NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Ease of Doing Business: Obtaining C of O now takes only 1 month in Nasarawa – Sule

Ease of Doing Business: Obtaining C of O now takes only 1 month in Nasarawa – Sule

85 total views today

By Sunday John

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State says obtaining a land Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in the state now takes one month, owing to reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.

Sule said this while speaking at a State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) town hall meeting on Friday in Lafia.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, maintained that the reforms initiated by his administration to create friendly environment for business and investments was yielding great results.

According to Sule, C of O is now obtainable within one month, and upon payment of required Right of Occupancy (R of O) fees and submission of application form.

He noted that in his first year in office, he signed more C of Os than were issued in the state since its creation in 1996.

The governor stated that his administration had since inception in 2019, prioritised making the state investment haven, through various initiatives.

According to him, some of the initiatives include the development of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) document, culminated in the establishment of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA).

NASIDA is a one-stop-shop agency that helps to guide investors willing to do business in the state.

Other initiatives included the revenue and taxes harmonisation legislation passed by the state assembly, the establishment of the Bureau of Public Procurement as well as the Bureau of Statistics in the state.

“Before SABER, Nasarawa State had already entrenched principles to make business establishment very easy for whoever is coming to invest in our state,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the town hall meeting would provide opportunity for adequate feedback from stakeholders to enable the state improve in order to have a perfect business environment.

In her remarks, Princess Zara Mustapha-Audu, Director-General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), described SABER as a transformative initiative that supports and incentivises reforms at the state level.

According to her, it aligns local efforts with the national goal of making Nigeria a more transparent, profitable, and easier place to do business.

She said that stakeholder engagement was designed to strengthen public sector capacity and capture feedback from private sector players; seen by PEBEC as the true engines of economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

“Reform is not a federal effort alone. States are the engines of local economic development, and their policies, infrastructure, and service delivery directly impact the ease of doing business in every community,” Audu emphasised.

Audu expressed optimism that the partnership with states would foster deeper collaboration, rebuild trust, and generate practical solutions tailored to each state’s unique business challenges.

“Together, let us build a business environment that works for local businesses, entrepreneurs, multinationals, foreign direct investors, and a future full of prosperity for all Nigerians,” she said.

Mr Louis Azige, Programme Manager for SABER in Nasarawa, revealed that the state had already implemented 15 reforms, covering areas like land and tax administration and digital infrastructure deployment.

He added that digital platforms had been launched to improve access to information and transparency in business-related services.

Azige said that the town hall meeting provided a platform for state officials and Reform Champions in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to interact with the business community and civil society organisation on business enabling reforms being implemented in the state.

He said it would offer an opportunity to get feedback on how to improve to enhance the business community.

Participants at the town hall, including Dr Nawani Aboki of Breeze FM Lafia, and Mr Obadiah Solomon-Ovey of Husk Power Systems, praised the state government’s efforts, but called for more publicity to ensure that businesses became aware of the ongoing reforms. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

Read More

Yusuf inaugurates payment of N6bn gratuity to 3,313 pensioners

Yusuf inaugurates payment of N6bn gratuity to 3,313 pensioners

81 total views today

By Ramatu Garba

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated the payment of N6billion gratuity and death benefits to 3,313 pensioners in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the official inauguration ceremony of the 4th Tranche payment to some categories of retirees from 2020 to 2023 was held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

NAN also reports that the Governor presented a dummy cheque of N4.5 billion to the Chairman of the Pension Board, Alhaji Habu Fagge, for the benefits of the senior citizens.

Yusuf reiterated the commitment of his government to resolving the years of hardship faced by the retirees and their families as well enhancing the welfare of civil servants in the state.

He said the payment covered different batches of beneficiaries, including the backlog accumulated over the years, which had subjected many retirees and their families to untold hardship.

Yusuf recalled that his administration had earlier released N6billion to the first batch of 4,915 beneficiaries and another N5billion to the second batch of 1,722 retirees.

