Author: Chiazo Ogbolu

Tourism
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN)The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has stressed the need to harness the state’s waterway potential through tourism to boost economic growth and development.

Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LAGFERRY, said this during the Fuji Fusion L’ori Omi event on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fuji Fusion L’ori’ Omi is an initiative aimed at using music to showcase Nigeria’s water tourism.

Balogun explained that the event was a combination of entertainment, tourism and transportation.

“We are exposing the Lagos waterways to what we can do when it comes to hospitality, leisure and the blue economy,” he said.

He added that the state would remain committed to harnessing the benefits of the blue economy with waterway tourism.

“This is all about tourism in Lagos. What we are doing today is history and we are happy to be part of it. We are letting the world know what we have in Nigeria.

“ Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given us the approval that we should go ahead and explore all the potential in our waterways.

“If one third of Lagos State is covered by water, what are we doing with the water apart from water transportation which is one part of it? This is why we are actually marketing water tourism,” he said.

He added that well-known Fuji artistes both locally and internationally would showcase their talents at the event.

“We are not going into Afrobeats now, we will come back to that later but for now, we are starting this aspect of our series with our traditional genre, which is Fuji,” he said.

He listed some of the musicians as Alhaji Wasiu Alabi known as Pasuma; Ambassador Sulaiman Adio Atawewe popularly known as Mr Spirit and Alhaji Toyin Adio Ololade aka Mr Performer, among others.

Also speaking, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), said the authority’s paramount goal was to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“LASWA is in charge of safety, ensuring that the waterways are safe for commercial transportation. Tourism, of which this Fuji Fusion falls into, our role is to provide safety for this kind of initiative.

“Our expectation is that of excitement and passion for Lagos. And we will ensure that this kind of event is happening in Lagos and people should know that Lagos state waterways are open for tourism,” he said.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the event as the best way to sell tourism to Lagos residents.

“What we are doing here is to show to Lagos residents what can happen on our waterways. Many activities will go on today, we have the musicians, and people who are providing the food which is agro-economy and others.

“Many things can happen on the waterways, transportation from one place to other, even work, you can imagine an annual general meeting holding on the waterway. That is what we are selling today.

“This will not be a one-off thing, we had done a live show of a football match few months ago and we are encouraging private sector participation in this regard,” she said.

Atawewe said the Lagos Fuji Fusion was special because of the concept and the way it was packaged on the waterway.

“Lagos is trying to showcase the potential of its waterway.

“We equally use music to drive away people’s sorrow and that is what we are going to be doing in the Fuji Fusion event,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Auto
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Transtech Industrial Consulting, an automotive replacement parts company, has urged government to pass the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as amended into law to engender investor confidence in the sector.

The Chief Executive Officer, Transtech, Mr Luqmam Mamudu, made the appeal at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.

The summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) had the theme: ‘Developing Nigeria ‘s Economy through the Auto Industry.’

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the NAIDP approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2023, is aimed at enabling the exponential increase in the local production of vehicles.

It is expected to generate one million jobs and enforce patronage of locally produced vehicles by government and companies working on government contracts.

Mamudu, former director of NADDC, said that restriction on the inflow of used vehicles must be well managed to ensure balance between industry needs and consumer preference for Nigeria to reap automotive industry benefits.

“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment must negotiate with countries or regions from which these dirty vehicles originate.

“Also, all imported used vehicles including salvage must be accompanied by certificates of integrity by originating countries,” he said.

He also recommended that automotive suppliers parks as provided for under NAIDP must be realised and prioritised.

Mamudu said that the zero differential between import of fully built commercial vehicles which presently stands at 10 per cent must be reviewed.

“This was smuggled into the NAIDP programme without consultation with the industry,” he said.

Mr Benedeth Ejindu, Board member, Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association, also stressed the need for the NAIDP to be signed into law to reposition the automotive industry for economic growth and development.

According to Ejindu, there is also the need to develop and implement an automotive raw materials development and component manufacturing masterplan.
“There is the need to revive tyre, battery, and glass manufacturing as a precursor to revamping local manufacture of welded parts (exhaust system, seat frames), elect Parts (batteries, trafficators, wiring harness).
“Others are plastic and rubber parts such as tyres, tubes, fan blades, seat foam, oil seals,  radiator, cables, filters, brake pads/linings, windscreens, side glasses, fibre-glass parts and paints,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Transport
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for the collaboration of public transport bus operators as it releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience in the state.

Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, said this in a meeting between the Ministry of Transportation with Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) and bus operators on the Bus Reform Initiative programme on Thursday in Lagos.

The initiative is aimed at systematic restructuring of the existing Public Transport operations in Lagos State.

Giwa said this was in line with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for the state.

He described the current state of bus operations as chaotic hence the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the state’s Bus Reform Initiative.

Using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test, he explained that the corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and LAMATA to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the expressway and adjourning roads.

“Systematic framework to address these challenges have been mapped out which include deployment of high capacity buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network.

“Also included is re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

“Others are the introduction of e-ticketing system, provision of transport infrastructure, regulation and standardisation of bus operations, improved transportation services and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor,” he said.

