Category: Daily Trust

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday released data for global air cargo markets in September 2025, showing continued momentum in the sector despite evolving global trade patterns and policy headwinds.

According to the data, African airlines saw a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions while capacity increased by 7.4% year-on-year.

Global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 2.9% year-on-year compared to September 2024, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. International operations rose by 3.2%. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), also grew by 3.0% year-on-year (+4.4% for international operations).

‘Air cargo demand grew 2.9% year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth.

Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in.

On one side of the equation, a decline in North America-Asia demand has set in over the last five months.

But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,’ said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several macroeconomic and operational factors influenced performance in September, according to the data.

It said global goods trade grew by 3.7% year-on-year in August while jet fuel prices rose 5.4% month-on-month despite lower crude oil prices, driven by a tighter diesel market that doubled the crack spread compared to a year earlier.

Manufacturing sentiment strengthened globally, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising for the second consecutive month to 51.3.

New export orders improved slightly to 49.6, remaining below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid trade policy uncertainty.

.Expert explains rise in air cargo

Speaking with our correspondent, an aviation analyst and cargo player, Capt. Samuel Caulcrick said if there is a strong demand, it means the volume has increased.

He stated that this could be as a result of the fast coming holiday season, saying, ‘Since COVID, most cargo operators boycotted Africa because Africa didn’t have the money.’

He lamented however that most freighters (cargo aircraft) coming to Africa especially from China return empty.

The stage is set for the Niger State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1, with insecurity and internal wrangling within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to play decisive roles in shaping the outcome across the 25 local councils.

According to the Chairman of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Engr. Mohammed Jibril Imam, 10 political parties are fielding a total of 805 candidates for chairmanship, vice chairmanship, and councillorship positions.

Imam disclosed that the APC has presented 25 candidates each for chairmanship and vice chairmanship, along with 274 councillorship aspirants. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) follows with 23 candidates for chairmanship, 21 for vice chairmanship, and 233 councillorship hopefuls.

Other parties in the race include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), with 16 candidates each for chairmanship and vice chairmanship and 144 councillorship contestants, while the Labour Party (LP) has five chairmanship and four vice chairmanship candidates, as well as 12 councillorship contenders. The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) fielded two councillorship candidates, while smaller parties such as the Booth Party (BP), Action People’s Party (APP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Action Alliance (AA), and Accord Party each presented one councillor.

The NSIEC chairman explained that although the law requires every chairmanship candidate to have a running mate, the commission had relaxed the rule to ensure inclusivity. He also said arrangements had been made to enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vote in the election, urging political actors to prioritise issue-based campaigns over propaganda.

Imam noted that ongoing court cases arising from disputed party primaries would not stop the commission from conducting the poll as scheduled.

Insecurity threatens voter turnout

Despite assurances of security, fears persist that thousands of voters in several councils may be unable to participate due to rising bandit attacks. Communities in Mariga, Kontagora, Borgu, Rijau, Magama and Mashegu LGAs have witnessed renewed violence, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

A resident of Magama told Daily Trust that ‘many of our people have continued to run away because of the attacks,’ adding that some polling units may remain deserted on election day.

The NSIEC chairman has, however, insisted that security agencies have been mobilised to ensure that residents in conflict-affected areas can exercise their franchise.

Feud over consensus in APC remains key

Beyond the security challenge, the APC is still battling internal divisions triggered by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s insistence on adopting consensus candidacy for the polls. While party leaders argued that the move would promote unity and prevent internal crises, several aspirants and stakeholders condemned it as undemocratic, warning that it could undermine grassroots participation, just months after the Supreme Court affirmed financial autonomy for local councils.

Aggrieved members accused party power brokers of hijacking the process and imposing loyalists as candidates. Allegations also surfaced that some aspirants paid to make the ‘consensus list’.

The fallout has been most visible in Paikoro and Mokwa LGAs, where party unity has fractured.

