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African Airlines Recorded Weakest Cargo Demand In August — IATA

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  • As demand drops by 4.7 percent

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says air cargo demand in Africa dropped by 4.7 percent, year-on-year, in August 2023.

In a report on Tuesday, IATA said African airlines had the weakest performance compared to Asia-Pacific airlines, European carriers, North American airlines, Middle Eastern carriers, and Latin American carriers.

“African airlines had the weakest performance in August 2023, with a 4.7% decline in cargo volumes compared to August 2022,” IATA said.

IATA said the decline is significant relative to the 2.3 percent growth recorded in July.

This, the group said, is partly due to the 1.1 percent decline recorded on the Africa-Asia routes in August (the same route grew by 11.2 percent in July).

However, the association said available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), a measurement for available total cargo capacity, increased by 3.8 percent above August 2022 levels.

The association also provided data on the cargo performance of airlines in other regions outside Africa.

According to IATA, Asia-Pacific airlines recorded an increase of 4.9 percent in air cargo volumes in August this year, while available capacity rose by 28.5 percent.

North American carriers’ air cargo volumes decreased by 1.2 percent in the review month, but available cargo capacity increased by 2.7 percent, the organisation said.

The association said air cargo volumes for European carriers also declined by 0.2 percent in August 2023, while available cargo capacity increased by 3.6 percent.

Similarly, carriers in the Middle East experienced a 1.4 percent rise in cargo volumes despite a 15.7 percent rise in cargo capacity.

Latin American airlines saw a 6.2 percent increase in cargo volumes, which IATA described as the strongest performance in August this year.

The continent’s available cargo capacity in the same month in 2023 recorded a growth of 13.7 percent.

Global Airline Market Performance In August

Meanwhile, IATA said global air cargo markets recorded a 1.5 percent (year-on-year) growth in cargo demand, the first in 19 months.

“The industry-wide air cargo demand, measured by cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), stood at 20.7 billion in August, with seasonally-adjusted (SA) CTKs at 20.8 billion,” IATA said.

“Compared with the previous year, global CTKs grew by 1.5% year-on-year (YoY), which is the first annual growth seen by the industry since February 2022. However, industry CTKs remained 1.3% lower than their pre-pandemic level in 2019.”

The air transport group said cargo capacity was up by 12.2 percent in the review period compared to August 2022.

The growth was supported largely by storage space in the underside or belly of a passenger aircraft.

The belly capacity rose by 30 percent as airlines ramped up operations to meet peak-northern summer travel season demand.

According to IATA global air cargo capacity registered 49.3 billion available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs) in August, adding that “industry ACTKs were 12.2% higher than the levels in August 2022 and 3.9% higher than 2019 levels”.

BIG STORY

Tinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight

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President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

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BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

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The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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