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Category: News

  • IMO Council win: Fed Govt lauds NIMASA DG’s strategic leadership

    IMO Council win: Fed Govt lauds NIMASA DG’s strategic leadership

    The federal government has commended the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his strategic role in securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.

    According to a statement by the Agency’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, obtained by The Nation at the weekend, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged Mobereola’s instrumental leadership and effective campaign coordination in a letter dated January 28, 2026.

    The statement indicated that the commendation letter addressed to the Director General highlighted his pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London.

    According to Edward, the minister noted that Mobereola’s strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success, reflecting a high level of dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime interests.

    “Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” the minister stated.

    Oyetola further praised the NIMASA DG’s role in demonstrating the country’s maritime potential and reform initiatives to the international community, thereby enhancing the country’s standing in global maritime governance.

    “The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation,” Oyetola said.

    The statement quoted the minister as conveying the federal government’s appreciation for the Director General’s outstanding service and expressing confidence in his continued contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.

    The NIMASA spokesperson disclosed that Mobereola, in his response, expressed deep appreciation to Oyetola for the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO Council election process.

    Osagie quoted the NIMASA DG as attributing the electoral success to collective efforts, emphasising the dedication of the agency’s staff and the strong support from maritime stakeholders.

    “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” Mobereola said.

    The statement further revealed that the DG called for renewed dedication across the agency to justify Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council by strengthening efforts in maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.

    Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deliver on the expectations that come with Nigeria’s IMO Council membership, according to the statement.

    Edward noted that Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council is considered a strategic gain for the country and aligns directly with NIMASA’s statutory responsibility as the nation’s maritime administration.

    The IMO Council, he said, serves as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organisation between sessions of the Assembly, overseeing the implementation of maritime conventions and regulations that govern global shipping, maritime safety, and environmental protection.

    Category C membership specifically, he noted, represents countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, positioning Nigeria to influence policy decisions affecting African maritime trade, shipping routes, and the broader international shipping industry.

    Maritime industry analysts have noted that the election victory enhances Nigeria’s capacity to participate in shaping global maritime policies, particularly those affecting developing nations and regional trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    Stakeholders in the sector have expressed optimism that Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council will provide opportunities to address longstanding challenges in the domestic maritime sector, including effective cabotage implementation, port efficiency improvements, and enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Industry experts further argued that the IMO Council seat positions the country to attract increased foreign direct investment in maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, and allied services, while also strengthening the country’s negotiating power in international maritime trade agreements.

    The election comes at a crucial time as Nigeria pursues ambitious reforms under its blue economy agenda, with the maritime sector projected to contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to diversify its GDP beyond oil and gas revenue.

    With the country’s maritime domain covering approximately 853 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 200 nautical miles, stakeholders believe the IMO Council membership will enable the country to better its maritime assets for economic development and regional leadership in West Africa.

  • Delta Govt moves to protect workers, tightens payroll controls

    Delta Govt moves to protect workers, tightens payroll controls

    The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has ordered an immediate halt to the approval of staff loans for civil servants whose salaries are already heavily burdened by deductions.

    The directive, described as part of decisive measures to protect workers from financial distress and restore payroll integrity, was issued recently during an unscheduled inspection of the Delta State Computer Centre, Asaba.

    Dr. Oseji, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, said the government would no longer tolerate payroll practices that financially strangle workers.

    During the inspection, she frowned upon cases of staff absenteeism, absconding, lateness to work, the prolonged retention of casual staff beyond approved limits, and excessive salary deductions.

    She reviewed staff time books and conducted random salary checks using the payroll system, uncovering what she described as troubling inconsistencies.

    To improve transparency, the HoS directed an immediate adjustment of the payroll format to reflect “Gross Salary” rather than “Total Allowance.”

    She also directed the Permanent Secretary to formally caution Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), especially Directors of Finance and Accounts, against excessive and unjustified deductions from workers’ salaries, warning that further infractions would attract sanctions.

    She also instructed the Director of Computer, Mr. Tuoyo Eweto, to ensure the prompt monthly submission of the state’s wage bill and warned staff of the Computer Centre against soliciting inappropriate gratifications from financial institutions and other organisations handling salary deductions.

