The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Reps query NCC over multi-billion naira USPF projects

    Reps query NCC over multi-billion naira USPF projects

    • Frown at N700b request for telecom coverage

    The House of Representatives has queried the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) over the 1, 014 projects under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) for an e-library project that was executed for over N2 billion.

    The House frowned at a request by the Commission for N700 billion to ensure that 27 million Nigerians who do not  have access to telecommunications get coverage.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, appeared before the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the failure and inability of the Commission to promote the availability of mobile telecommunication network service as well as accruals and utilisation of funds in the USFP, during its inaugural hearing yesterday.

    Danbatta, along with other officials of the Commission, as well as representatives of telecoms companies, attended the hearing.

    The Committee headed by Hon. Bamidele Salam pointed out that there was no specific description of what was done in the contracts and they were couched in a manner that they would be hard to track.

    It noted that 80 per cent of the projects had no specific location.

    The Committee, therefore, moved a motion that the NCC should provide the specific addresses and project description and specifications for each of the contracts that were awarded and listed in the 91-page document it submitted.

    The Committee noted that most of the contractors also had no addresses specified on the document.

    The lawmakers also queried the Commission for deciding how much money goes to the USPF.

    Salam said: “There is a list of contracts awarded by the USPF since inception provided for us here, which is about 1014 various contracts on which a few observations have been made. There is also the submission of the annual audited report of the USPF which has been from 2007 till date, but a few years missing from the audited reports. A few observations have been raised out of that and I want members to let us address those issues so they can take the answers holistically.”

    The Committee also summoned the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Auditor-General as well Chief Executive Officers of telecommunication companies over the issue.

    They were summoned to appear before the Committee alongside the NCC on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, when the hearing would resume.

    A member of the Committee queried the NCC: “You mentioned that of the 2.5 per cent that comes to NCC you determine that one per cent should go to USPF. But looking at what you provided here for 2022 for instance, it says N9.8 billion came to the fund. But what came to the NCC was N65 billion and if 2.5 per cent is N65 billion, then you should have about N26 billion as one per cent. What comes to USPF is far below one per cent. Why is that so?”

    Danbatta replied that the USPF regulations stipulated that the Commission would determine the contributions from time to time.

    But the lawmakers argued that a regulation made by the NCC cannot supersede its enabling Act.

    A member Mark Gbillah said: “The challenge is the NCC has given itself the power to annually decide what it is going to annually allocate to USPF. Looking at the documents presented, administrative expenses rose from N19 million to N127 million. The expenditure on staff rose exponentially. Let me say that it is important for the NCC to let us know the premise on which you annually determine to allocate the USPF or otherwise and what annual allocation they have proposed and implemented from inception till date.

    “We need to know what the funds have been used for. For instance, the e-library alone you spent over N2 billion on e-library. How functional is the library based on the amount that have been allocated to them when a lot more should have been allocated in my opinion to the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations to have more coverage across the country.”

    Another lawmaker queried why in 2015 despite the staff strength reducing from 48 to 45, there was an almost 100 per cent increase from N434 million to N824 million.

    Earlier Prof Danbatta said in 2013 there was a consultancy driven by the NCC to identify clusters of access gaps in the country.

    He said 207 clusters of access gaps according to that study and in these clusters of access gaps there were about 37 million Nigerians.

    He said since then through the Commission’s efforts the number of people without access had been reduced to 27 million.

    He said: “What we have done to bring telecom services to people living in rural, unserved and underserved areas of this country, totaling 37 million people courtesy of the consultancy that was conducted in 2013.

    “By 2019 we had succeeded in reducing the clusters of access gaps to a 114 through the deployment of the necessary infrastructure needed to bring services to people living in rural, unserved and underserved areas of the country. This deployment of infrastructure is the base transceiver stations.

    “I am going to give information about the base transceiver stations we have so far. This resulted in the reduction of Nigerians in those clusters from 37 million to 31 million in 2019. By 2022 we had reduced the clusters of access gaps to 97 from 207 in 2013.

    “The number of Nigerians again have come down from 37 million in 2013 to 27 million as we speak. How did we achieve this? We achieved this by deploying from 2009 to 2011 a total of 79 base transceiver stations. In 2013 to 2018, we deployed an additional 124 base transceiver stations. From 2019 to 2022 we deployed a total of 364 base transceiver stations. The total number of base transceiver stations we have deployed to date is 567 as we speak. This is a landmark.

    “But when you look at the gap, the 97 clusters of access gaps with a total population of 27 million Nigerians still without access as we speak. This is also not desirable. It is not something that we can allow to continue. That is why in our presentation we have indicated additional things we have done to be able to bridge these gaps. And giving an analysis of the amount of money that would be required to completely bridge the 97 clusters of access gaps in the country.

    “Arising from the deterioration of the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar, we have a figure of approximately N700 billion. It is the total amount required to completely bridge the gaps within the clusters that I have stated earlier. This is not a tall order. It can be done.

     According to him, one way to ensure adequate coverage was to declare a state of emergency that would lead to the bridging of all these clusters of access gaps in the country.

    However a member of the committee responded, “We should be wary of being misled. We should stick to the core issue. The primary purpose is to investigate funds that have accrued to you and how you have used it and why targets have not been met. I don’t think the first thing is for you to start telling us you need more money. We are here to investigate the money you have received and the judicious use of that money.”

  • Disquiet in NERC, NDPHC over heavily discounted power deal with Eko DisCo

    Disquiet in NERC, NDPHC over heavily discounted power deal with Eko DisCo

    A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Omotosho Generation Company Limited and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has generated controversy, it was gathered yesterday.

    There are suspicions as to the real identities of the beneficiaries of the 15 per cent discount enjoyed by EKEDC.

    The Omotosho Power Plant is owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

    Some senior officers at NDPHC and National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are questioning  the bilateral agreement.

    The areas of concern relate to the heavy discount and the involvement of a third party in the payment even as NDPHC prepares to expand the agreement to cover more kilowatt hours (kWh).

    However, the Technical Adviser on Media to NDPHC, Adesanya Adejokun, said there was nothing untoward in the PPA and that it was approved by NERC.

    In the agreement signed by Omotosho GenCo and EKEDC last August, the distribution company (DisCo) enjoys a 15 per cent discount monthly on a guaranteed 100MW of power supplied by either Omotosho, if it has gas, or any other plant owned by NDPHC.

