo space in and out of Lagos every week. The cargo will be sent to the markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain.

Nigeria is expected to receive imports from markets such as UAE, India and Hong Kong, featuring a variety of items such as general cargo, medicine and electronics.

By Goda Labanauskaitė, AeroTime

Related story: Ban lifted on Nigerian Travelers to UAE After president Tinubu’s Visit

 

Nigeria Looks To Jumpstart Natural Gas Sector with Tax Cuts

Nigeria is moving forward with a new policy framework aimed at jumpstarting its natural gas sector, hoping to draw in up to $10 billion in investments. The proposed measures include a series of tax incentives to attract both local and international investors to explore the country's deep-water gas resources.

The framework, which has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council, now awaits approval from the National Assembly. Once passed into law, this policy is expected to fast-track the development of Nigeria's natural gas infrastructure. Not only will this accelerate gas exploration and production, but it will also help the country transition away from relying heavily on fossil fuels for transportation. By doing so, Nigeria aims to boost its energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.

The Nigerian government's strategic push toward natural gas is part of a broader effort to secure long-term energy independence and stabilize the economy. By providing tax breaks and other incentives, the government is positioning the gas sector as a key growth area that can create jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce the nation's carbon footprint.

With the global shift toward cleaner energy, Nigeria's focus on natural gas development is timely. The success of this policy could significantly alter the nation's energy landscape and place it at the forefront of Africa's growing gas industry. Investors and industry professionals are now watching closely to see how quickly the new laws are implemented and how effectively they drive real change.

Earlier this week, Nigeria was set to approve the proposed $1.3-billion sale of ExxonMobil's shallow water assets to local firm Seplat. The transaction has been stuck at the regulatory approval level for months. While seeing its shallow water assets in Nigeria, it is looking to boost its deepwater investments in the country.

By Julianne Geiger, OilPrice

Borno state hit by cholera amid flood devastation

A cholera outbreak has hit Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, already reeling from floods that displaced nearly 2 million people, an official said on Friday.

Cholera outbreaks are not uncommon in Borno, the epicentre of a 15-year-old Islamist insurgency that has displaced thousands into camps and strained sanitation facilities and potable water sources.

Borno Health Commissioner Baba Mallam Gana told reporters that 17 cases have been recorded following tests, but no deaths so far.

"However, we are recording an increasing number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/suspected Cholera which is not unconnected with the flood devastation," Gana said.

Almost 500 cases of AWD have been recorded, Gana said, with five local government areas mostly affected.

Flooding in Borno began when a dam overflowed following heavy rains, displacing millions from their homes and damaging health facilities and other infrastructures.

Gana said that to combat the latest outbreak, the state got 300,000 oral cholera vaccine (OCV) doses from the federal health ministry, which have been distributed across displacement camps and flood-hit communities.

The state is waiting for an additional 600,000 doses of the vaccine to ensure adequate coverage, he said.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Video - Nigerians skeptical as president pledges investor-friendly policies

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu says the policies he's trying to implement, such as reducing taxes on businesses, will make it easy for investors to come into the country. He has called on citizens to be patient.

CGTN

At least 60 dead in Nigeria boat accident

Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 60 people were killed after a boat carrying mostly women and children returning from a religious festival in Nigeria's northern Niger state capsized this week, a local official said.

About 160 people have now been rescued after the wooden boat ferrying nearly 300 passengers sank on Tuesday night on the River Niger around the Gbajibo Community, said Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, chairman of the Mokwa local government area.

The boat was returning to Gbajibo from Mundi after the annual Maulud celebration when disaster struck, Muregi said in a statement late on Wednesday

Rescue operations are still ongoing, he said.

It was not yet clear why the boat sank.

Overcrowding and poor maintenance are responsible for most boat accidents on Nigerian waterways.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Related story: At least 20 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

 

Video - Nigeria launches cash grant program to support a million small-scale businesses

The program targets businesses with annual revenues below 3,000 U.S. dollars, offering each around 30 dollars. According to Nigeria’s Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, nearly 10 percent of the country’s 40 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises have closed since May last year due to various challenges.

CGTN

Chowdeck is hungry for Nigeria’s food delivery market. One day, it wants to be a ‘super-app for Africa’

When Femi Aluko found himself isolating at home during the Covid-19 pandemic one question kept coming to mind — how was he going to get food?

He says he struggled to find quick delivery options in Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos, because restaurants were either closed or had incredibly long waiting times. So, he took matters into his own hands and began searching for a solution.

He found his answer while on a trip to Dubai in 2021. Aluko was shocked by the efficiency of food delivery apps there. “It was just so fast,” he said. “I was like, ‘Yes, if this can work in Dubai, it can also work in Nigeria.’ I was going to come back and try it.”

In October 2021, Aluko and his co-founders launched Chowdeck. The on-demand food delivery app enables customers across eight Nigerian cities to order meals from about 2,000 participating restaurants. Aluko says the app has since grown to serve 600,000 customers and works with more than 6,000 delivery drivers.

A report by McKinsey and Company found the global food delivery market was worth $150 billion in 2021, noting a portion of that rapid growth was due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chowdeck team saw the opportunities within this global industry and wanted to be the homegrown company that led the way in Nigeria.

“I think that we currently still have a lot more demand than supply. Most delivery companies are struggling with heavy demand because they have a lot more people wanting to order food and trends have also shifted since Covid-19,” Aluko said.

Aluko admits the startup struggled to keep up with demand at times. “We scaled too fast … a lot of customers just bombard our platform,” he said, adding that the company is constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and deliver to its growing consumer base.

In April, Chowdeck received $2.5 million in seed-funding from several investors and the YCombinator startup accelerator. Aluko says this money will go toward optimizing delivery efficiency and expanding to additional cities throughout Nigeria. “The goal of the funding is to ensure that we’re able to provide and grant the best experience to our customers,” he said.
 

“Scratching the surface”

Food delivery apps having been gaining popularity around the world, with Uber Eats and DoorDash among the most used apps in Europe and the US respectively.

A report by management consulting firm IMARC found the country’s online food delivery market is expected to grow by more than 10% to reach nearly $2.4 billion in 2032. One necessity to boost business for on-demand delivery apps is internet access. For years, Nigeria has been increasing its internet penetration, with more than 40% of the population now having broadband access, according to the Nigeria Communications Commission.

In Africa, several startups including FoodCourt, Heyfood, and SendMe are vying to become the continent’s top food delivery app. Many are based in Nigeria, one of Africa’s richest countries, and have also been backed by the Y Combinator — which previously backed DoorDash .

Despite the growing competition in his back yard, Aluko and the Chowdeck team believe their company is just “scratching the surface.” Since launching, it has expanded beyond ready-to-eat food delivery by adding options for pharmacy, grocery, and package delivery services, in response to customer feedback.

As the company grows, Aluko hopes Chowdeck can one day become a “super app for Africa.” “I see us being the app on everyone’s phone … (so that) from travel to transport, everything that you need to do is available for you on one app,” he said.

By Jackie Prager, CNN

Related stories: Jumia to shutdown food delivery service in Nigeria

Nigeria's answer to amazon.com

Video - Nigeria deploys 10,000 armed rangers to protect farmers from insurgents

The farrmers say they can no longer tend to crops and livestock out of fear of being attacked. The violence drove away farmers, leaving fields barren and causing ripple effects throughout the country, including driving up food inflation.

CGTN

Related story: Nigeria deploys armed rangers to protect farmers

 

Video - Nigerian Netflix epic, Lisabi tops chart in Nigeria

A newly released Nigerian epic movie, Lisabi has topped the Netflix chart in Nigeria and entered the top 10 charts in Kenya and Mauritius. Lisabi is a legendary story of local rebellion against an oppressive empire and its agents derived from a Yoruba historical account.

Released on Friday, September 27, Lisabi is produced by Niyi Akinmolayan and features an exciting list of actors. These include Boma Akpore, Adebowale Adedayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta and Lateef Adedimeji.