The governor further revealed that an additional 1,579 beneficiaries received payments amounting to N5billion on Jan.9,

“Today, this government is releasing the sum of N6billion for the payment of death benefits and gratuities to retirees within the range of N2.5 million and below from the year 2020 to 2023,” he said.

Yusuf said with the latest release, the total amount paid so far stood at N22 billion, adding that another N5billion had already been set aside for the next batch for further payments of retirees by August.

“We shall settle all outstanding pension benefits to the tune of over N48 billion to alleviate the sufferings of our senior citizens,” he said.

The governor commended the management and staff of the Pension Board, as well as the EFCC and ICPC, for their doggedness, investigation and reportage on the issue of the 324 houses built during the previous administration as part of pension investments.

He, however, warned that the government would not condone any form of underhand dealings, stressing that anyone found wanting making dubious arrangements or favouritism would be dealt with accordingly.

Yusuf urged the pensioners to remain patient, assuring them that all their entitlements would be cleared.

The Executive Chairman, Kano State Pension Trustee Fund, Alhaji Habu Fagge, said the board earlier had a backlog of N48billion from previous administration, out of which the present administration has paid the total sum of N22billion.

Also speaking, the National President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Godwin Abumisi, commended the governor for his giant and remarkable strides in paying retirees their gratuity and death benefits.

Abumisi named Yusuf a ‘Star Performance Governor’.

The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the Emirs of Kano, Rano, and Karaye, commended the giant strides of the governor, especially toward retirees as well as Kano residents.

Hajiya Amina Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, applauded the kind gesture of the governor, saying it would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Bashir Rabe Mani

Renewable energy: SOSG distributes solar electronics to 5,000 small-scale entrepreneurs

Renewable energy: SOSG distributes solar electronics to 5,000 small-scale entrepreneurs

88 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

The Sokoto State Government has launched the distribution of solar-powered electronics to small-scale businesses in Sokoto South and Sokoto North Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Sanusi Danfulani, said the initiative targeted no fewer than 5,000 beneficiaries across the 23 LGAs of the state.

“This programme is part of the activities marking the second anniversary of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

“It aims to enhance access to renewable energy and promote sustainable power solutions,” he said.

Danfulani explained that the intervention was one of the several measures being implemented to reduce the challenges caused by unstable electricity supply from the national grid.

He assured that the initiative would be extended to cover the entire state as part of efforts to boost small businesses and stimulate economic growth, in line with the Governor’s nine-point Smart Agenda.

Also speaking, Malam Muhammad Garba, Director of Renewable Energy at the ministry, urged the beneficiaries to use the solar-powered machines responsibly and efficiently.

Garba called on the residents of the state to harness the benefits of solar energy to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

According to him, the project underscores the government’s commitment to exploring alternative renewable energy sources to address persistent power challenges.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Aliyu, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to transforming the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items distributed included solar panels, solar-powered standing fans, solar-powered light valves and stabilisers, among other components.

Meanwhile, Aliyu has signed the 2024 Electricity Act into law, establishing the Sokoto State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The commission will be responsible for regulating the electricity market in the state, in accordance with the 2023 Electricity Act, which empowers subnational governments to develop and manage electricity infrastructure within their jurisdictions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Otti launches Security Trust Fund to boost fight against crime

Otti launches Security Trust Fund to boost fight against crime

66 total views today

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Alex Otti has launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund (ASSTF), where he again affirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

In a speech at the event, tagged “Building a Safer Abia”, Otti said that security should be treated as a shared responsibility by the government, businesses, and citizens.

“Insecurity cannot be tackled by arms and ammunition alone, there is need for the use of lawful force and social investment to build safer environments and discourage crime,” he said.

He said that upon assuming office in May 2023, government launched Operation Crush to reclaim territories from criminals and supported policing with vehicles and logistics.