    The power is priced at N24.5 per kWh but the discount will not be applied if EKEDC misses the payment deadline by 24 hours, according to the agreement.

    But a third company called Millwater Limited – appointed as contract administrator by EKEDC – makes the payments to NDPHC/Omotosho, even though the company is not a party to the contract.

    Adejokun said the law permits EKEDC to appoint a third party to manage the transaction – but there are still questions as to whom the promoters of the company are, especially as the discount is allegedly retained by the consultants.

    For instance, TheCable saw the invoice for February 2023 in which EKEDC was charged a total of N1.660 billion by Omotosho, with the discount amounting to N249 million.

    But Adejokun still maintained that 15 percent of N1.661 billion is less than N27 million.

    The consultants may be retaining over N249 million every month just for making bank transfers to NDPHC on behalf of EKEDC.

    NDPHC also said it has no direct dealings with Millwater because it is an agent of EKEDC and the DisCo acted legally by appointing the company as an administrator.

    TheCable has contacted EKEDC for comments.

    Some senior figures in the industry are dissatisfied with the terms of the bilateral agreement, saying it does not make economic sense.

    “The gas utilised to generate a kilowatt hour already takes 60-70 percent of the total cost,” a NERC official told TheCable off-record because he is not the spokesperson for the regulatory body.

    “Operation and maintenance of a power plant also takes between 15-20 percent of the total cost. The profit margin is a tiny 10 percent or less, so 15 percent discount is highly questionable.”

    Answering TheCable’s questions, the NDPHC technical adviser on media said in a written response: “In August 2022, NDPHC’s subsidiary, Omotosho Generation Company Limited (Omotosho), entered a PPA to sell 100MW of power to Eko Disco. The PPA puts NDPHC and Eko Disco at the forefront of the market liberalisation changes that Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is introducing. It is also a technical and commercial win for NDPHC and for the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

    “On the technical level, it ensures that NDPHC will always have the 100 MW dispatched (either from Omotosho when it has gas or from other NDPHC plants), significantly reducing the issues that NDPHC faces from insufficient dispatch of its plants. The PPA was also a technical win for Eko Disco, as it will get a full allocation of the 100 MW sold under the PPA, even when there is a power generation shortfall in the market due to reduced production by all the generation companies, whether due to gas interruptions or other causes.

    “On the commercial level, NDPHC is assured of payment on time, of 100% of its invoice, in exchange for a monthly discount that effectively is about 20 Kobo/KWh and less than N27 million on an invoice of more than N1.5 billion a month. The discount only applies if Eko Disco is able to pay NDPHC’s invoice in full in 25 days and is in comparison to the next best available alternative – sales to Nigerian Buk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) with partial payment after 60 days.

    “The commercial mechanism that NDPHC devised to ensure prompt payment was to negotiate a PPA tariff that was almost 15% higher than its market approved tariff from NBET at the time, but also to give a 15% discount on the Eko Disco tariff if the invoice is paid within 25 days. Thus, assuming that Eko Disco within 25 days, its effective tariff would be N20.825, which is 20k or less than 1% less than NBET’s then effective market tariff for NDPHC. On the other hand, if Eko Disco failed to pay the invoice fully within 25 days, it will pay the full Eko Disco PPA tariff, which is at a premium of N3.30, or 15.5% to the NBET market tariff.

    “Please be informed that the Eko Disco PPA was signed at a time that the market payment performance from NBET was only at about 55%, so that, on a sale to the market through NBET, NDPHC will only collect about N11.67 per kWh after 60 days (with the balance to be paid at an indeterminate time in the future when Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is able to fund payments). On the sale to Eko Disco however, NDPHC will collect N20.83 within 25 days. For NDPHC, this was a rational commercial decision to make, and its board approved management’s request to enter into the PPA.

    “Please note that the Eko Disco PPA contains a mechanism for increasing the PPA tariff on the basis of and in accordance with the parameters and timelines specified for tariff increases for NDPHC plants.

    “As stated earlier, the Eko Disco PPA also put both NDPHC and Eko Disco at the forefront of the changes that the industry regulator, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is introducing. The effect of these changes is that most industry PPAs will be entered into on a bilateral basis (i.e. directly between Gencos and Discos) without the need for FGN funded interventions as currently done through NBET. In addition, the better performing Discos in market payments like Eko, Abuja and Ikeja will no longer have to buy power from NBET, meaning that market payment performance, which has improved slightly in recent times, will become significantly worse.”

  • Ooni to Atiku, Obi supporters: lay down your arms, support Tinubu

    Ooni to Atiku, Obi supporters: lay down your arms, support Tinubu

    To the OONI of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Nigerians, irrespective of party affiliations, should support the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu after inauguration on May 29.

    The foremost monarch spoke in Lagos while hosting a delegation from Kenyan President, William Ruto at his Lagos residence.

    Oba Ogunwusi urged supporters of former vice president Atiku Abubaker and one-time Anambra governor Peter Obi to sheathe their swords in the overall interest of the country.

    Atiku and Obi were candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) respectively in the February 25 presidential poll.

    At the event were Kenya’s Chief of Staff Francis Koskie; Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote; Propetrol Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harry Ebohen; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and a fintech executive Kunmi Demuren.

    According to the royal father, a path forward with the Tinubu presidency regardless of political affiliations will create the right environment for investment.

    He stressed that putting Nigeria on the right path to greatness should be a collective effort as the election has come and gone.

    The Ooni said: “As the presidential inauguration approaches, I beseech you all, young and old, Obidients and Atikulates, hopeful and weary, amiable and passionate, to lay down your arms.

    “There is no reason to waste time looking back; all we have is today and the future. Now is the time to embrace our diversity and uniqueness.

    “We may differ in opinions and approaches to achieving a better Nigeria, but we all want a nation we can be proud of. Let us come together to support the vision of Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.”

  • Obasanjo, Sultan, others laud Iwuanyanwu’s choice as Ohanaeze leader

    Obasanjo, Sultan, others laud Iwuanyanwu’s choice as Ohanaeze leader

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Oranto Petroleum Chief Executive Prince Arthur Eze have joined other prominent leaders to hail the choice of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    The leadership of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also congratulated the elder statement.

    Describing Iwuanyanwu’s emergence as well-deserved in his message, President Obasanjo said the elder statesman’ record of excellent leadership, loyalty and patriotism, will lead Ndigbo to a new horizon.

