…partners Naija Diaspora Magazine

Afrijet-FlyGabon, a prominent airline recognized for its regional connections across Central and West Africa, has officially launched a new flight route connecting Douala, Cameroon, to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This new route, set to begin operations this month, will provide a direct air link between these two bustling cities, enhancing both business and leisure travel opportunities in the region.

As part of its commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa, Afrijet-FlyGabon has appointed Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo as the new Country Director for both Cameroon and Nigeria. With extensive experience in aviation management and international relations, Ms. Noutchemo Simo will oversee the airline’s operations, growth, and strategic partnerships in these key markets.

In preparation for the new route, the Country Manager of Afrijet-FlyGabon, along with Ms. Noutchemo Simo, visited the Consuls General of Nigeria in Douala and Buea earlier this month. The purpose of the visits was to inform the consuls about the launch of the new route and to seek their support for strengthening bilateral ties and regional connectivity. These engagements highlight Afrijet-FlyGabon’s dedication to fostering diplomatic relations and collaborations across the Central and West African regions.

Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo

Additionally, in a strategic move to broaden its customer base, Afrijet-FlyGabon has entered into a partnership with Naija Diaspora Magazine. This collaboration aims to engage Nigerians, as well as other nationals, encouraging them to take advantage of the newly introduced Douala-Port Harcourt flight and explore the services provided by Afrijet-FlyGabon. The partnership will leverage the magazine’s wide readership within the Nigerian diaspora, fostering greater awareness and patronage of Afrijet-FlyGabon’s expanding network.

To celebrate the launch of the new route, Afrijet-FlyGabon will host a press conference cocktail event later this month, bringing together key stakeholders, media representatives, and members of the diplomatic community. This event will showcase the significance of the new route, discuss the airline’s vision for further regional expansion, and highlight the growing collaboration between Afrijet-FlyGabon and Naija Diaspora Magazine.

The new Douala-Port Harcourt route is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Cameroon and Nigeria. This direct flight service promises increased convenience for business travelers, as well as enhanced opportunities for tourism and cross-border collaborations. Through the leadership of Ms. Noutchemo Simo and the strategic launch of this route, Afrijet-FlyGabon continues to reaffirm its dedication to improving regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across Central and West Africa.

For more information on flight schedules and bookings, please visit Afrijet-FlyGabon’s official website.

Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is proving to be a magnet for travelers every year during the festive period known as ‘Detty December’, with new data revealing how the city’s annual celebration contributed to the country’s economy, according to Forbes Africa.

Independent research by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited shows that between November 19 and December 26 last year, Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) handled around 550,000 inbound passengers. Nearly 90% of these arrivals were Nigerians living abroad, flying in primarily for leisure and tourism.

Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, says his team surveyed hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs to compile the data.

The top five countries of origin were the United States, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with most visitors heading to Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun states in Nigeria. Lagos alone attracted an estimated 1.2 million tourists. Of those, 60% were domestic travelers, driven by insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.

The influx of visitors brought a surge in hotel bookings and short-let apartment rentals. December hotel revenue in Lagos hit N54 billion ($36 million) from 15,000 bookings.

Short-term apartment rentals contributed another N21 billion ($13 million), with nearly 6,000 bookings made at an average nightly rate of N120,000 ($74.7).

Lagos’ nightlife was a major winner, with the top 15 lounges and nightclubs generating N4.32 billion ($2.7 million). On average, clubs raked in N360 million ($224,000) per day, with some tables fetching as much as N1.2 million per night ($746.7).

Beaches and resorts accounted for 70% of the N4.5 billion ($2.8 million) generated from recreational activities.

Lagos’ event centers hosted 1,175 bookings, earning a combined N1.2 billion ($804,000).

Luxury car rentals also saw a boom, with N1.5 billion ($937,500) spent on 750 bookings. Daily rates ranged from N200,000 ($124.4) to N2 million ($1,244) for high-end vehicles.

Omosebi notes that Lagos’ hospitality sector is increasingly reliant on cryptocurrency platforms.

“Eighty five percent of conversion to Naira and payments were done through this exchange platform. A number of bookings were done through agents rather than through booking platforms, which speaks to trust concerns and the power-play of agents in the industry,” Omosebi says to FORBES AFRICA.

He adds that ‘Detty December’ could bring in up to $2 billion in foreign exchange by 2026, provided the government addresses infrastructure, security, and supply chain challenges.