Giwa noted that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases, urging transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the ministry of transportation to register within the next two weeks.

“Registered operators will be allotted routes by the ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy,” he said.

The special adviser warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations implemented would be fined and would forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines.

On concerns raised by members of the unions, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa, explained that the government was counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the Lekki-Epe corridor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex, hinders growth – NADDC

Vehicles

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) says Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on  forex and hinders job creation and economic growth.

The Director-General of NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin, made the assertion at a Nigerian Auto Industry Summit  on Thursday in Lagos.

The summit was organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), in collaboration with the NADDC.

It had the theme:  ”Developing Nigeria’s Economy through the Auto Industry”.

Osanipin, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics Report, stated that, in 2023, the value of passenger car imports jumped to ₦1.47 trillion, indicating 224.67 per cent increase from  that of 2022.

He urged  that the trend should change.

“We must strive towards a future where Nigeria is not just a consumer, but also a producer of high-quality automobiles,  and this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

“The good news is that we are already making strides.

“Nigeria has a number of local assembly plants in operation, and  government is more than ever committed to seeing the industry thrive,” he said.

He said that NADDC was dedicated to supporting the development of a vibrant domestic automotive industry and was working on several initiatives to achieve the goal.

He listed the initiatives to include implementing the Nigerian Automotive Industrial Development Plan.

According to him, the plan provides a roadmap for the industry’s growth, outlining strategies/incentives for attracting investment, developing local content, and creating jobs.

He also said that the success of the Nigerian automotive industry hinged on collaboration.

Osanipin said that the association was ready to work with stakeholders to ensure progress.

“The future of the Nigerian automotive industry is bright.

“The inauguration of the Implementation Committee of the 2023 National Automotive Industry Development Plan  and the adoption of locally-assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles by the Federal Government is proof of its desire to ensure the development of the sector.

“Nigeria has the potential to become a vehicle manufacturing centre for the West and Central African region.

“Let us use this summit as a springboard to propel the Nigerian automotive industry towards a brighter future,’’ he said.

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the automotive industry had the potential to be a cornerstone of economic recovery, offering numerous benefits including job creation, technology transfer, and development of ancillary industries.

She said that the Federal Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for the automotive sector to thrive.

She added that the government  had introduced several policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the industry.

“With the right policies, investments and collaborative efforts, we can transform this sector into a significant driver of economic growth and development,” she said.

Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, said that proliferation of used cars in Nigeria was further weakening the naira and straining  local manufaturers.

Adeniyi represented by Comptroller Mankini Daniyan of  the Port Terminal Multiservices Ltd. Command noted that used vehicles were often cheaper and more affordable than their brand new ones, and sometimes locally-assembled vehicles.

“These abundant and affordable used vehicles dampens demand for new locally-assembled cars, and hinders growth in the domestic industry.

“The service currently enforces an import prohibition on vehicles older than 15 years, as contained in Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff, from entering Nigeria’s car markets as a way to reduce import of used cars.

“This is tailored at further supporting and encouraging growth in the Nigerian automative industry,” he said.

Earlier, the NAJA Chairman, Mr Mike Ochonma, called for adequate support for the automative industry to enhance  transformation of Nigeria into Africa’s automative manufacturing hub.

According to Ochonma, the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit shall annually produce significant information that will help in the achievement of the goal.

He said that the summit would strive to  help  automotive industry leaders to set development agenda aimed at driving relevant government policies toward sustainable development of the industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Lagos Bus Service unveils  policy to reduce carbon footprint

Policy

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) has unveiled a policy to reduce carbon footprint of its mass transit system and ensure a  greener and more sustainable future.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona, made this known at the fifth anniversary of the organisation’s existence, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oguntona said that the LBSL Sustainability Policy was a strategic framework developed on the Lagos State Climate Action Plan and Lagos State Transport Policy.

According to Oguntona, the policy represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.

“By integrating environmental, social and governance principles into every aspect of our operations, we are not only enhancing the quality of our services but also contributing to the overall well-being of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

“Currently, the transport sector is responsible for generating about 20 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“In response to this challenge, we are determined to lead by example in reducing the carbon footprint of our bus mass transit system,” he said.

He said that the policy was driven by the organisation’s mission statement – to provide smart and sustainable bus transportation solutions to meet the needs of a modern city.

He added that the organisation introduced a state-of-the-art sick bay which reflected its dedication to the health and well-being of employees.

He said that some achievements that had shaped LBSL’s path included  more than 52 million  passengers  and over 27 million kilometres  coverage across over 30  routes.

“Our driver training academy has produced over 1,862 graduates,” he said.

The managing director said that LBSL had a total of 850 employees, of which 216 had spent more than  five years with the company.

Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which is LBSL’s regulator, appluaded the organisation for the policy.

Akinajo said that Lagos believed in sustainability of the transport sector.

She said that the achievment of LBSL within five years demonstrated  the commitment of its staff.