    He urged the Ndigbo leader not to only look inwards, but outwards for the peace and unity of the country, enjoining him to use his position to ensure the unity, progress and development of Igboland and Nigeria.

    In his message, the Sultan commended Chief Iwuanyanwu for his great service to the nation.

    He expressed joy for Iwuanyanwu’s emergence as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    The Sultan observed that Iwuanyanwu has been a bridge-builder and hopes that, with his new position, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader will ensure that the Southwest work relentlessly for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

    He pledged the support of the Sultanate to the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.

    The Oranto Petroleum Limited chief executive felicitated Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on his affirmation as the President-General of the Ohanaeze.

    Prince Eze, the Ozoigbondu described said the Ndigbo have firm confidence the Iwuanyanwu leadership will be beneficial to Igboland and Nigeria.

    He prayed to God to give him the wisdom and grace to succeed in the new assignment.

    In their message, members of the NEF described Iwuanyanwu as a distinguished Nigerian, expressing the hope that the new leadership will mark a significant improvement in elite cohesion and national consensus.

    NEF’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed urged Iwuanyanwu to improve North-East engagements on issues of national importance.

    The Southeast Governors Forum, through their leader the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, congratulated Iwuanyanwu on his ascension into the revered seat.

    The governors said that Iwuanyanwu’s pedigree, father-figure and unblemished character, not only portend the best for Ndigbo but a bright future indeed.

    Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji no one else the Southeast is more deserving of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo today than Iwuanyanwu.

    According to him, the chief has the clout, pedigree and voice to douse tensions and rally the Ndigbo for the tasks ahead.

    In their message, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the United Kingdom (UK) described Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as “the proper and fit person to wear the symbol of Igbo land now”.

    In a message signed by their President, Stanley Okechukwu; Secretary, Uche Osuigwe and the Publicity Secretary, Charles Nwaogwugwu, the UK chapter of the socio-political group described Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a great son of Igboland of no mean feat.

    They described Iwuanyanwu as one of the foremost Igbo icons who had been at the forefront of the struggle for Igbo emancipation and in defending the interest of Ndigbo in the Nigeria geopolitical space.

    According to them, as Chairman of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, he defended the culture, traditions and heritage of the region.

  • APC picks Akpabio, Abass as Senate President, Speaker

    APC picks Akpabio, Abass as Senate President, Speaker

    • Barau, Kalu nominated as Deputy Senate President, Dep. Speaker
    • 72 non-serving senators back party’s choice
    • Umahi: Southeast to get compensation
    • Orji Kalu writes NWC

    The ruling party yesterday announced its choice for principal positions of the 10th National Assembly.
    Aside from the geo-political areas to which it zoned top offices, the All Progressives Congress (APC) attached its preferred people to occupy the offices.
    The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) ratified the arrangement at its meeting in Abuja, according to its spokesman Felix Morka.
    Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom Northwest) is tipped as Senate president and Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) as Deputy Senate President.
    Also nominated are Tajudeen Abass (Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State) as Speaker, House of Representatives and Benjamen Kalu (Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State) as Deputy Speaker.
    The election for principal officers is the first assignment the two chambers will carry out after their inauguration next month.
    Speaking to reporters after the four-hour NWC meeting, Morka said: “The NWC met today (yesterday) to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the President-elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other party leaders and stakeholders on zoning arrangement for 10th National Assembly leadership positions.
    “The NWC noted with respect the outcome of the meetings held between the President-elect and the leadership of the NWC. 
    “The NWC called for further and better consultation with necessary stakeholders in order to assure the support of the aspirants to the National Assembly leadership positions and members of the party nationwide.
    “We urge our party leaders, members and all Nigerians to continue to work for peace and progress of our country during and beyond the current period of leadership transition.”

    Ex-Senators back Akpabio
    A group of 72 senators who served as members of the Second to Fourth Republic National Assembly said they were fully behind Akpabio.
    Convener of the group, Basheer Lado, said their support for the former minister was based on the need for fairness, equity and justice.
    Lado, who once represented Kano Senatorial District, told reporters that in the spirit of fairness and equity, the number three position should be zoned to the Southsouth.
    Lado said: “We, in the spirit of equity, fairness, political expediency and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, hereby express our total support for the zoning of the position of the president of the 10th senate, to the Southsouth geo-political zone of Nigeria.
    “We also affirm our unfettered support for the position of the president of the 10th Senate who also doubles as the chairman of the National Assembly to be conferred on Senator Akpabio.
    “The position of Senate president represents the third position in the hierarchy of our current democratic dispensation. 
    “This position carries considerable weight in discharging vital constitutional responsibilities and charting the right course for our national development.
    “It is also important that the holder of such a position enjoys the confidence and support of the party leadership and that of his peers as Senator Godswill Akpabio undoubtedly does.
    “With this same spirit of fairness, we also affirm our solid support that the position of deputy president of the 10th Senate is conceded to distinguished Senator Barau Jubril.”
    Listed as some of the group members are Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade; George Akume, Barnabas Gemade, Andy Uba, Olorunnimbe Mamora and Magnus Abe.

    Kalu writes APC NWC, Senators-elect 
    Before a statement by the APC NWC on the zoning arrangement, Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu said he would go ahead with the race.
    Kalu, in a letter to the NWC and 108 other Senators-elect on his interest to become the Senate President, said he was offering himself for the position with sincerity of heart, humility and candour.
    He, however, refuted the report that Southeast Senators-elect endorsed him.
    According to him, the Senators-elect of the Southeast only met to make a demand from the President-elect and the party and have yet to endorse anyone.
    Kalu, a former Abia State governor, promised to promote and defend the constitution as well as foster a cordial relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary if he emerges as Senate President.
    The letter reads in part: “Leadership of a sophisticated Senate at the 10th Session will need men and women with an abundance of shared vision, consensus building, charisma, credibility and pragmatism in the saddle.
    “This is why I most humbly write to officially inform you of my interest to be elected the next Senate President.
    “I make this offer to serve you and the Nigerian people with sincerity of heart, humility and candour.
    “The biggest asset I bring to the table is wisdom and experience garnered over the years in the management of human and material resources.
    “One thing is indubitably certain: working together in unity and mutual love and respect, we can take Nigeria to the real next level of peace, progress and development.”
    Kalu argued that “in a democratic clime like ours, the ruling party plays a key role in setting up the structure of government”.
    Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, who are have been endorsed by the APC leadership for the Speakership and Deputy Speakership positions, argued that they were the most suitable.
    Abbas said in a statement by his campaign office that the Northwest deserved the seat because it gave the APC the highest number of votes during the presidential election. 
     
