Northern Nigeria should expect a much thicker layer of dust to envelop the region, according to the latest weather forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The haze is expected to persist throughout today, posing visibility challenges for flights and vehicle movement, with the potential health risks to residents evident.
In addition to the Northern region, moderate dust haze is anticipated to affect the North Central, the Inland of the South, and the Coastal Belt of the country.
Horizontal visibility in these areas is projected to range from 2 to 5 kilometres, with localised patches of visibility dropping to less than or equal to 1000 metres.
The forecast suggests that residents in these regions should prepare for reduced visibility conditions while commuting and engaging in outdoor activities.
Motorists need to exercise caution on the roads, and for individuals with respiratory conditions to take necessary precautions.
Nine victims, including five pupils and four staff members of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, were kidnapped, with the captors demanding a N100 million ransom.
Gunmen intercepted the school bus, abducting them about a five-minute drive from the school. Security agencies and their families are mobilising efforts for their release.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, two Ekiti monarchs were killed by suspected kidnappers on the highway between Ipao and Oke Ako.
The Central Bank of Nigeria cleared $64.44 million in unpaid claims by foreign airlines, totaling $136.73 million for the sector.
The CBN aims to restore confidence in the forex market. However, the International Air Transport Association praised the move but highlighted that $700 million is still trapped.
The naira fell to a record low of N1,348/dollar. CBN cleared $2.5 billion in overdue forex debts.
Stakeholders urge ongoing efforts to stabilise the exchange rate and address airline fund challenges.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation saw a surge in revenue, earning N286.78 million from cargo transport in Q3 2023, a notable increase of 181.58 percent from the previous year.
Goods transported totaled 81,963 tonnes. Passenger volume also rose by 18.79 percent, reaching 594,348 passengers, generating N1.49 billion in revenue.
Other receipts increased to N119.22 million. NRC plans to introduce night operations by Q2 2024, aiming to enhance service delivery and expand its operations.
China’s manufacturing sector faced its fourth consecutive month of contraction in January, with the official PMI at 49.2, marginally up from December’s 49.0.
The data reflects challenges in post-COVID recovery and Lunar New Year disruptions.
Weak domestic and export demand continue to hamper growth.
Economists anticipate central bank rate cuts to stimulate demand. Despite reserve ratio reductions, authorities grapple with a property slump, debt risks, deflation, and sluggish global demand, posing formidable challenges.