In Paikoro, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Aloma sued the incumbent chairman, Aminu Umar Yadayi, alongside the APC and NSIEC, over his exclusion from the consensus arrangement. On July 25, Justice Abdullahi Mikailu of the Niger State High Court ruled in Aloma’s favour, declaring him the valid consensus candidate and ordering the withdrawal of Yadayi’s certificate of return. But the defendant’s refusal to comply prompted the court to issue a contempt notice threatening imprisonment for disobedience of court orders.

Party loyalists say the lingering tension could fuel anti-party activities during Saturday’s polls.

In Mokwa, the crisis has taken a more dramatic turn. Angry residents reportedly set brooms, the APC symbol, on fire in Muwo town this week, pledging support for the PDP candidate, Usman Alhaji Gumba Muwo. Earlier in April, protesters had taken to the streets to oppose the selection of the incumbent chairman, Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, as the APC’s consensus flagbearer.

‘If our choice is not respected, we will work against the party,’ one protester told Daily Trust. ‘We have a zoning arrangement that the governor has ignored, and this is causing an unnecessary crisis.’

The controversy deepened after the arrest of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a student union leader from Mokwa LGA, who criticised Governor Bago over the handling of the local flood disaster. His arrest, allegedly at the instance of the incumbent chairman, sparked outrage and renewed debate about the APC’s handling of dissent ahead of the elections.

Isah, a master’s student at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, was charged with cyberbullying, inciting disturbance, and defamation under the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2024 and the Niger State Penal Code. Analysts described the arrest as a misstep that could further alienate voters.

Tight contest in Gurara

In Gurara LGA, the race is expected to be closely fought between Jonah Ishaya of the APC and Attahiru Musa Abuja of the SDP.

‘It may be hard for the SDP candidate to win because of the incumbency factor,’ said a resident of Lambata, Mohammed Halilu. ‘But he enjoys strong grassroots support, and several SDP councillorship candidates are also popular. We’ll have to wait for the outcome.’

Meanwhile, as preparations reach the final stage, Governor Bago has declared Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, as public holidays to allow citizens to participate in the exercise. Essential workers, including hospital, bank and security staff, are exempted.

Encouraging voters to come out en masse, Bago said the peaceful conduct of the election was crucial to Niger State’s progress.

The 2025 Kaduna international polo tournament that celebrated the 30th year anniversary of Georgian Cup kings, EL-Amin and the rich heritage of Nigerian polo came to a flourishing climax on Sunday, with EL-Amin, Kangimi Resort, Kano Pop-cola and the Nigerian Army teams emerging major champions.

Georgian Cup kings, EL-Amin took their Nigerian high-goal polo dominance to a news height, handing their city rivals, Kaduna Makarfi a thumping defeat to clinch their 16th Georgian Cup title, while Kangimi Resort team edged two opponents to win their first Emir of Katsina Cup.

Visiting Kano Pop- Cola team ran an impressive campaign defeating a crowded field of eight ambitious oppositions to cart home the Imani Cup, their first major Kaduna polo laurel, just as the Nigerian Army polo team rampage through a battery of 20 turbo charged rivals, to retain the EL- Amin Cup.

Revered as the biggest polo fiesta in the north, the prestigious polo extravaganza noted for its rivalry, Competition and exceptional atmosphere, was also highlighted by the debuting Clear Water Youth Challenge Cup series that threw up promising youngsters whose display of skills throughout the event was highly applauded.

Polo Royals also noted that at the end of the international decided over eight days top class matches at the jammed -packed Murtala Square, four youngsters, Nabil Ibrahim Abba, Malik Ibrahim, Nasif Abba and Abba Abdukadri emerge champions of the Clear Water to prize.

Other top winners include the duo of Khalil Babangida and Marwan Bago who led their team to clinch the inaugural BUA Cup, while Kashim Buka and Abubakar Atiku Saleh also enjoyed Podium celebration after powering their team to victory in the General Hassan Katsina Cup.