    Umahi: Tinubu will compensate Southeast
    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi expressed optimism that President-elect Tinubu will compensate the Southeast with tangible positions having been zoned out of the Senate Presidency.
    “We (Southeast) cannot continue opposing everything as politics is all about dialogue, give and take.
    “What could have happened if I said no and considering our efforts to promote the APC in the zone, we will get a tangible position,” Umahi said. 
    He said he was prevailed upon by the President-elect to step down for Akpabio.
    Umahi explained that he agreed in the interest of the APC and the Southeast.
    He spoke with reporters on arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Onueke from Abuja.
    The governor, who said he was invited by Tinubu, added that he stepped down because he did not “want to be a spoke in the wheel of his progress.”
    He said: “I discussed the issue with him (Tinubu) when he was in Paris and on return to the country, he invited me.
    “It was an honour to be invited by the President-elect and he told me that he had made commitments.
    “It is his right as the President-elect to make commitments and anyone running for such office makes promises.
    “I did not want to be a spoke in the wheel of his progress so I accepted.”
    Umahi said he was not aware of any resolution by Southeast senators-elect to support Kalu for the position.
    “I am the chairman of the Akpabio campaign council and I can tell you that we have more APC senators on our side,” he added.
    The governor also said he would never lobby to be appointed a minister in the incoming administration.
    “I will accept whatever God wills for me but as a person, I will prefer to be in the Senate to rest.
    “I will, however, have no choice if it is the sacrifice to make in the interest of the party, Southeast and to help the President-elect.” 
     
    Reps group hails zoning
    House of Representatives members-elect, under the umbrella of The Joint Task – 10th Assembly, hailed the zoning arrangement.
    In a statement by the Chairman Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe); Co-Chairman Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), and Secretary Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano), the group hailed Tinubu for showing leadership in arriving at the choice.
    While pledging to work with the incoming Tinubu administration, the forum said it would work hard to realise the zoning arrangement.
    The forum, which comprises members-elect from the APC, PDP, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Party (ADC) and Young Progressives Party (YPP), noted that it has been waiting for the party’s direction on zoning to decide on the next line of action.
    The statement said: “As a forum, we at the Joint Task – 10th Assembly welcome the zoning arrangement of the APC. We believe in upholding the best democratic practices. That is why we want to join hands as political parties that won seats in the parliament to have a harmonious working relationship with the other arms of government, especially the Executive, without compromising our independence.
    “Now that the APC NWC has taken the bold decision, we will go in line with the party’s choice and work assiduously to realise same. 
    “We want to assure the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that as a Parliament, we would work harmoniously and assiduously with him to realise his plans for Nigeria. We would work jointly with all stakeholders within and outside the House to have a stable house.”
     
    Senators kick
    Some Senators-elect have advanced criteria that should be observed in choosing the presiding officers of the 10th Senate.
    While some favour zoning of the positions, others advise that there must be balance in the distribution of top political positions.
    A number of the incoming senators warned against imposition and insisted that they should be allowed to independently choose their presiding officers.

    Akpabio hopeful
    Akpabio, who got more support from groups outside the National Assembly, said that he was optimistic that justice and equity would prevail at the end of the day.  
    He also said he was not worried that some Senators-elect were protesting his endorsement by the APC leadership.
    The former Niger Delta Affairs Minister said: “I believe that justice will be done in terms of balancing the political equations in the country to ensure a very peaceful tenure for the incoming President.
    “I am not worried at all about opposition to my ambition. It is a normal thing. I always describe politics as a game of concentric circles of conspiracy. I am not worried about anything. I believe strongly that the will of God will be done.
    “My colleagues would decide my fate on the floor during the inauguration. The senators-elect would take a decision.
    “The lawmakers would elect the next Senate President. I believe that there should be cooperation between the parties and the lawmakers.
    “Once the leadership is put in place, there should be a collaboration between the leadership and the Parliament to ensure a smooth administration.
    “We are all mutually dependent on one another while at the same time, exercising our legislative duties and independence. On the whole, I believe that we can only get better as our democracy matures.”
    Senator Osita Izunaso, who is also eyeing the position, argued the most natural thing for the APC leadership to do was to zone the office of Senate President to the Southeast.
    Izunaso vowed not to step down for anybody, saying the Southeast was also a contributor to APC’s success in the general election.
    Also, Ned Nwoko of the PDP said the National Assembly, being an independent body must have a free hand to decide on its leadership.
    Abdulrahman Samaila, one of the Senators-elect, who flayed the consensus zoning arrangement, said constitutional provisions must be followed. 
    Samaila of the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP), said: “On the issue of the Senate Presidency, we should follow the constitution. There is a clear and express provision in the constitution which allows members of the National Assembly to choose their presiding officers amongst themselves irrespective of party affiliation, religious or ethnic considerations.”
    But another group, Good Governance Initiative (GGi), which supports Abdulaziz Yari as the next Senate President also rejected calls by 72 former members of the Red Chamber to have Akpabio as Senate President.
    “These were people who functioned as lawmakers at the highest level of this country previously. They ought to understand fundamental rights of individuals as enshrined in the constitution,” National President of GGi, Kunle Sanusi, said.
     
    Group protest
    Earlier, a group, All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Stakeholders, stormed the National Secretariat of the party to protest the exclusion of the Northcentral from the zoning arrangement.
    Led by Salihu Ibrahim, the group complained that the arrangement was not favourable to the region, adding that the zone was marginalised.
    Ibrahim told reporters: “We are asking not too much. We are asking that the Speaker of the 10th Assembly should be zone to Northcentral. That is what we want for now
    “We didn’t come here for the candidacy but for the interest of Northcentral. The Northcentral should be recognised and appreciated by the APC National level. 
    “The 10th Assembly speakership should be zoned to Northcentral if they can’t give us the Senate President.” 

  • Presidential tribunal strikes out AA’s suit

    Presidential tribunal strikes out AA’s suit

    • Pre-hearing continues
    • Tinubu: let’s allow judicial process run its course

    The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) yesterday dismissed the petition by the Action Alliance (AA) and its presidential candidate, Solomon Okanigbuan.

    The court’s decision followed a motion moved by the petitioners’ lawyer, Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), but he did not say why his client was withdrawing it.

