Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has called on Lagos State Government to reverse its decision of not allowing passenger vehicles from the northern part of the country into Lagos State.
RTEAN’s Secretary-General, Mr Yusuf Adeniyi, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
Adeniyi said Kwara and some other northern states branch of RTEAN received information that the Lagos State government had stopped the operation of passenger vehicles coming from the northern Part of the country.
He said the directive came from the state’s agent, Deputy State Chairman, Seyi Bamigbose (A.K.A Student) of Park and Garages, constituted by Lagos government after the suspension of the operation of RTEAN in Lagos State.
“This matter has since been taken to the National Industrial Court (NIC) and the court gave an order for the parties involved to maintain a statue quo.
“The Lagos State government however refused to bring the committee of the Park and Garages constituted to abide by the order.
“Now, the association (RTEAN) is beginning to believe that the action of the Lagos State government is tantamount to contempt of the court order.
“The recent action (stopping the operation of passenger vehicles coming from the northern part of the country) by the Lagos State government through the Park and Garages is in itself an act that may likely cause the breach of public peace.
To this end, the association is calling on the Lagos State government to immediately reverse its decision of not allowing passenger vehicles from the northern part of the country getting into Lagos State.”
According to Adeniyi, reversing the action will allow freedom of movement of all citizens as guaranteed by section 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The secretary-general said RTEAN was a registered trade union under the law as enshrined in section 5 sub 7 of the Trade Union amendment Act, Cap T14 Laws of the Federation, which empowers RTEAN to operate anywhere in the country as a trade union including Lagos.
“RTEAN is a peace-loving organisation that carries out its operations within the ambit of the Law and will remain so.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday inaugurated the first phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail Project.
The first phase is a 13 kilometres stretch from Marina to Mile 2 and has five stations — the Marina Iconic station; National Theatre; Orile-Iganmu; Suru-Alaba and Mile 2.
The Blue Line is one of the six metro lines identified in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) master plan.
It is a 27 kilometres rail route that will run from Marina to Okokomaiko, when completed, and is being implemented in two phases.
Buhari arrived at the Marina Iconic Station at 11.25 a.m., in company of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
He also witnessed the signing of the contract for the construction of the Second Phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail.
President Buhari rides on 13-km Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail
The President took a ride on the train with Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Gov. Dr Obafemi Hamzat and other dignitaries.
Giving his remarks at the inauguration, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said that the Phase 1 of the Blue Line was expected to cover the stretch in less than 15 minutes, compared with the rush-hour time of 2.5 hours, if undertaken by road.
He said that the benefits of the rail line were obvious and unquantifiable, as it was a more efficient transport service that improved the quality of life of Lagos residents.
The governor said that the project would free up more of the residents’ time, reduce the pressure on the roads, and contribute to Nigeria’s lofty climate action obligations.
According to him, the Blue Line rail system will be powered end-to-end by high voltage electricity, to be supplied by a dedicated Independent Power Producer (IPP), as well as back-up systems.
”What this means is that the operation of this line will leave zero carbon emissions impact on the environment.
”This iconic Marina Station that is hosting us today will be the largest and busiest train hub in Africa, with a capacity to process as many as 400 passengers per minute, translating into 24,000 passengers every hour.
”When Phase 1 starts running fully, we envisage that it will transport a quarter of a million Lagosians daily, rising to half a million daily when the entire corridor is completed.
”Mr President, I thank you for the Federal Government’s support on this project and many others.
“You have made our work administering Lagos much easier in many ways, and we will eternally be grateful to you for this,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Gov., Hamzat, said that the state government’s transportation strategy was multimodal.
He said it brought together the various elements of road, rail and water in a seamless manner that made commuting an interesting experience.
Hamzat said that the rail project would help to reduce the pressure on the roads, enhance the economic wellbeing of Lagos residents and put Lagos State on the same pedestal as others of its stature.
He appreciated the residents for bearing with the government, in the face of all the inconveniences thrown up by the implementation of the project.