The governor also said that the office of the Homeland Security had since become more efficient, offering vital intelligence and acting independently, when required.

He said that through the government’s efforts, Abia now enjoys peace and stability “due to the strategic planning and firm responses to external criminal threats”.

He argued that “security is expensive, but inaction costs more”, urging philanthropists and organisations to contribute generously to the fund.

He said that the fund, backed by law, would support operational equipment, intelligence systems, and technology to detect and deter crime in Abia.

“We’re setting up a quick-response centre to improve coordination and public safety through real-time data,” Otti said.

He promised transparency and accountability, assuring the people that every donation would be prudently applied.

“This is a continuous exercise. When we call, answer with generosity and duty,” he said.

In her speech, the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to security.

Onyejeocha emphasised that peace in Abia would positively influence national stability and urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

She said that security should not be left to government alone and called for public collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enhance safety across all aspects of life.

In his address, the Chairman of the ASSTF Board of Trustees, Mr Stanley Obiamarije, described the event as pivotal in Abia’s journey toward greater security.

Obiamarije, represented by his Vice, Mr Johnson Chukwu, commended the governor for revitalising the trust fund through decisive leadership, political will and actionable commitment.

He gave assurance that the fund would operate as a public private partnership, supporting security agencies with equipment and logistics.

He also promised that accountability and transparency would be applied in managing the funds, with all contributions documented.

According to him, the fund would be used for the acquisition of surveillance tools, communication devices, and other operational needs.

He urged businesses, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to support the initiative.

He described it as “a form of corporate social responsibility to protect investments and staff”.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief John Udeagbala, called for a grassroots strategy, known as “See it, Say it, Sort it”, to encourage prompt reporting and better cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Udeagbala proposed that one per cent  of the state’s Gross Domestic Product be allocated to security, and advocated a transparent levy to ensure consistent and inclusive funding.

He said that only through unity could Abia build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all citizens and investors.

In an interview with newsmen, the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Mr Alex Ikwuechegh, commended the present administration’s pragmatic and inclusive approach to governance.

Ikwuechegh said that the approach had contributed to making Abia safer, especially with the intentional government and stakeholder engagement.

He expressed optimism that partnerships with community leaders, traditional rulers, and the private sector would further transform the state’s security architecture.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Navy Comdr. Macdonald Ubah, described the fund as a strategic move to sustain peace and reduce financial strain on government.

Ubah emphasised that security remains the bedrock of development and urged continued support to strengthen Abia’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Lagos Assembly reviews new tenancy bill

Lagos Assembly reviews new tenancy bill

87 total views today
By Adekunle Williams
The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved to improve landlord-tenant relations as the state’s Tenancy Bill passed the second reading stage on Thursday.

During plenary, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the bill aimed to redefine the legal framework for tenancy agreements, rights, responsibilities, and eviction processes in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the bill is titled: ‘A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State.’

Obasa said the bill covers procedures for recovering premises and related matters across the state.

If passed, the law would ensure that landlords, tenants, and agents fully understand their rights and responsibilities.

Obasa urged members to consider tenants who depend on end-of-year bonuses and annual leave allowances to pay rent.

He also highlighted the soaring cost of building materials and how landlords rely on rental income.

Obasa stressed the government must reassess its housing promises and ensure they are fulfilled.

After deliberation, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing for further review. The committee is to report back in three weeks.

Mr Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I) described the legislation as crucial, saying it aims to bring order to tenancy matters.

He said the bill promotes harmony by clearly defining rent structures — annual or monthly — and eviction notice procedures.

Olumoh added that the bill specifies roles for landlords, tenants, and agents, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities.

He said it also offers legal clarity to guide courts in resolving tenancy-related disputes fairly and promptly.

Describing the bill as timely and people-centred, Mr Aro Moshood (Ikorodu II) called for an enforcement body within the law.

He said such a body would check landlords who impose arbitrary rents beyond legal limits.