    Listed as respondents in the petition, marked: CA/PEPC/01/2023 are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Hamza Al-Mustapha.

    Lawyers to the respondents – Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) for INEC, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for the APC, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) for Tinubu and Mohammed Sani for Al-Mustapha, did not object to the withdrawal.

    Ruling, Justice Tsammani dismissed the petition.

    Justice Tsammani earlier announced that the court would commence its pre-hearing session with three petitions: the one by AA and those by the Action Peoples Party (APP), marked: CA/PEPC/02/2023 and Peter Obi & Labour Party (LP) marked: CA/PEPC/03/2023.

    He sought the cooperation of all lawyers to enable the court to decide the cases on time.

    President-elect Tinubu urged Nigerians to have faith in the judiciary and allow judicial process to run its course.

    According to him, the ongoing case at the tribunal is part of the democratic process, which allows anyone who feels aggrieved after losing an election to challenge it in court.

    He said his pre-occupation now is how to hit the ground running after his inauguration on May 29.

    He said the challenges are enormous and he is prepared to give all that is required to make life more abundant for Nigerians.

    He spoke yesterday in Lagos at about the time the tribunal’s pre-hearing was going on in Abuja.

    He was addressing some of the guests that graced the prayer session at his new home on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi.

    The new home is a stone’s throw from his famous Bourdillion street residence.

    After the dismissal of AA’s petition, counsel for the petitioners and respondents in the other two petitions – Obed Agwu (for APP), Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) for Obi and LP, Fagbemi, Olanipekun and Mahmoud adopted the separate responses to the pre-hearing questions in respect of the two petitions, which they filed earlier.

    Afterwards, the court urged them to meet, and agree on what documents to be tendered, those they plan to object to and those they will allow to be admitted without objection.

    The court also ordered them to identify issues for determination in both petitions and file them before the next pre-hearing session.

    It subsequently adjourned till tomorrow at 9 am for the resumption of the pre-hearing session in the petition by the APP, and 2 pm the same day on the petition by Obi and LP.

    The court fixed the pre-hearing session on the other two petitions – by Allied Peoples Movement (APM) marked: CA/PEPC/04/2023, and Atiku Abubakar & the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) marked: CA/PEPC/05/2023 – for today at 9 am.

    Some politicians, including Obi, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and Senator Victor Umeh (LP) witnessed yesterday’s sitting.

    During the short ceremony at Tinubu’s new Lagos home, Islamic clerics – Sheik Ayinla Abdulmojeed of Nawarudeen Mission, Dr. Abdulrahman Ahmad, Sheik Abdulafeez Abu, Baba Adinni of Lagos, and Acting Chief Imam Sheik Abdul Bari, and Alhaji Habit Taoferk, Imam of Shitta-Bey Mosque – offered prayers at the event.

    Sheik Abu, a man in his nineties who briefly reflected on the historic presidential election, congratulated Tinubu and pray for his success as President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

    The Christian prayer was offered by the eminent politician and Baba Aladura of Cherubim and Cheraphim, Oke Ayo Igbala Irapada,  Iganmu, Olorunfunmi Basorun.

    Some of Tinubu’s associates and friends that witnessed the ceremony are: former All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Ogun State Olusegun Osoba, former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Lagos State APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member Prince Oluyole Olusi, Tinubu’s Special Adviser Mr. Dele Alake, Lagos State Environment Commissioner Tunji Bello, a members of the transition council Mr Olawale Edun, former APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest) Chief Pius Akinyelure, Lagos State Police Commissioner Idowu Owohunwa, Retired Police Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu and Tinubu’s media adviser Tunde Rahman.

    Why we withdrew petition, by AA

    AA said it withdrew the petition because of the “unity of our nation”.

    It said it would not want to be the reason Nigeria will be thrown into another horrific experience similar to June 12, 1993, presidential election crisis.

    Chairman of the party, Dr. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, said in a statement in Kaduna that as active democrats in the democratic experiment, AA shall not be used by proponents of the interim government to achieve their concocted agenda of taking over the government through the back door.

    “Our party believes in the three key principles of a healthy democracy, which are: equity, fairness and justice.

    “The agitations around our country today are because parts or all of these key principles have been relegated.

    “We believe it is not fair to abort the ascendancy of a southerner to the most exalted seat and position, especially after a northerner has successfully sat on same for eight years.

    “We do not want to be seen as being used as a vehicle for further relegation of these all-important principles of democracy,” AA said.

    Atiku seeks TV coverage

    Also yesterday, Atiku asked the tribunal to televise its proceedings.

    His lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), said: “An integral part of the constitutional duty of the court to hold proceedings in public is discretion to allow public access to proceedings either physically or by electronic means.

    “With the huge and tremendous technological advances and developments in Nigeria and beyond, including the current trend by this honourable court towards embracing electronic procedures, virtual hearing and electronic filing, a departure from the rules to allow a regulated televising of the proceedings in this matter is in consonance with the maxim that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

    “Televising court proceedings is not alien to this honourable court, and will enhance public confidence.”

    ‘Cases impossible to conclude before May 29’ 

    Two SANs, Adeleke Agbola and Kayode Adeluola, said how quickly the cases will be decided will partly depend on the lawyers.

    Speaking on Channels Politics Today, Agbola said: “I have listened to very senior lawyers saying this election petition can be concluded before May 29, which is just two weeks away. I can assure you that is not going to happen.”

    Adeluola said the timeline is already set in the Constitution.

    “A lot of people do not know what the rules are. We are in for a period which is definite.

    “The Constitution says you have a maximum of 180 days within which the petition must be heard and judgment delivered, and the 180 days begins to run from the date the petition was filed.

    “Members of the public should know that 180 days is the maximum. It is possible that this case will go on for less than that but the chances are very slim.

    “The election tribunal requires ample time to look at the evidence before decisions are made.

    “We are going to have fireworks because the parties have preliminary objections which have been filed, so the objections will be taken alongside the petition. 

    “It is a whole lot of work and people should not be unduly anxious but watch out for the decisions,” he said.

  • CBN authorises foreign banks to give loans in dollar

    CBN authorises foreign banks to give loans in dollar

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday took a major step to improve dollar liquidity through foreign banks’ representatives in Nigeria. 

    The apex bank authorised them to work with their parent companies in availing and syndicating foreign currency-denominated loans (dollar loans) to Nigerian companies. 