In his goodwill message, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun, said that the Blue Line rail project was a speed line, which would improve Lagos’ residents energy to do other things.
Jianchun said that the mass rail would give much energy and reduce time of doing business.
”Today we really understand the meaning of time, we need to sustain the usage of time for a greater efficiency.
”Nigeria and China have harmony in collaboration in sustainable development, the two countries have the same vision to move the countries forward,” he said.
The Chinese Ambassador said that Nigeria and China had identified 15 projects to collaborate on. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it successfully berthed the first commercial vessel at the Lekki Deep Sea Port on Sunday.
This is contained on the official Twitter handle of the authority.
It reads, ”Ahead of the President’s commissioning of @LekkiPort for commercial operations tomorrow, one of the largest container vessels, the CMA-CGM, has berthed at the port.
“Once more, @NigerianPorts has proven that it is prepared to offer marine services for seamless port operations. https://t.co/jEv99qwJdv,” it said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Muhammed Buhari will officially inaugurate the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport, for commercial operations in Lagos State.
The Lekki Deep Seaport is a state-of-the-art facility, the largest seaport and one of the biggest in West Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroy, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench effective and efficient freight forwarding system in the country.
Adegoroye said this in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, on Sunday in Abuja.
The minister stated this at the commissioning of the Kano Zonal Office of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in Kano.
Adegoroye said the construction and commissioning of the CRFFN’s office was in furtherance of Federal Government’s vision and determination to establish a smooth operating freight forwarding system in the country.
He said it was also aimed at expanding the participation of littoral and non littoral states in maritime and general logistics.
“The need to promote professionalism, entrench global best practices and develop the capacity of freight forwarding practitioners cannot be over-emphasised.
”Hence the policy of having zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country”, Adegoroye said.
The minister enumerated the anticipated benefits and impact of the CRFFN’s zonal office, expressing optimism that the new office would further encourage safe, timely, sustainable and environmentally friendly movement of cargoes, using the road and rail modes.
According to the minister, the office will aid revenue generation for the government through its collection of Practioners Operating Fee (POF).
“It will also help in expanding the list of certified freight forwarding professionals whose impact will be felt all over the country and beyond,” he added.
Adegoroye solicited the cooperation and support of the Kano State Government and other states in the zone for the CRFFN in all areas as may be required from time to time.
Also at the occasion, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said it was imperative to establish CRFFN’s Zonal offices across the country.
According to her, the offices will ensure effective and efficient regulation and promotion of freight forwarding in the nation.
The Registrar of CRFFN, Mr Sam Nwakohu said the construction of the Kano Zonal Office was informed by the need to bring the Council closer to the grassroots.
Nwakohu said the CRFFN would not renege on its mandate of ensuring professionalism, promoting freight logistics efficiency, and improving Nigeria’s ranking on the logistics performance index.
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, represented by the Special Adviser on State Affairs, Murtala Dandawaki, expressed the readiness of the state government to support the CRFFN
He urgerd the council to take advantage of the state’s vast human and material resources.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that Freight forwarding is the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another through a single or multiple carriers such as air, marine, rail or highway.
The CRFFN was established by the CRFFN Act No. 16, 2007 with the responsibility to, amongst others, regulate and control the practice of freight forwarding in Nigeria.
It also aims at promoting the highest standards of competence, practice and conduct among members of the profession.
The CRFFN’s Kano zonal office is to oversee the council’s affairs in all the 19 Northern States and ensure a strong presence of the Council in that region. (NAN)
The public transport system in Lagos State is set to wear a new face as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Rail Line project will be officially launched on Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Marina.
With the first phase now completed, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to officially inaugurate the project already acknowledged by residents as landmark.
As the city struggles with traffic congestion which has taken its toll on residents, the Blue Line Rail project is expected to bring some succour.
Some Lagos residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the completion of the project was a milestone achievement, adding that they were eager for operations to start.
