Business

Bars and festivals lift UK economy in August after July fall

UK economy picked up in August after an unexpected fall in July as bars, restaurants and festivals benefited from the removal of most remaining pandemic restrictions.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product rose by 0.4% in August compared with the previous month as consumers increased their spending on leisure during the first full month without Covid controls in England.

However, the ONS cut its growth estimate for July from a monthly rise of 0.1% to a fall of the same amount after fresh economic data revealed a worse hit for car manufacturing caused by global supply chain problems and microchip shortages.

The latest snapshot showed activity in the accommodation and food service sectors, as well as arts, entertainment and recreation, contributed most to growth in the UK’s dominant service sector, which makes up about 80% of the British economy.

Analysts said a rise in holidaying in the UK while international travel restrictions remained in place helped to boost the accommodation sector, which grew by 23%, thanks to strong growth in sales at hotels and campsites.

Air transport continued to expand as restrictions on foreign travel were gradually lifted, taking off by 27.5% in August, although it still remains 75% below its pre-Covid level.

Growth in August was offset by a decline in the health sector amid a drop in testing and vaccinations for Covid-19. Retail sales fell, reflecting shortages on the high street and consumers switching more of their spending from goods to services after the easing of pandemic controls.

Production output – which includes manufacturing, energy and mining – grew by 0.8% amid an increase in crude petroleum and natural gas output after recent temporary maintenance closures at an oilfield.

Challenges from soaring prices and shortages of materials including steel, concrete, timber and glass hit the construction sector, with output falling by 0.2% in August after a 1% drop in July.

Overall, the ONS said the economy remained 0.8% below its pre-pandemic level in August.

Paul Craig, a portfolio manager at Quilter Investors, said supply problems would no doubt weaken growth expectations for the months ahead as disruption caused by the coronavirus and Brexit dragged on the economy.

“The creaking UK economy is taking its time to spring back to life. The problems lie now not with demand but with supply. Acute labour shortages in several pockets of the economy along with chronic skills shortages have the potential to frustrate the economic recovery, and could well dampen any expectations for a strong economic revival over the winter months,” he said.

Business

Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to N825 per litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol to N825 per litre from N835 per litre as competition continues in the domestic market.

Recall that last month, the 650,000 barrels per day refinery reduced the gantry price of petrol to N835 per litre from N865 per litre.

The latest adjustment is targeted at giving customers more value, as well as consolidating its leadership position in the domestic market.

Business

NIMC hikes NIN service fees, increases date of birth correction to N28,574

Federal Govt Launches NIN Diaspora Enrolment Centre In UAE

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a revised price list for National Identification Number (NIN) issuance and other related services.

On May 1, the NIMC announced a review of the pricing structure for all its services.

In its report on Saturday, the commission said the cost of correcting the date of birth on a NIMC slip has increased to N28,574, reflecting a 74.87 percent rise from the previous fee of N16,340.

According to the new price list, modifying other details such as name or address now costs N2,000 per transaction, up by 31.41 percent from the earlier fee of N1,522.

While initial NIN enrolment and issuance of slips remain free, NIMC said the reissuance of lost or damaged NIN slips now costs N600, an increase from N500.

Premium enrollment services offered at licensed lounges, visa centres, and pre-booked VIP services now cost N20,000, and VIP reissuance of NIN slips is priced at N3,500.

Additionally, the commission said the fee for retrieving a NIN via USSD services has risen to N50 from N20.

For Nigerians in the diaspora, NIMC said adult enrollment at regular service points in African countries now costs $50, enrollment for children is $30, and reissuance of NIN slips abroad is priced at $6.

According to NIMC, in African countries, the commission said correcting a date of birth now costs $55, and modifying other fields costs $10.

In non-African countries, the commission said name corrections are priced at $60, while other changes cost $20.

In its executive summary of the revised price list, NIMC explained that the adjustments considered the current inflation rate of 32.70 percent, saying most services were increased by at least 20 percent, with certain exceptions based on the nature of the service.

Business

NCAA sanctions Kenya Airways over passenger complaints

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Kenya Airways for several consumer-related violations involving three passengers, including one Gloria Omisore.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Achimugu stated the NCAA issued a sanction letter on Wednesday to Kenya Airways regarding the passengers’ complaints

“The infractions include failure to provide care, lack of transparency in carriage terms, poor communication with the Authority, and mishandling refunds and baggage.

“In accordance with the NCAA Regulations 2023, Kenya Airways must pay fines and compensate each affected passenger with 1,000 special drawing rights.

“The airline has seven days to comply. Failure to do so will result in more severe penalties,” Achimugu said