Elated Kaduna Polo Club President and patron of the all-conquering EL-Amin team who thanked all the participating teams, sponsors and dignitaries for making the 2025 Kaduna polo festival such an exciting and memorable event, lauded all the winners of the event.

‘We want to thank the Almighty for his grace and our teeming supporters who always urge us on to victories particularly this year to win back the Georgian Cup for the 16th time which is the longest winning run by any team in the history of the Georgian Cup series’ Babangida added in a chat with the media during the closing ceremony in Kaduna on Sunday.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Friday know whether it can proceed with its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16, as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers judgment in a suit seeking to halt the exercise.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing final arguments in the case filed by three PDP officials: Austine Nwachukwu, Imo State chairman; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia State chairman; and Turnah George, the party’s South-South secretary.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The plaintiffs, believed to be allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a vocal critic of the convention, are asking the court to stop the event, arguing that the party failed to comply with its own constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act in the build-up to the convention.

Their lawyer told the court that ‘no congress was conducted in 14 states,’ insisting that the issue before the court is whether the defendants violated the law and that it cannot be dismissed as an internal party matter.

The PDP, however, maintained that the suit concerns its internal affairs and therefore falls outside the jurisdiction of the court. The party said the claimants were attempting to destabilise preparations for a legitimate leadership transition process.

The case is seen as a major test of unity within the opposition party, which has been struggling to reconcile warring factions ahead of 2027.

Daily Trust reports that the convention controversy is compounded by other internal and legal challenges.

The party’s embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, also an ally of Wike, recently petitioned security agencies, alleging that his signature was forged on documents sent to INEC notifying it of the convention. The PDP’s NWC and Board of Trustees (BoT) have dismissed the allegation as baseless.

In a separate case, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has approached the court to challenge his alleged disqualification from purchasing the chairmanship nomination form, a move he described as an attempt to exclude genuine contestants.

Meanwhile, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has indefinitely postponed the screening of aspirants initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, a development many observers believe is linked to the party’s decision to await Friday’s court judgment before proceeding with further preparations.

The police high command, on Wednesday, sought the support of Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers and Aminiya, owners of Trust TV and Trust Radio, in its bid to tackle the country’s security challenge.

The Force appealed to the media not to create fears among residents with their reportage, while also soliciting Nigerians’ support to report suspicious movement to police officers.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force spokesman, who stated this at the corporate headquarters of Media Trust Group, Abuja, during a courtesy visit, said efforts are being made to ensure that every part of the country is safe.

‘The IGP conveyed his sincere greetings to the management of Media Trust Group. He also said I should appeal that we should not create fears in the minds of Nigerians through our news reports, though Daily Trust has not been found wanting before,’ Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said.

On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Malam Ahmed Shekarau, lauded the appointment of Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer.

Shekarau, who was represented by the Deputy Editorial Director, Hamza Idris, said the appointment of Hundeyin was well deserved.

He, however, appealed to the police spokesman to ensure that his doors are opened for the free flow of information, which Nigerians would like to know.

Borno has begun exporting plastic products manufactured locally, according to Governor Babagana Zulum.

The governor said this while inspecting the plastic industry, on Thursday.

The factory, which now operates at full capacity, produces a wide range of items, including plastic chairs, tables, basins, buckets, pipes and other plastic materials.

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The governor said the export would wean the state off over-dependence on monthly federal allocation and create several opportunities to people in the state.

‘I am happy to note that people from Borno State will no longer procure plastic materials from other places. You have seen that the products have been sold to our neighbouring countries and other states within Nigeria.’

‘We will invest more in our industries, so that in the near future, Borno State Government will no longer rely on the Federation Account for its day-to-day activities,’ Zulum said.

The governor revealed that the factory received international order, with finished plastic wares already exported to neighbouring countries such as Chad and the Republic of Cameroon.

Zulum noted that the facility was constructed during the administration of former Governor Kashim Shettima, but was resuscitated as part of his administration’s recovery and development plan.