They, however, urged the state government to put adequate security and maintenance measures in place to ensure smooth operations.
A resident, Mr Olorunfemi Olorunmoni, said that the project was long overdue and would help in addressing some of the transportation problems in the state.
“The Blue Line rail construction has been going on for a while and the expectations of residents are very high, considering the road situation in Lagos.
“I believe this will go a long way to solve transportation problem, especially between Badagry and Marina.
“Though, it has not extended to Badagry, these centres are where there are heavy movement of human traffic.
“I believe with this coming on board now, it will seriously address the problem attached to movement of people and goods along this axis,” he said.
Olorunmoni, however, suggested that there should be adequate maintenance and management of the infrastructure.
“All the guiding principles, in terms of management and maintenance, should be put in place. The commuters should also be well informed on how to conduct themselves,” he said.
Similarly, another resident, Mr Andy Enaohwo, said that the project, when inaugurated, would reduce the traffic and robberies experienced on the roads.
“The time expenditure per day will reduce; people will get to their places of work and return home on time.
“Majority of people will no longer take their cars out; they will park them at train stations and take the train to the Island,” he said.
He hoped that there would be security network like Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) to monitor whatever that was happening within the train at any given time.
He urged the government to create more awareness about the train and make the cost affordable to residents.
“If they can consider making the cost affordable to the masses, we will patronise them. It is our property, we will safeguard it too,” Enaohwo said.
Also, Mr James Adaji, who works at the Artist Village located within the National Arts Theatre Complex, said that the security around the premises should be improved.
“We are already experiencing some criminal activities around the premises; our offices are being burgled as a result of increased movement at the theatre.
“When they inaugurate the project, the government should ensure adequate security in terms of policing and protection of government properties and staff,” he said.
Another Lagos resident, Mr Ita Okon, said that the project was a welcome development and would boost the economy of the state.
NAN reports that the Blue Line is a 27-kilometre rail system from Marina to Okokomaiko.
Its construction was divided into phases for ease of implementation.
On Dec. 21, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu commemorated the completion of the civil infrastructure for the first phase of the project at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.
The first phase is a 13-kilometer stretch from Marina to Mile 2, covering five stations and will be powered by electricity from an Independent Power Plant.
The project is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
The first phase of the Lagos rail line has five stations at Mile 2, Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre, and Marina, and is expected to move about 250,000 passengers daily when its operations commence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, has vowed to improve on safety on waterways to enable the government achieve zero accident in 2023.
Emmanuel spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, during the celebration of his 40th birthday, at Falomo, Lagos.
He said that only two accidents happened on Lagos Waterways in 2022 but regretted that lives were lost during the incidents.
The general manager, however, said that for the first time, a boat captain was sentenced to life imprisonment due to reckless operation which resulted in loss of lives of about 18 passengers.
He said that the authority would strengthen its regulations and standards to prevent any mishap in 2023, and enhance partnership with the federal government.
“With the establishment of Command and Control Centre which we now have, we can easily monitor, in addition to the extra water guard that we now have at our other locations.
“We have established strategic partnership to be able to ensure we have safe waterways,” he said.
Emmanuel said that the agency intended to optimise on the existing infrastructure such as jetties and terminals.
He said that Ikorodu and Badore terminals were coming up, and urged Lagos residents to expect newer boats on the waterways.
The LASWA boss said the Lagos State Government had established 20 jetties and built six standard terminals across the state that were functioning effectively.
He attributed his success as he was celebrating his 40th birthday to God, good people, and thanked the Lagos State Government for giving him opportunity to serve and help others.
“Many people have helped me and I have also helped people as well; I will continue to help.
“I’m looking forward to better years ahead than what has been achieved. I wish to see greater impact made in the lives of people, I wish to see a better society.”
Emmanuel said that the authority was working towards ensuring that more passengers patronise the waterways, and linking the rail to its operations.
He said that LASWA was working to improve the services and operations of its manpower to build passenger confidence on water transportation.