    The Guidelines for the Regulation of Representative Offices of Foreign Banks in Nigeria, signed by the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Muhammad Musa, said the policy aligns with CBN’s mandate to promote financial system stability.

    He said the guidelines are backed by Sections 6(1) and 8 (1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 (BOFIA) respectively which states that “no foreign bank shall operate in Nigeria without prior approval of the CBN”. 

    The CBN said a bank licensed under any foreign law, whose registered head office is outside Nigeria, or any financial institution licensed under foreign law, whose primary business includes the receipt of deposits, granting of loans and/or provision of current and savings accounts, are covered by the guidelines.

    It also includes any foreign-owned operating bank/financial holding company that is foreign-based, that owns controlling interest in one or more banks or institutions whose primary business includes the receipt of deposits, granting of loans and provision of current and savings accounts. 

    The CBN also authorised the banks to market the products and services of its foreign parent or an affiliate of the foreign parent licensed and domiciled outside Nigeria. 

    They can also carry out research activities in Nigeria on behalf of the foreign parent and also serve as a liaison between the foreign parent and local banks, private institutions within Nigeria and other customers of the foreign parent based in Nigeria.

    The banks can also connect banks and other financial institutions to their parent firm, and assist exporters in Nigeria with information related to the laws and markets of target countries in which the foreign parent or any of the Group’s affiliates has a subsidiary.

    Part of the responsibilities includes collating and distributing economic and financial information or country reports to its foreign parents for use by their customers and assisting their customers who desire to invest in Nigeria or do business with Nigerian companies subject to the extant Data Protection Regulations. 

    They are also authorised to connect exporters with potential customers in jurisdictions where the parent company operates; and assist Nigerian exporters with finding new markets through its international offices.

    “Representative offices are permitted to record revenue, in so far as such revenue does not relate to non-permissible activities as set out in section 3.2 below and emanates from intra-group services rendered to the parent company with such revenue taxed in accordance with transfer-pricing regulations. Revenue in this provision is limited to line items such as staff costs and business premises leasing fees,” the CBN said. 

    However, the banks are not allowed to provide services designated in Nigeria as banking business and provide any commercial or trading activity that may lead to the issuance of invoices for services rendered. 

    In establishing a representative office in Nigeria, the CBN said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CBN and the applicant’s home regulatory supervisor is essential. “Where such an MOU is non-existent, the CBN will work with the home regulatory agency to establish/execute an MOU as soon as possible,” it said.

    “Not later than three months after obtaining the Approval-In-Principle, the promoters of a proposed office shall submit an application for the grant of a final license to the CBN,” the apex bank said.

  • I don’t know Obidients, says Soyinka

    I don’t know Obidients, says Soyinka

    Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has described the word “reconciliation”, used in media reports of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s visit to his house in Abeokuta Ogun State at the weekend as non-applicable.

    He said the word was never raised, adding that its insertion in the reports was “most inappropriate” and a “diversionary invocation.”

    Soyinka noted that there was no issue to reconcile between him and Obi, but refuted any acknowledgement of or relationship with the “Obidient” or “Obidient Family” as Obi’s supporters are known.

    The Obidients verbally attacked the Nobel laureate for describing the LP flag bearer’s running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed’s comment on Channels Television, TV, as fascist.

    Obi, in a post on his official Twitter handle on Sunday, poured encomiums on Soyinka.

    He described the visit as enriching, adding that he had a useful discussion with the literary giant.

    He said: “I visited one of Nigeria’s most revered figures and an international literary icon Prof Wole Soyinka. Prof Soyinka has been my father whom I hold in very esteem for what he has achieved and stands for in the struggle for a better Nigeria. 

    “His reputation as a fighter for justice and equity in our society has been legendary and we will never ignore them.

    “I had a very useful and enriching discussion about his aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria, and he shared a lot with me about his dream for a greater, and more inclusive Nigeria. 

    “I reminded the Nobel laureate of the huge price he paid just before the outbreak of the civil war, fighting for the cause of the Igbo.

    “I cherish this Sunday visit which was intended to erase the needless misconceptions about the relationship between the great icon and the Obidient family.”

    Soyinka reacted to media reports which followed the visit in a statement titled “A visitation, and the allure of ‘reconciliation’”.

    He said he knew Obi and could relate to the party, adding that there were no issues to reconcile between them.

    “However, I do not know, and am unable to relate to something known as the ‘Obidient’ or ‘Obidient Family,’ he noted.

    The statement further reads: “Before it gains traction and embarks on a life of its own, I wish to state clearly that the word ‘reconciliation’, inserted into some reports of Peter Obi’s visit to me yesterday, Sunday, May 7, is a most inappropriate, and diversionary invocation.

    “Let me clarify: I know the entity known as Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party. I can relate to him. I know and can relate to the Labour Party on whose platform he contested elections. There are simply no issues to reconcile between those two entities and myself. 

    “However, I do not know, and am unable to relate to something known as the ‘Obidient’ or ‘Obidient Family’.

    “Thus, albeit in a different vein, any notion of reconciliation, or even relations – positive, negative or indifferent – with such a spectral emanation is simply grasping at empty air.

    “During that meeting, attended by two other individuals only, the word ‘reconciliation’ was never bruited, neither in itself nor in any other form. It simply did not arise. 

    “By contrast, there were expressions of ‘burden of leadership’ ‘responsibility’, ‘apology’, ‘pleading’, ‘formal dissociation from the untenable’, all the way to the ‘tragic ascendancy of ethnic cleavage’, especially under such ironic, untenable circumstances. 

    “Discussions were frank and creative. The notion of reconciliation was clearly N/A – Non Applicable. It was never raised.

    “The following should be understood but never underestimated. What remains ineradicable from that weekend of orgiastic rave in social media was the opening up of the dark, putrid recesses in the national psyche that we like to pretend do not exist. 

    “It invited – into minds seeking a grasp on reality- gruesome variations on images from Dante’s Purgatorio. 

    “A fathomless pit was exposed, at the bottom of which one glimpsed a throng of the damned, writhing in competitive lust for the largest of the gangrenous ladles in a diabolical broth. 

    “To peek over the edge of that pit for a prolonged spell was to turn giddy, with a risk of falling into the tureen of inhuman pus. 

    “To attempt to navigate one’s way, however gingerly, along a mat spread across the infernal abyss, is an invitation to moral suicide.”

    “For the serious-minded, I call attention to essays I have offered on the theme of Reconciliation based on Truth and the ethical imperative of Restitution. 