    The visit, which featured the Head of Service personally reviewing payroll data, was aimed at strengthening audit verification, transparency and fraud control.

    The visit also served as a follow-up to the two-day workshop on audit verification and fraud control held in November last year.

  • Reforms necessary to achieve positive results — Uba Sani

    Reforms necessary to achieve positive results — Uba Sani

    Governor Uba Sani has said that his administration has pursued difficult but necessary reforms to stabilise public finance, improve governance and create a predictable business environment in Kaduna State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai at the opening ceremony of 47th Kaduna International Trade fair on Saturday, said that the reforms are now yielding results.

    ‘’Kaduna State has consistently ranked first in Nigeria’s Subnational Fiscal Transparency Index for two consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to openness, accountability, and prudent public financial management,’’ he recalled.

    The Governor noted that the theme of the trade fair, ‘’From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation through Sustainable Local Content Development,’’ is apt.

    He recalled that last Monday, the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission organised a capacity strengthening workshop for ‘’public fund managers on the prudent, transparent, and accountable use of public resources.’’

    According to Governor Uba Sani, the workshop was necessary because ‘’investors go where governance is clear, rules are predictable, and public finance is credible.’’

    ‘’Evidence shows that subnational governments with higher fiscal transparency attract more private investment and enjoy stronger investor confidence due to reduced information asymmetry and governance risk.

    ‘’Kaduna State’s performance, therefore, directly enhances trade, lowers the cost of doing business, and positions the state as a reliable destination for both domestic and international investors,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that this year’s edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair provides a platform to translate that confidence into partnerships.

    According to him, the focus of Kaduna State on local content development is intentional because ‘’industrialisation must be rooted in local enterprise, local skills, and strong local value chains.’’

    ‘’ From agribusiness and solid minerals to manufacturing, ICT, and services, Kaduna State remains committed to policies that support indigenous businesses while remaining open to global capital and expertise,’’ he maintained.

    In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, disclosed that the Nigeria Trade Policy is now at the execution state.

    According to the permanent secretary, ‘’our success is measured by the new factories and exports crossing our ports, benefiting local traders and innovators.’’

    Alhaji Nura disclosed that ‘’the term “local content” is evolving — it is no longer just about oil; it is becoming central to our wealth and industrial growth.’’

    ‘’By prioritizing Nigerian-made goods, we keep wealth within the country and support a circular economy. We have created digital platforms to track trade, encourage local sourcing among major investors, and streamline trade processes by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. This is enabling faster market access for Nigerian exporters,’’ he said.

    He further said that Federal Government is addressing infrastructure deficits and improving access to finance for businesses that are sourcing locally, challenging exhibitors to prioritize local suppliers because it strengthens our economy.

    In his welcome address, the President of KADCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman noted that although Nigeria has entered a season of necessary reforms, but reforms do not create prosperity.

    According to him, ‘’only production creates prosperity. Only skills create jobs.Only enterprise creates wealth. And that is where Chambers of Commerce must lead.’’

    The President said that the new leadership of KADCCIMA is embarking on a deliberate institutional turnaround agenda to serve not merely as an event organizer, but as a policy advocate; a business accelerator; a skills development platform; and a year-round engine of economic growth.

    He said that youth and women skills development remain KADCCIMA’s top priority, adding that they are its greatest resource.

    ‘’Under our new direction, KADCCIMA will champion vocational and technical skills acquisition, digital and ICT training, agro-processing and light manufacturing skills, entrepreneurship incubation, mentorship and market access, and affordable financing linkages,’’ he added.

    Alhaji Farouk promised to work with government, development partners, and the private sector to establish Skills Acquisition and Enterprise Development Centres that empower our youth and women not to search for jobs, but to create jobs.

  • Police arrest suspect over alleged killing of nursing mother, baby in Katsina

    Police arrest suspect over alleged killing of nursing mother, baby in Katsina

    The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended 35-year-old Sahabi Rabi’u, wanted in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old nursing mother and her 10-month-old baby in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area.