Emmanuel said that the state government’s priority was to achieve seamless operations in transportation which was the first letter in the THEMES Agenda of the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration.
He said the government had partnered the French Government to support them with funds towards improving on water infrastructure. (NAN)
Chief Imam of Nurul Yaqeen Jumma’at Mosque Life Camp, Abuja, Yahya Al-Yolawi, has commended National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its tireless efforts toward curtailing drug abuse in the country.
Al-Yolawi gave the commendation while delivering his Jumma’at sermon entitled: “The Effects of Intoxicants and Drug Abuse: Special Prayer for NDLEA,” on Friday in Abuja.
The Muslim cleric said that since the assumption of office of the NDLEA boss, Retired Gen. Buba Marwa, the country had witnessed a drastic reduction in the incidence of drug and other substances’ abuse.
He stressed the need for religious bodies to champion the fight against drug abuse and its devastating effects on individuals, families and the society.
“ I will like to use this medium to pray for the entire NDLEA family and their boss, Buba Marwa, for his tireless efforts toward eradicating drug abuse in the country.
“May Allah strengthen him and his formidable team, empower, guide and protect them throughout the period of their noble assignment,’’ the cleric said.
According to him, Islam provides clear direction for every aspect of life, adding that protection of mind and mental ability of individuals is one of the five fundamental objectives of Islam.
Al-Yolawi said further stated that Allah prohibits alcohol and intoxicants for Muslim believers.
“Therefore, anything that affects and covers the mind and intellectual faculty of someone is regarded to be haram. Thus, use of alcohol and other drugs abuse is considered a major sin in Islam.
“Muslims are required to stay away from alcohol, as it is considered the mother of all evils.
The Muslims of today, especially the youth, are facing many problems and temptations that were not there before,’’ he said.
Al-Yolawi said advised the Muslim community to provide alternative forms of recreation for the youth, which could be community centres, sports and youth camps, where the youth can socialise in an Islamic environment.
The cleric also enjoined the Muslim community to encourage youths who were addicted to drug to turn to Islam.
According to him, there are many examples of heavily addicted Muslim youths, who have been rehabilitated by turning to Islam.
“Today, they are totally devoted to Islam. Allah accepts sincere repentance when one intends to give up the way of the devil and rather follow the straight path.
“Mothers have a very important role to play in the upbringing of their children. The whole community must work actively to rid the society of drugs.
“Only a mother knows the pain and sorrow of seeing her beloved child being a slave to the evils of drugs. Drugs destroy the dreams of every mother.
“We all have a responsibility to look after our youth and protect them from the dangers of social vices. Guard our youths and our future,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, Jan. 19, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it will continue to support security agencies towards improving efforts at protecting its facilities and safety of passengers.
The Deputy Director, Public Relations of NRC, Malam Mahmod Yakubu, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos, on Thursday.
He said that the Board and Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had confirmed that the persons abducted at the Chief Tom Ikimi Railway Station, Edo, had all regained freedom.
Yakubu recalled that the attack took place on Jan. 7, 2023, at Chief Tom Ikimi Railway Station Ekekhen in Igueben, Edo State and said all abducted passengers had been released to their families.
He said that the feat was highly commendable, as none of the victims was hurt or injured during their period of captivity and release.
“At this point, the NRC Board and Management highly appreciate the role, patience and cooperation of the families of the victims.
“We also wish to express our appreciation to the security agencies, State Government and all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the release of the harmless and innocent citizens for their efforts.
“This dastardly and wanton act of kidnapping innocent and law-abiding Nigerians is a display of cowardice that must be condemned and not to be tolerated in any guise as all hands must be on deck to ensure the Security of life and property of all Nigerians.
“The NRC Management enjoins all communities residing along the Railway corridors to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious movement that is likely to cause breach of peace within their locality, to the nearest security agency or their community vigilante for quick intervention, as this is the surest way and means.
“Reporting to security agencies will help in keeping our society safe and protecting the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure constructed in their community for their socio-economic and other benefits,” Yakubu said.(NAN).