    “There will be further elaborations forthcoming in DEMOCRACY PRIMER III – Bookcraft’s INTERVENTION series, now brought forward for publication on June 12, the watershed extorted from the current regime as the nation’s Democracy Day,

    “If, from here on, I now comply with entreaties from several valued, genuinely concerned directions, and ignore new provocations, however vile, it is only because I also approve of Mohammed Ali’s strategy of Rope-a-Dope, where blind menace is left flailing hopelessly at the disdainful manifest of Truth.”

  • LASWA: An inland waterways template for littoral states

    LASWA: An inland waterways template for littoral states

    What can the 28 coastal states do differently as the sixth cycle of the country’s democratic journey begins on May 29? Perhaps, a lesson or two could be picked from Lagos’ strides on the waterways, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

    Perhaps, a permanent feature or identity that has stuck to Lagos is its intractable traffic gridlocks, which, it would seem, have defied all solutions deployed to tackle it head-on.

     From what used to be limited only to roads connecting its many urban centres–whether on the Mainland or Island, nowhere is safe any longer of nerve-wracking traffic which has made Lagos a peculiar state.

     Ordinarily, traffic, which ought to be a sign of its economic prosperity, is not only the country’s financial and economic capital but also Africa’s fifth-largest economy.

     Successive administrations, in their bid to provide lasting solutions, have been tinkering with alternatives to soak in the traffic blues and leave people with a better travel experience.

     However, the situation keeps getting worse. Just like its predecessors, the people have tons of tales to tell in the last four years, despite the huge investments of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

     Lagos, with a population of close to 24 million as at 2022 (Lagos State Bureau of Statistics), has a total road network of 2,700 km (and still growing).

     Its roads play host to over five million cars and 200,000 commercial vehicles, and a vehicle density of 740 per kilometre. This makes it far above the 11 vehicles per kilometre national average.  Statistics further indicate that over 22 million round trips are made per day in Lagos. 

    Undoubtedly, with Nigeria’s population spilling over 200 million and the dominance of road transportation and the attendant effect of the concentration on this mode of mobility, especially as regards billions of Naira committed to road constructions, there is no gainsaying that alternative modes of transportation can be explored by the government, just like Lagos is doing.

    The LASWA model

    The Lagos State Government literally saw the future several years ago with the establishment of the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFerry) during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Jakande in the 80s; a feat taken several notches further in the fourth republic by Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now President-elect), and his successors–Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and to the incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

     They all have continued to massively invest in water infrastructure in Lagos, developing the waterways and opening fresh frontiers of mobility across the state that, despite its small size, is home to over 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total population.

     The result of these investments by the visionary leaders of Lagos since 1999, have yielded substantial fruit, especially with the creation of a state regulatory body for private and commercial water transportation in Lagos State.

     Established in 2008 the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) regulates and promotes the use of Lagos inland waterways, encourages sustainable investments, and develops lasting waterways solutions for the people of Lagos.

     Over the years, the Lagos water transport sector has grown to become a model and a benchmark for inland waterways development in the littoral states.

     The creation of LASWA and robust investment by the Lagos State Government has, over the years, resulted in millions of ridership on the waterways, high safety standards and an increasing reduction in boat accidents and attendant casualties.

     Aside from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos State examples have shown that other coastal states may need to establish their own agencies to develop, control, and regulate their waterways transportation just like the Lagos model.

     There is no doubt that the replication of a LASWA in these states will mean a duplication of the successes of the authority in those states.

     The argument here is that littoral states in Nigeria should be encouraged to set up state-controlled safety, regulatory and development agencies for water transportation.

     There is, therefore, no doubt that the following states with the potential of water transportation will climb phenomenal and unprecedented pedestals by following the Lagos template through the creation of state regulatory and development agencies or authorities to anchor their water transportation initiatives.

     The states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.

     LASWA’s General Manager, Mr Damilola Emmanuel said the status quo where NIWA controls inland waterways in the states except Lagos, is inimical to the development of water transport potential of the affected states.

     For instance, NIWA, unlike LASWA, does not engage water guards that monitor boat operators and ensure safety compliance from the jetties to the waters in all those states, this might be one of the reasons for incessant boat mishaps in those affected states.  Between January 2020 and October 2022, at least 701 people lost their lives in 53 boat accidents, according to The Punch.

     The fatalities, which involved the passengers and the boat operators, were attributed among other things to overloading, careless driving, poor maintenance of boats and turbulent weather.

     Boat accidents are more frequent during the rainy season between April and July. A breakdown showed that Niger State had the highest number of recorded boat mishaps of 176, followed by Kebbi State which was 84; and Anambra State 80.

    A further breakdown of the incidents showed that a total of 216 people died last year, with Benue recording six deaths; Jigawa 34; Bauchi five; Taraba 18; Niger 16; Bayelsa 22; Anambra 77; Delta, five; Kogi four; and Sokoto 29.

     In 2021, 296 people were reported dead with 142 in Niger; Kebbi 76; Bayelsa seven; Delta two; Taraba five; Sokoto 13; Kano 40; Jigawa seven; and Ondo four.

     A total of 117 casualties were recorded in boat mishaps in 2020. Kebbi had eight; Bayelsa six; Bauchi 33; Niger 18; Sokoto nine; Rivers 16; Anambra three; Delta 10; and Benue 14.

     Conversely, since the establishment of LASWA, boat accidents in Lagos State have reduced significantly and this has boosted the confidence of riders who now prefer water transportation to road transportation.

     Despite the millions of riders recorded annually on water transportation in Lagos; the highest by any state in Nigeria, minimal cases of boat accidents were recorded since the creation of LASWA.

     Though the state continues to record an increase in the number of commercial ferry operators and ridership, so is the possibility of an increase in the number of boat mishaps, but accident cases have remained extremely low compared to what is being recorded by other states with low ridership yet high incidents and casualties.

     Though the control of the Lagos Inland Waterways and the duplication of regulatory functions have remained a challenge between NIWA and LASWA; the dispute between the two agencies and between the Federal and the state Government over the control of the Lagos Inland Waterways has resulted in a plethora of legal battles.

    A Federal High Court in Lagos in a suit filed by fishermen in Eti-Osa with suit no: FHC/L/CS/1098/07 affirmed Lagos State Government’s Authority and power to legislate territory of the state inland waterways while stating that the National Inland Waterways Authority lacked the constitutional power to regulate inland waterways within the state.