“As your regulator, we see what you do and we can say that the LBSL is the one that carries the largest numbet of passengers daily in Lagos.

“You are doing something right that we are proud of, Lagos residents appreciate your job. Please do keep it up,” she said.

Mr Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, said: “We are aware of your pains and sufferings. Your CEO writes concerning the complaints, and we shall surely overcome.”

The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that the  achievements of the organisation in the last five years depicted consistency and good leadership.

“What you do is provide service, you have direct interface with passengers, you are doing something good to have the ridership.

`’Please, do not drop your service level, it is extremely important.

“High capacity buses are used for many reasons: one is to reduce the number of cars on the road; secondly, it is for environmental issues.

“The more  the number of bigger buses, the less the number of  cars and the less carbon emissions. LBSL plays a role in this space,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the  anniversary featured presentation of awards to 216 pioneer staff of the organisation. (NAN)(www.nanmews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

LASG to divert traffic in Ikoyi  for 4 weeks

Diversion

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government will divert traffic from Alfred Rewane and Osborne roads in Ikoyi for four weeks.

The government will divert the traffic through Osborne Foreshore Estate axis, from June 26 to July 27.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Osiyemi said that the diversion would  enable the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out the first phase of rehabilitation of the asphaltic sections from Osborne Foreshore Estate to Sura Bridge Ramp.

“Motorists from Alexander/Glover are advised to use Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Avenue inwards Ikoyi to connect Obalende/Ring Road and access  Third Mainland Bridge to proceed with their journeys.

“Those from Victoria Island are advised to go through Falomo Roundabout to link Awolowo Road and access Third Mainland Bridge to reach their desired destinations.

“Alternately, motorists from Victoria Island can  utilize Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to link Mekunwen Bridge and proceed to CMS/Apongbon Bridge inwards Eko Bridge to access Funsho Williams Avenue to reach their desired destinations.

Osiyemi gave the assurance that traffic managers would be on ground to minimise inconveniences and ensure steady flow of traffic.

He urge motorists to be patient and comply with the instructions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

Illegal
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of Lagos.

Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Adebayo noted that the impounding of the vehicles at these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

He said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.

Adebayo that they were specifically directed to target illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

He quoted Giwa as emphasising that government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

“illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos.

“These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

“Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Giwa said.

He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

“LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

“Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

“LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent,” he quoted Giwa as saying.

He urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions.

He reiterated that the government’s primary objective was to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860/ 08129928503. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Traffic
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has assured motorists of comprehensive traffic management across the state as they comply with traffic rules during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Mr Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, gave the assurance in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.
Giwa said the appeal on compliance became necessary due to the anticipated surge in social activities and vehicular traffic during the festive season, along with the ongoing construction projects throughout the State.
According to Giwa, LASTMA has pledged to deploy additional personnel and resources to ensure smooth traffic operations before, during, and after the Sallah celebration.
He noted that all operational heads, including the newly restructured agency’s District Comptrollers, Commanders and Zonal Heads would be actively on duty to ensure efficient traffic management throughout the festive period.
Giwa added that the agency’s Provost, Monitoring, and Surveillance Units would closely oversee operations, ensuring that all LASTMA officers on duty exhibit civility and the highest level of professionalism.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Lagosians on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir and assure all road users, particularly motorists, that LASTMA personnel will be stationed at strategic locations to effectively monitor vehicular movements across the state.
“I assure that the structural arrangements and deployments established for seamless traffic flow during the celebrations will be upheld by the agency.
“All motorists must adhere to traffic regulations, drive within speed limits, avoid reckless driving and perform regular maintenance on their vehicles to prevent accidents,” he said.
He warned that any traffic violation or disobedience to traffic managers’ directives would result in serious sanctions as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, as amended. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Parking
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has called on event organisers to prioritise safe parking during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and beyond.
The General Manager of LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, made the appeal in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Adelabu emphasised the importance of proactive parking to mitigate the potential hazards associated with increased event attendance during this festive period.
“With the Eid festivities fast approaching, we anticipate a surge in events across Lagos, which will translate to increased demand for parking spaces.
“It is imperative that event-goers prioritise and pre-plan their parking arrangements to prevent haphazard parking, which can impede traffic flow and jeopardise public safety.
“Let us come together to create a joyful and safe festive atmosphere, devoid of frustration and danger,” she said.
Adelabu also underscored the necessity for strict adherence to parking regulations to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the Sallah celebrations.
“We must avoid blocking driveways or parking in unauthorised areas.
“Non-compliance not only disrupts the joyous spirit of the season but also poses risks to the safety and convenience of fellow road users,” she said.
She cautioned against converting sections of major roads into makeshift parking lots for events without proper authorisation and provision of parking marshals to oversee parking arrangements.
Adelabu also encouraged event centres requiring parking assistance to liaise with LASPA.
“We stand ready to assist event organisers by connecting them with nearby facilities that have available parking spaces and providing trained parking marshals,” she said.
She, however, reiterated LASPA’s unwavering commitment to addressing all parking-related concerns, ensuring that residents and visitors alike enjoy optimal parking experiences across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma