Here are the top five stories to kickstart your Friday:
1. Lilypond Terminal’s Export Success: $519 Million in Nine Months
The Nigeria Customs Service reports that Lilypond Terminal in Lagos achieved an impressive export milestone, processing 12,438 containers worth $519 million between January and September 2023. This export includes a diverse range of products, from agricultural produce to locally manufactured goods and solid minerals. The terminal operates under a government policy of zero export duty, except for re-exported goods, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating smooth cross-border trade.
2. Nigeria Seeks US Support to Boost Agriculture
Vice President Kashim Shettima met with US Special Envoy Cary Fowler to seek technical assistance for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Shettima emphasized the importance of mechanization, quality seeds, fertilization, and smart farming practices to enhance productivity beyond acreage. He expressed readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to address food security challenges in Nigeria and across Africa, believing that with US support, these challenges can be effectively overcome.
3. Aviation Authority’s Warning: Dry Season Weather Delays
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a caution to pilots and airline operators regarding hazardous weather conditions during the dry season. Dust haze from source regions can lead to reduced terminal visibility, potentially causing flight delays, diversions, or cancellations. The NCAA stressed the importance of recognizing the decrease in air-to-ground visibility and the potential obscurity of runways and markers due to dust haze, making navigation challenging. Airspace closure is mandated for safety when these conditions are observed or forecasted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
4. Egypt Adjusts Fuel Prices
Egypt has increased domestic petrol prices by up to 14.3 percent. The prices of 80-octane, 92-octane, and 95-octane petrol have risen by 1.25 Egyptian pounds each, resulting in prices of 10, 11.50, and 12.50 per liter, respectively. However, diesel prices remain unchanged at 8.25 pounds per liter. This price adjustment is based on quarterly reviews and aims to align with global market conditions and exchange rates, in compliance with commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
5. UN Experts Call for Gaza Ceasefire
A group of independent United Nations experts has called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, citing the “grave risk of genocide” faced by Palestinians. Nearly four weeks of Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip have resulted in more than 9,000 casualties, predominantly women and children, according to health authorities in the region. Israel contends it is targeting Hamas and accuses the militant group of using residents as human shields. The UN experts emphasize the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect the Palestinian population.
Stay informed with these key stories as you start your Friday.