Governor Zulum further explained that to ensure its sustainability and commercial viability, the government transitioned the factory to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with Tatabe Global Services now managing the day-to-day operations, production, and marketing, while the state government provides oversight and a conducive business environment.

Zulum was accompanied by the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, as well as principal officers of the House of Assembly and other top government officials.

Nigeria’s university system stands at a crossroads. From just 49 universities in 1999 to about 300 today, our nation’s higher education landscape has witnessed rapid expansion, especially in the private sector. On the surface, this growth seems like progress. However, behind the numbers lies a system overwhelmed by quantity at the expense of quality.

Many of these new universities-particularly private ones-struggle with poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and a shortage of qualified academic staff. Heavy dependence on part-time and visiting lecturers has created a serious inconsistency in teaching standards. As a result, our institutions are producing graduates who often lack the practical and intellectual skills needed in a competitive global economy.

It is commendable that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has placed a moratorium on licensing new universities and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a seven-year pause on creating new public tertiary institutions. These measures should not be seen as restrictive but as opportunities to consolidate and strengthen what already exists. The focus now must shift toward improving infrastructure, research funding, and staff welfare.

The brain drain crisis has worsened due to poor remuneration and limited academic opportunities. Government initiatives such as the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) are a good start, but real progress requires consistent implementation and adequate funding. Equally important is the need for curriculum reform that prepares students for the realities of a technology-driven world.

Education experts like Professors Riskuwa Shehu and Oluwole Banjo have repeatedly warned that unchecked university proliferation risks collapsing the system from within. Their concerns echo what many Nigerians already know-that universities are becoming business ventures rather than centers of excellence. Yet, educators like Dr. Ajibade of Babcock University remind us that private institutions, when properly managed, can complement public efforts by providing structured and disciplined learning environments.

If Nigeria truly wants world-class universities, it must prioritise balanced growth. Alumni associations, the private sector, and international partners should be mobilized to support infrastructure, research, and innovation. The federal government must also enforce quality assurance and performance-based funding models that reward excellence, not political connections.

Our universities can no longer afford to be symbols of decline in a country brimming with youthful potential. The time has come for Nigeria to balance expansion with excellence-building a university system that inspires innovation, produces globally competitive graduates, and drives national development.

Halima Ibrahim Waziri, Department of Mass Communication

Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga (Bayelsa East) has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His letter of defection was read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the close of plenary on Wednesday.

His defection has brought the number of APC senators to 76.

The APC had secured a two-thirds majority in the Senate, the threshold required to pass bills or approve the government’s requests easily.

Citing internal crisis in the PDP as reason for his defection, the senator said, ‘It’s disheartening that the PDP has been torn into shreds. The centre can no longer hold.’

He added, ‘The umbrella has been torn and it’s leaking profusely. Things have fallen apart.’

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a 42-year-old man, Emmanuel Egbosimba, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling his 19-year-old daughter.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. L. A. Owolabi, did not take the defendant’s plea.

Owolabi ordered him to be remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending Nov. 17, for legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the offence was committed between 2020 and 2025, starting when the victim was 14 years old at Ile Ewe Ejigbo area of Lagos.

Ademigbuji said the defendant had been sexually molesting his daughter since the death of his wife.

The prosecutor added that all efforts by the victim to free herself from her father failed, as he threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone.

The prosecutor said the victim went to the police station, and the defendant was arrested.

The prosecutor added that the victim told the police that the defendant slept with her almost every day.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

US President Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut next month.

The 18-year-old has received a sponsor’s exemption to play at The Annika, which has a prize pool of $3.25m (£2.45m) and is scheduled to be held at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida from 13 to 16 November.

She is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr and has committed to play golf at the University of Miami in 2026.

She will compete against some of the biggest names in the sport at the Annika, including world number two Nelly Korda, who won her third title in the event last year, England’s Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson and 2023 champion Lilia Vu.