“The industry is evolving and we would start seeing niche focused hospitality and tourism experiences… There’s massive opportunity in bespoke event centers for concerts and shows,” Omosebi says.

Forbes Africa

The Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), says it has generated N102.5 billion revenues in the Kano/Jigawa Command in 2024.

The Comptroller, Dauda Chana said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Kano.

He said the figures represented 94 per cent increase in the revenue generated in the previous year, and attributed the feat to the strategic revenue collection approach adopted by the command.

On anti smuggling campaign, Chana said the command seized contraband goods with N235,290,320 Duty Paid Value (DPV).

He listed the items to include 136 bags of foreign rice; 238 cartons of pasta, 534 cartons of creamer milk and 210 kilogramme of kola nuts.

Other seized items included 552 bales of second-hand clothing; 371 parcels of cannabis, 74,870 tablets of tramadol, 1,290 expired/fake pharmaceutical products, and 4,410kg of Pangolin scales.

According to Chana, the command is working with sister security agencies, terminal operators, licensed agents and market associations to promote compliance, to enable it to achieve its mandate.

“Well trained armed personnel have been posted to strategic locations to deal decisively with those involved in illegal smuggling of materials into our area of supervision.

“We are battle ready to end smuggling through our various strategies to pave the way for arrest and prosecution of those involved in illegal businesses.’’

He urged community leaders and other stakeholders to sensitise border communities to the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

“We also reached out to youths in the border communities, to assist our field officers with required intelligence that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling,’’ he said.

The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State said its officials have seized twelve 40-foot containers of medicine illegally imported into the country with a duty paid value of NN20,309 billion.

This is as the Command said it generated N634 billion in 2024 surpassing the N618 billion revenue target it was given at the beginning of the year.

The Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne Comptroller, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this during a news briefing as part of its end-of-year activities in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

Babandede said since his last engagement with the media on November 11th, 2024, the command has recorded more successes in the ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade, pointing out that the tempo would be sustained in 2025.

He stated, “Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring the security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.

“This also justifies our commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.”

Giving a breakdown, Babandede said the seizures include ‘a 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking, 3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware Fittings used for concealment, 840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment, 153 cartons of TVS rubber.’

“The Duty paid Value of the twelve containers is N20,309,890,800. The latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drugs and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility.

“Our efforts are geared toward securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne port axis.”

He appreciated the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media in amplifying the message of the NCS and its efforts to combat smuggling, saying, “Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.”

Babandede noted that the morale and dedication of officers of the command have been significantly bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ award, recognising Area 2 Command as the best Command in anti-smuggling operations.

He added, “This honour has further strengthened our resolve, and I assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians. In the recently released 2024 promotion for General Duty/Support Staff for officers and men of the Service, the Area 2 Command got some officers promoted as well.

“A total of 14 Deputy Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Comptroller. A total of six Assistant Comptrollers were elevated to the rank of Deputy Comptrollers and 17 Chief Superintendent of Customs were elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptrollers, among others. Let me use this opportunity to especially appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr, who in September this year promised to reward Officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the Interception of 844 units of riffles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.

“In keeping to his promise a total of eight Officers of the Command were given special promotion. Earlier in the year the Command was given a revenue target of N618 billion. I am glad to inform you that as of this morning the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of N634 billion which accounts for 103% of the annual target.

“This amount exceeds the 2023 collection by N321 billion and represents a 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue,” Babandede stated.

Commenting on anti-smuggling within the year under review, Babandede said the Command made a total of 76 container seizures comprising of arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used cloths among others uncustomed goods used as concealment with duty paid value of N150,872,551,207

“In export, the major commodities exported through this axis comprises of Agro and Mineral resources namely: sesame seeds, aluminium ingot, granular urea in bulk, wheat bran, orange peel among others and a total of 2,707,339.22 Metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board value of $952,986,490,99 which is equivalent to N1,261,039,933,168.99 was processed through the Command this year.

“These are just a few of the results achieved with purposeful engagement of our stakeholders and partners this year. We look forward to a more result-oriented 2025,” he added.

Meanwhile, the command handed starter packs comprising grinding machines, sewing machines and food items to orphanages, widows of deceased customs officers and some members of their host community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Punch

According to Nairametrics, a Nigerian family has urged Kenya Airways Limited to pay $1 million as general damages and compensation over an allegedly botched Christmas trip involving their daughter, a “minor.”

The family, represented by Donald Ibebuike of the Creed & Brooks Partners law firm, addressed the airline in a letter dated December 21, 2024.

The firm accused the airline of allegedly exposing the entire family of its client (Akhanememeh Joseph Osikhena) to unplanned expenditure and disruption of family plans following the botched trip of their daughter (a minor).

Allegations by Creed & Brooks
According to the letter addressed to the Managing Director of Kenya Airways Ltd in Lagos and copied to the airline’s Nairobi office, the family purchased and was issued return tickets for their trip by the airline through Wakanow.com Ltd. on August 31, 2024.

The family intended to take the trip to celebrate Christmas and New Year together, visit friends and close relatives across the United Kingdom, and explore tourist attractions and historical monuments before departing the UK for Nigeria on January 5, 2025.

The lawyer added that in line with the planned itinerary, the client and his family began their UK trip at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 16, 2024.

He stated that the travel documents of his client and his family members, including the minor (Ms. Gabriella Ikhianosimeh Akhanemeh), were duly checked by Kenya Airways in Lagos, and they were issued with boarding passes for the flight to Heathrow, London, with a stopover at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, before proceeding to London Heathrow.

However, he added, the airline allegedly refused to allow the minor to board its airplane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, citing “clerical errors” on her travel document, which had already been processed and accepted in Lagos, Nigeria, by the airline.

“Apparently, the passport numbers referenced as accompanying the parents were inadvertently and incorrectly entered by one digit each, but the names were correctly stated by the UK Border Agency.

“Given that our client’s daughter, Ms. Gabriella Ikhianosimeh Akhanemeh, is a minor and in order to attend to her bruised emotions and psychological stability, our client had to discontinue his journey while his wife, Mrs. Rita Nwamaka Akhanemeh, continued and completed her trip to London Heathrow with their other two children, Ms. Brenda Ekhaosi Akhanemeh and Mr. Jordan Eghoghor Akhanemeh,” the letter reads in part.

The lawyer contended that the airline should not have abandoned the family’s daughter halfway, regardless of the clerical errors, as the family had been cleared by the airline’s Nigerian office.
He added that the airline insisted his client and his daughter return to Nigeria.

Ibrahim further claims that the airline advised his client and his daughter to pay over $4,000 before they could be returned to Lagos, Nigeria, describing the development as an alleged “infamous and ill-conceived decision,” which exposed his client to unplanned expenditure and trauma in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Take notice that, owing to this and other associated reasons, our client has instructed us to demand and we hereby demand that you immediately continue and complete our client and Ms. Gabriella Ikhianosimeh Akhanemeh’s journey to London Heathrow, or return them to Lagos, Nigeria, at no cost, without any delay, and pay damages and reparation to him, his daughter, and the entire family in the sum of USD 1,000,000.00 (One Million United States Dollars) within seven (7) days of receipt of this letter,” the letter demands.

The law firm urged the airline to comply with its demands in the interest of justice.

Nairametrics contacted Kenya Airways for a response, but the airline had not replied at the time of publishing this report.

In Nigeria, cement prices are vital for homeowners, developers, and businesses as they navigate the complexities of the construction industry and its fluctuating costs.

Currently, well-known cement brands like Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge have different prices across the country. These variations are influenced by factors such as location, demand, and distribution logistics.

This situation highlights the importance of increased awareness and strategic planning in procurement, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding their building projects.

Dangote Cement
Price Range: ₦9,000 – ₦9,400 per 50kg bag

Dangote is highly sought after for its quality and durability. Prices tend to be lower near production plants but higher in regions requiring extensive distribution.

BUA Cement
Price Range: ₦8,000 – ₦8,500 per 50kg bag

Known for competitive pricing, BUA remains a popular alternative. Prices are relatively stable, with slight variations in the northern regions, where the company has a strong production base.

Lafarge Cement (Elephant Cement)
Price Range: ₦10,000 – ₦10,500 per 50kg bag

Lafarge is favored for its smooth finish, particularly in residential projects, and offers consistent pricing across states.

Pop Cement
Price: ₦10,700 per 50kg bag

Factors Influencing Cement Prices:
Production Costs: Rising diesel and gas costs have increased production expenses, driving prices higher.

Distribution Challenges: Poor infrastructure and high transportation costs contribute to regional price disparities.

Seasonal Demand: With the festive season approaching, demand for construction materials has surged, affecting prices.

Forex Volatility: Challenges in sourcing raw materials like gypsum due to foreign exchange issues have further impacted pricing.

These factors continue to shape the dynamics of cement pricing across Nigeria.