According to him, the bill would relieve tenants and help them plan finances without unnecessary strain.

Mr Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi-Isolo I) commended the bill for its inclusive and all-encompassing nature.

He said it covers everything from agent conduct to rent agreements and dispute resolution processes.

Mr Femi Saheed (Kosofe II) described the bill as a welcome development that outlines landlord rights on levies like tenement rates and land use charges.

He said the bill also affirms tenants’ rights and the courts’ authority over tenancy disputes.

“This law is long overdue and will modernise housing relationships in Lagos,” he said.

Mr Ajayi Oladele (Ibeju-Lekki II) said the bill will reduce conflicts often caused by estate agents.

“For the first time, everyone will understand their legal standing clearly,” he stated.

Ms Omolara Olumegbon (Lagos-Island I) praised the bill for promoting fairness and addressing rent timelines — monthly or yearly — and how they relate to eviction processes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, sunshine from Friday

NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, sunshine from Friday

68 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and sunshine over the country from Friday to Sunday.

NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms in the northern region on Friday.

It predicted light to moderate rains during the morning hours over parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Bauchi States, while the remaining parts of the region would be sunny with patches of cloud.

According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours.

“In the central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over this region during the morning hours.

“While thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Niger and Plateau States during the afternoon and evening,” it said.

The agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of morning light rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

It anticipated moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

NiMet predicted sunny skies in the northern region on Saturday with patches of clouds during the morning hours.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, Yobe and Kaduna States.

According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

“On the central region, early morning thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Niger and Plateau States.

“Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and Plateau States.

‘“Cloudy skies are expected over the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Abia, Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa States,” it said.

It envisaged moderate to heavy rains over the region during the afternoon or evening periods.

NiMet predicted thunderstorms for Sunday in the northern region and envisaged moderate rains during the morning hours over parts of Taraba, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna States.

It said that the remaining parts of the region would be sunny with patches of cloud.

It added that thunderstorms with moderate rains would be expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States.

According to it, cloudy skies are anticipated over the central region during the morning hours with chances of thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Plateau States.

It envisaged light to moderate rains over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Plateau States later in the day.

NiMet anticipated morning rains over parts of Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours in the southern region with the rest of the day being cloudy.

It added that moderate to heavy rains would be expected over the southern region during the afternoon or evening periods.

It urged the public to take extra care as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms would likely occur.

“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,’’ it said.

It advised the airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

The agency advised the public to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website www.nimet.gov.ng (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Jane-Frances Oraka

Railway tracks in Umuahia not vandalised- NRC official

Railway tracks in Umuahia not vandalised- NRC official

74 total views today

By Leonard Okachie

The Station Manager, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Umuahia, Mr Joseph Odoh, has said that rail infrastructure along the corridor are protected from vandals.

Odoh disclosed this while responding to a national survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the state of railway lines and infrastructure in the country.

According to him, the police attached to the corporation have been working in close collaboration with the external security agencies to ensure security along the railway tracks.

He said the security agents were providing surveillance to ensure that vandals do not have access to the NRC property.

The manager added that the railway staff members also, were always at alert, reporting any suspicious movement to the station police operatives.

He, however, admitted that the streetlights installed at the station were no longer functioning.

Odoh said that the railway at the Umuahia axis was not abandoned as speculated, but was in the process of revitalisation by the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government is doing everything possible to revamp the tracks, through the effort of our Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, and his team.

“They are working round the clock to ensure that the Eastern railway axis is restored.

“Some of the rail tracks were removed because they were outdated, but the government wants to replace them with a modern narrow gauge.

“The Port Harcourt-Aba axis is already revamped and functional, we are hoping that it will be extended to Umuahia and entire Eastern corridor soon,” he said

Odoh said he looked forward to seeing a functional railway system, where a train would run within the Eastern corridor down to the North.

Another member of staff of the corporation, Mr Festus Okeke, appealed to the government to act fast in fixing the rail gauge in order to ease transportation challenge in the region.