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and officials of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have agreed to deepen the economic cooperation between the two organisations.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made the disclosure in a statement issued by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Hassan, during a meeting at the headquarters of the IDB in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, stressed the need
for support and intervention of the bank in the areas of employment of Nigerians into the organisation.
The NAHCON boss also solicited the support of the bank to provide opportunities for Nigerians in seasonal slaughtering job, capacity-building, facilitation of the the take off of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN ) and the supply of medical equipment to the Clinics.
“Nigeria as one of the Muslims populated country, we require your support in poverty reduction efforts.
” Specifically, we want your intervention in the employment of Nigerians into the seasonal livestock slaughtering during the Hajj and the distribution of Hajj meat to Nigerians in the same way.
” We also need your assistance in capacity building of our staffers and supply of instructional as well as medical equipment for the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) and Clinic,” he stated.
Responding, the Deputy Coordinator General of the bank, Dr Umar Adiya, said that Nigeria had always been its partner and would be accorded a place of priority, adding that the commission’s request falls within the bank’s ambit.
He further stated the need to explore sustainable future of Hadaya project, if the bank must serve the purpose of its establishment.
Adiya said: ” If we must guarantee the future of Hadaya project, then NAHCON must strive to support and encourage pilgrims to participate and key into the scheme to sustain it.”
While acknowledging the existence of a “black market” as posing danger to the scheme, he said that the only way to win the fight against them was through education.
” The black market activities have been detrimental to the scheme, I know, but while they cannot be eliminated totally, education is the tool to fight them,” he declared. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has cautioned traders and residents of the territory against selling petroleum products like kerosene, diesel and engine oil under the high-tension wire.
The Director, Forecasting Response Mitigation of FEMA, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, issued the warning while sensitising traders and markers at Kubwa Village market on how to prevent fire outbreak, on Thursday in Abuja.
Wenegieme frowned at the return of people who were selling petroleum products in the market after the 2022 fire explosion which was caused by the people selling kerosene.
She said: “Today, we are in Kubwa market, you will recall that sometime ago there was a kerosene explosion in this Kubwa village market and to be specific at this location.
“This is a location where a lady was selling kerosene and another woman was frying bean cake (Akara) and there was an explosion and we were involved in the rescue operation.
“Since, then we used to come here to carry out sensitisation to talk to them and advise them on the dos and don’ts in terms of disasters of different kinds.”
She explained that during the dry season, the agency discouraged traders from selling petroleum products in different locations because such products are supposed to be sold only at the filling station.
“But if you look around you will see people selling petroleum products like kerosene, diesel, engine oil, under the high-tension wire.
“Looking in front of us we have a generator mechanic and somebody selling kerosene right beside a transformer and under the high-tension wire.
“That is why the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, the Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola and the Director-General of FEMA, Abbas Idriss, directed us to come out immediately to advice the residents on how to mitigate the incidence of fire outbreak in the territory’’.
Wenegieme assured that the agency would continue to intensify efforts to rid the territory of all kinds of disasters with a view to saviing lives and properties.
The director said: “What we are doing here is a continuation of the dry season sensitisation which we started in Nov. 2022.
“We have been moving from one market to another to enlighten traders on how they can prevent fire outbreaks in the markets.”
She, however, commended the market management for the provision of fire extinguishers in various locations in the market and urged the FCT Fire Service to carry out comprehensive checks on the market.
Earlier, the Divisional Fire Officer, Kubwa Division, Uwadoneh Idorenyi, emphasised the need for traders and the FCT residents to avoid all risk factors associated with fire outbreak.
She also advised residents to have a fire blankets in their kitchens, avoid storing petroleum products at homes and switch off all electrical appliances whenever they were going out.
“And in case of a fire outbreak and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, everybody should leave the market or house and immediately call toll free number 112,” Wenegieme said. (NAN) (www.nannews,ng(
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bashir Rabe Mani
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