Set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire, the movie attempts to tell to retell the story of the Oyo Empire, but from an angle not expected and not unfamiliar. It tells the story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the Egba people’s fight against the mighty Oyo Empire in the 18th century to highlight how bravery and unity can guarantee independence.

The Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful West African states at the time, exerted significant control over many neighbouring peoples, including the Egba. This control was marked by heavy tribute demands and forced labour.

Songodeyi, the ruthless head of the tribute collectors, alongside his brutal subordinates, terrorizes the Egba people, despite their compliance with the tribute demands. Their cruelty has no bounds—they take more than what is owed, rape young women, and kill anyone who dares to resist their tyranny. As their oppression worsens day by day, life becomes unbearable for the farmers and villagers of Egba land.

Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala was a resourceful Egba farmer who organised a rebellion against the oppressive Oyo rulers. With his strategic brilliance and leadership, Lisabi forms the Aaro society, a communal work group that secretly becomes the backbone of the uprising.

He also turned out to be a skilled military strategist and farmer who united several Yoruba groups to launch an attack against the Oyo Empire between 1775 and 1780.

According to the movie, Lisabi (Lateef Adedimeji) used the combined strength of his fellow farmers and the support of different deities to equip his folks to fight an evidently superior force and win their freedom.

Before gaining their independence, communities such as Ijaiye, Gbagura, and Igbeyin were all under the control of the Oyo Empire. Lisabi’s rebellion marks a turning point in Egba’s history, as he leads his people to victory and freedom from the Oyo Empire’s domination, cementing his legacy as a hero and liberator.

Technext

Video - President Tinubu 2024 Nigeria Independence Day Speech

 

Nigeria at 64: Tinubu announces employment scheme to create 2.5m jobs for Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an employment scheme, known as Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, LEEP, to create 2.5 million jobs for Nigerians directly and indirectly.

Tinubu made this known during his 64th Independence Day speech on Tuesday.

According to him, the initiative, which will commence in November 2024, aims to ensure the welfare and safety of workers across the country.

“In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

“It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country”, he said.

The president had also announced the national 30-day Youths Conference to address economic hardship.

According to him, the confab will ensure that the voices of youths are heard and recommendations implemented by his administration.

He said better days are ahead for Nigeria, urging Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.

By Ogaga Ariemu, Daily Post

Nigeria Set to Approve Exxon Sale of Oil, Gas Assets to Seplat

Nigeria is set to approve Exxon Mobil Corp.’s sale of its oil and gas assets to domestic energy supplier Seplat Energy Plc, President Bola Tinubu said.

The “divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days,” Tinubu said in a speech on Tuesday marking Independence Day in the West African nation. The move will “increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy,” he said.

Africa’s largest oil producer has consistently failed to meet its OPEC target because of years of underinvestment in its oil industry, a key driver of economic growth and government revenue. The country produced 1.48 million barrels of crude per day in August, compared with an OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Last week, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima said that Exxon is considering investing as much as $10 billion in the country’s offshore oil industry in coming years. Seplat has previously said that acquiring Exxon’s assets would almost quadruple the company’s oil output to more than 130,000 barrels per day.

Approving the sale of assets to Seplat will end a more than two-year hiatus that stalled the conclusion of the $1.3 billion transaction. Nigeria’s state oil company in June withdrew a legal challenge blocking that had blocked the transaction.

“Our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments, while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes,” Tinubu said.

The president said that economic reforms implemented by the government since he took office in May 2023 have attracted more than $30 billion in foreign direct investment to the country. While the policy overhaul has been welcome by foreign investors, it’s spawned a cost-of-living crisis in Africa’s most-populous nation that triggered deadly protests.

Other Highlights From Tinubu’s Speech:

. Since June 2023, the more disciplined approach adopted by the central bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in the foreign exchange market.

. Over the past 16 months, Nigeria’s debt-service ratio has been reduced to 68% from 97%, and foreign reserves have grown to $37 billion from $33 billion.

. Progress has been made in eliminating banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism in northern Nigeria.

Once passed into law, the Economic Stabilisation Bills approved by the Federal Executive Council will improve Nigeria’s business environment, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden.

By Ruth Olurounbi, Bloomberg