Okeke, who is the  NRC Ticket Master,  confirmed that the railway tracks were properly secured, adding that a particular company was in charge of the security of the property.

“We need standard gauge as seen in the some parts of the North, and the Lagos to Ibadan. However, if that is not possible, let them fix the narrow gauge for us.

“The workers are not happy that they are coming to work everyday without doing anything.

“If there is train, people will rejoice, at least, transport-wise  because it is a cheaper and safer means of transportation,” Okeke said.

A businessman, Mr Chima Udechukwu, decried the non-functional state of the rail system at the Umuahia axis, saying it has compounded the transportation of goods in the region.

Udechukwu, who deals in food stuffs in Umuahia, expressed great displeasure that the railway has turned to dump site.

“I feel so sad whenever I pass through the railway axis in Umuahia because bush and hoodlums have  taken over the once bustling place.

“In the late 1990s, I was a regular passenger on train because I was using it to transport my goods, like rice and garri, from Ugboka in Enugu State down to Umuahia.

“Unfortunately, we can’t see it any longer and this problem has contributed to the hike in cost of goods, especially here in Umuahia, because the commercial vehicles charge higher,” he said.

The NAN correspondent, who visited the area reports that only patches of the tracks were seen while some crops have been planted along the axis.

Traders also display wares along the corridor while some other parts have been turned into refuse dumps. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

UNICEF solicits Assembly’s support for Kebbi children’s allowance

UNICEF solicits Assembly’s support for Kebbi children’s allowance

75 total views today

By Ibrahim Bello

UNICEF has appealed to the Kebbi House of Assembly to set up a committee on Child Protection Act to facilitate the inclusion of allowance for children in the state.

The UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, in-charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Mr Micheal Juma, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the House in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

According to Juma, UNICEF focuses on advancing the Child Rights Act.

He said that within the framework, there is pending Child Protection Act in the state, which was supposed to have been sent to the Executive for approval.

“The UNICEF is seeking your support in terms of rallying around members of the Assembly and the Executive to endorse the Child Protection Act to become a law for the interest of children in Kebbi,” he said.

On Child Benefit Allowance, Juma pleaded with the Assembly that its acceptance would enhance inclusive social development for children from poor local government areas of the state.

“We want to look at the support we can give to the children in order for them to access education, healthcare, sanitation, nutrition and safe drinking water in the state,” the officer said.

He also spoke on the Social Protection Act, saying that the multidimensional poverty in Kebbi was high compared to other states in the country.

Juma said that UNICEF would support the state to ensure the most deprived women and children had social protection development.

Responding, the Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, appreciated UNICEF’s interventions in various sectors of social and economic development in the state.

Usman-Zuru reiterated the commitment of the Assembly to supporting the agency in actualising its mandates and desired objectives.

“We will sit down at the executive session to look at the possibility of Child Benefit Allowance, to see how we can consider the establishment of a committee for that purpose.

“For the Child Rights Act, we are on top of it, to forward the bill to the executive in order to deliberate extensively on it,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Sam Oditah

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4

109 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apprehended 210 beggars, under its Operation Sweep Abuja of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements, which commenced on Monday.

Mrs Gloria Onwuka, acting Director, Social Welfare, Social Department Secretariat, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, at the end of day four of the exercise.

Onwuka said that the operation was in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

She explained that the 210 beggars, made up of 80 men 58 women and 72 children, were camped at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.

The director added that scavengers, ‘one chance’ syndicate and other criminals that were apprehended were detained by the police.

She said that the beggars, who were caught in the act in different locations were being profiled and would be deported back to their various states.

The director said that some of the children begging on the streets were brought in from Kano, Katsina and other states by unidentified individuals simply to beg and hand over the proceeds to them.

She added that some of the women that were caught with children, begging on their behalf were not their biological children.

“Begging is now run like a business. People will go and hire people’s children from other states, put them in vehicles very early in the morning, come to Abuja and start begging.