    A seasoned waterway expert, Michael Olatunji said the National Assembly is empowered by the Constitution to legislate on any matter on the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution; especially items 29, 36 and 64 which list items on the exclusive list to include international and interstate waters.

     It added that there is nothing in the exclusive list that deals with intra-state waterways either in Lagos or any other state.

     The absence of the Lagos State intra-waterways in the Exclusive List means it is automatically a residual item that falls within the legislative competence of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

     The above position was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in a matter between Lagos State Waterways Authority and three others V The Incorporated Trustees of Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transportation in Nigeria and five others (including NIWA) APPEAL NO. CA/L/886/14 where the Court held that the Lagos State House of Assembly is competent to make laws in respect of the intra- inland waterways in Lagos State except the intra-state waterway declared as international or interstate waterways under item five in the Second Schedule to the National Inland Waterways Act which falls within NIWA’s jurisdiction.

     The Lagos State Government owned seven terminals, 14 standard jetties and 29 community jetties, which are being managed by the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

     About 316 registered ferry operators ply the 28 commercially-viable routes on the Lagos Inland Waterways and the ridership figure, according to LASWA source, is hovering around two million passengers monthly.

     In the past 13 years of its existence, LASWA has invested billions of naira to make the state’s inland waterways navigable all year round, constructed standard jetties/terminals, regular removal of shipwrecks and water hyacinth, channelisation, installation of marker buoys and safety signages on the routes for smooth navigation.

     Sanwo-Olu’s massive strides in terms of investments in water transport infrastructure and services have repositioned LASWA into a model of excellence, whose partnership NIWA now courts.

    Upon assumption of office, the governor approved the employment of additional water guards to coordinate safety activities at jetties and terminals, and bought two new patrol boats, two jet skis and other safety equipment.

     He also approved the establishment of a Search and Rescue Unit, and recently, he inaugurated first of its kind Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre (control room) at LASWA’s Falomo Headquarters, a move the National President of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Prince Olusegun Ochuko Obayendo said will create massive business and employment opportunities on the state’s inland waterways.

     LASWA, in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, also recently launched the Waterways Floating Clinic, a fully-fitted medical ferry that serves as an Emergency Floating Clinic on the Lagos Inland Waterways while also attending to the health needs of the riverside communities in Lagos State.

     The Lagos State Government, through LASWA, periodically donates thousands of life jackets to ferry passengers, commercial boat operators, and riverside school children in all parts of the state, while also sensitising the people to waterways safety measures and precautions on a regular basis.

    In Nigeria currently, Lagos is the only state that has developed a multi-modal transport system having the Road, Rail and Water transport networks linked together, and a transport fare payment system called Cowry card to complement the commuter’s trip experience.

     Also, the five-cowry ferry terminal at Falomo Lagos which equally serves as LASWA head office is rated as a world-class water transport infrastructure. The facility has a car park, floating pontoon; fuel dump, an ATM centre, ticketing area, relaxation spots, a cafeteria, and arrival and departure areas, among others.

     Globally, LASWA is becoming a model water transport agency. The giant strides in the Lagos water transport sector have attracted international technical support, grants and partnerships from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and France.

     Below is a list of jetties and terminals constructed during the first four years of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu: Badagry Terminal, Ijegun-Egba Terminal, Apa Jetty, Ilashe Jetty, Liverpool Jetty, Offin-Ikorodu Jetty, Ito-Omu Jetty, and Ilado Jetty.

     LASWA has become a success and a model worthy of being copied by other coastal states considering a boost in their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). If they replicate the template, first by creating state-controlled waterways regulatory authorities to attract investment from the private sector; that will ultimately lead to an efficient waterway transport system and the safety of lives of the waterways

  • Push for law on compulsory compliance to building materials quality

    Push for law on compulsory compliance to building materials quality

    General Manager,  Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Funsho Elulade, has said a new law to make substandard construction impossible in the state is on the way.

    Elulade said this at the fourth  Builders’ Business Workshop, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Ikeja.

    The combined physical/virtual workshop had the theme: “Building Surveying Practice, Charting a New Course in Building Post Construction Services in Lagos”.

    He said his agency was under pressure to mass test buildings because its sister agency had recommended hundreds of defective buildings for demolition.

    He said adherence to material quality and abiding by other ethical principles of construction could avert collapse, adding that the new law to force compliance would soon be enacted.

    He called for collaboration with NIOB to chart a new way forward, adding that accurate data was important for wholistic solutions.

    Elulade said the workshop was timely to address the embarrassing crisis of building collapse across the state.

    “I have revised the law that set up the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory and I pray it is accented to by the governor.

    “We have pushed it to completion stage, before it goes to the exco,  before exco pushes it to the House of Assembly.

    “In the future, it is going to be extremely difficult for a prospective seller or developer to sell any property or rent any property to any individual in Lagos,  if that developer or the landlord does not have a None Destructive Test Report.

    “And I think we should incorporate the two, we can synergise; it must be mandatory that for you to sell a house or to rent your house to anybody, you must have that building survey, in addition to the None Destructive Test Report,” he said.

    He said a building survey was also benefitial for prospective buyers or tenants who would be able to assess the condition of a property before taking action.

    Elulade listed conditions for charting a new course in Lagos to include using the right materials and professionals in construction. He added that a wholistic approach was important to address all issues.

    Managing Director, Primero Transport Services Limited Mr. Fola Tinubu, said people were afraid of buying high-rise buildings in Lagos because of collapse.

    He urged the NIOB to boost investors’ confidence by chasing out “the cow boys” painting them in bad light from the profession.

    Citing the 21 storey Ikoyi Building Collapse as example, he urged built environment professionals to cry out early against illegalities on site to save end users.

    He said the built environment professionals who withdrew from the project spoke up after it had collapsed.

    Earlier, the special guest, Mr Adetunji Adeniran, Registrar/Secretary,  Council of the Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) said only the government had power for prosecution and must use it for deterrence.

    He made reference to various panel reports and recommendations not being implemented by government.

    Adeniran stressed the need for professionalism to eradicate quackery while reeling out relevant laws which must be enforced for sustainable development.

    He also reeled  out efforts of CORBON both locally and globally for better practice guidelines for building surveys.

    Earlier, while giving his welcome address, chairman, Lagos chapter of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr Lucky Isename said the workshop was to build capacity and new direction.

    He said local and global experts were invited “to clinically x-ray practice and procedures for building surveying.”