“The families they are hiring these children from don’t even know that this is what they are using their children to do.

“We have caught so many of them like that.

“Also, some of the beggars will even tie a bandage on their legs claiming injuries but it’s all lies.

“There is a woman we caught who claimed she has cancer of the breast, but when we loose the bandage, there was no single wound on her breast,” Onwuka said.

On his part, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Mr Damy Gwary, said that the operation had so far covered the city centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki and Wuse among other locations.

Gwary explained that the activities of the beggars, scavengers and other criminal elements have become a source of great concern to FCT residents.

Represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Centre, the director said that the operation was to rid the city of all forms of criminal elements.

He pointed out that beggars pose security threats and constitute a nuisance in the city.

He added that Wike had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the FCT and other security agencies to tackle all forms of security threats across the territory.

He added that the CP would provide updates on the progress so far, adding that the operation would continue as long as security threats exist in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Lagos unveils 20-year strategic blueprint for traffic management

Lagos unveils 20-year strategic blueprint for traffic management

96 total views today

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, says the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will unveil an ambitious 20-year strategic blueprint for traffic management in the state.

Giwa said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos in commemoration of LASTMA’s 25th anniversary.

According to Giwa, the blueprint seeks to recalibrate LASTMA’s systems in anticipation of intensifying urbanisation and future vehicular demands.

He said the conference with the theme: “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” underscores the strategic alignment with smart governance, participatory policymaking, and digital innovation.

“As we commemorate this historic milestone, let me reaffirm that LASTMA remains irrevocably committed to its mandate: fostering safer roads, enforcing lawful conducts and elevating the commuting experience in Lagos.

“Traffic management, as we continue to stress, is not an adversarial endeavour—it is a shared civic enterprise requiring the collective participation of government, citizens, and the private sectors.

He said the epochal occasion would serve as an opportunity for solemn retrospection, thoughtful acknowledgement of institutional milestones, and a renewed affirmation of unwavering commitment to public service excellence in the ever-evolving terrain of traffic management.

He highlighted the most salient achievements in the past 25 years of LASTMA’s existence to include digital transformation and technological innovation, capacity enhancement and professional development, excellence in emergency response and incident management.

Others include public enlightenment and advocacy engagement, inter-agency synergy and regulatory harmonisation and infrastructure expansion and operational visibility.

He noted that from inception, LASTMA had metamorphosed into a formidable force within the ecosystem of urban transportation, improving commuting time, fostering road safety, enhancing enforcement protocols, and championing transportation reforms.

He attributed LASTMA’s achievements to astute leadership and institutional foresight of those who had stewarded the agency over the years.

He said LASTMA, conceived in the year 2000, had grown into a formidable force with over 4,000 dedicated operatives strategically deployed across Lagos to ensure traffic flow, dislodge congestion, respond to emergencies, and enforce extant road traffic laws.

“I assert with conviction that LASTMA is no longer merely an intervention agency, it is a reference model for traffic management, emulated across Nigeria and studied internationally,” he said.

Giwa said the forthcoming second Lagos Traffic Conference, scheduled for July 15 at Eko Hotels and Suites, would constitute the intellectual fulcrum of the anniversary celebration.

“This high-level convocation will assemble a constellation of policymakers, transport technocrats, academics, development experts, and civic leaders—both domestic and international—to interrogate prevailing mobility challenges and recreate pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions.

“We will celebrate this moment not only as a triumph of the past but as a clarion call to greater responsibility in the future. May the road ahead be one of vision, vigilance, and veritable progress,” he said.

Also speaking, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reassured Lagos residents, especially motorists of more vibrant, resourceful and service oriented organisation moving forward.

“Part of what we are going to project at the celebration of the anniversary is looking into the future, to project traffic management in the next two decades.

“In the next two years, we will ensure that we fully embrace technology for informed decision and planning,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email