    The state police spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed that during questioning, Rabi’u admitted involvement in the crime and revealed that he conspired with an accomplice, who remains at large, to lure the victims to the outskirts of Sheme village. There, the victims were reportedly killed, their bodies burned, and dumped into a nearby well.

    Investigations indicate the crime stemmed from a paternity dispute involving the victims, which escalated into the fatal attack. The bodies have been recovered, and authorities are working to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

    Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the act as “barbaric and inhumane” and assured that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice. 

    He appealed to the public to provide information that could assist in the investigation, promising that all tips would be handled confidentially.

    The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further updates to be communicated in due course.

  • Woro killings expose Nigeria’s rural security collapse — Gbenga Hashim

    Woro killings expose Nigeria’s rural security collapse — Gbenga Hashim

    ..demands UN probe, questions absence of aerial response

    A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has described the recent killings in Woro community of Kwara State as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria, warning that the country risks drifting into an era where mass attacks occur without swift or effective state response.

    In a statement issued over the weekend, Hashim said the scale of the attack demands more than expressions of sympathy, calling for urgent accountability from security authorities.

    “This killing is unprecedented in its scale and unmatched in its barbarity. I offer my condolences to the Woro community, but condolence is not enough this time around,” he said.

    Hashim urged the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights to initiate an international probe into the incident, insisting that the public deserves clarity on why intelligence about the impending attack was allegedly ignored.

    According to him, the tragedy underscored how exposed rural populations have become. “The killings in Woro have demonstrated how easy it is for any group of deranged men to take hundreds of lives without resistance.”

    The former presidential candidate raised concerns over the absence of aerial intervention during the attack, arguing that Nigeria’s air capabilities should make claims of “remoteness” untenable.

    Referencing the Nigerian Air Force presence along the Wawa–New Bussa axis, which he said is less than a 15-minute flight from Woro, Hashim questioned why no emergency air support was deployed.

    “I hear the unacceptable explanation that it takes hours to access the remote village. So what happened with the Air Force?” he asked.

    Hashim also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in military responsiveness, recalling past operations beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    “The world needs to know why the Air Force that could fly to Benin Republic to save the Beninois President from mutiny could not save the Woro people within the same geographical axis,” he said.

    He further criticised the military high command, noting that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically intervened decisively in regional conflicts such as those in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

    “The conduct of the military high command falls short of Nigeria’s standard. Nigeria’s Army stopped killings in Sierra Leone and Liberia before. Why then can it not stop the slaughter of Nigerians in their own communities?” he queried.

    Hashim said reports indicated that attackers had sent a threat letter to the community and that authorities were notified. He also questioned claims that soldiers were deployed but later withdrawn.“Nigerians deserve to know who ordered that withdrawal and why,” he said.

    He described as deeply troubling reports that security agencies were alerted during the attack but arrived only after the assailants had fled, asking how nearly 200 people could be killed without arrests or credible information about the perpetrators days later.

    Hashim warned that repeated delays in security response are emboldening attackers while widening the trust gap between citizens and the government. 

    “This is the tragedy of rural Nigeria today. Citizens are attacked, yet the state arrives after the attack, not during the attack,” he said.

    He cautioned that persistent failure to protect remote communities could push residents toward self-help measures such as vigilante reprisals, ethnic profiling, and unregulated armed groups.

    “When communities feel abandoned, they will begin to seek survival outside the state. That is how societies slide into deeper instability,” he warned.

    Hashim called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies to provide a detailed operational account of the incident, including timelines of distress calls, response actions, and reasons for the absence of aerial deployment.

    He also advocated reforms aimed at strengthening rural protection through rapid-response systems, aerial surveillance, helicopter deployment, and forward operating bases in vulnerable border areas.

    The Woro killings, he added, should not be treated as an isolated episode but as a signal of expanding insecurity across the North Central corridor, particularly communities bordering Niger State and the Kainji Lake region.

    Without decisive action, he warned, Kwara State could emerge as a new frontline for banditry and rural terrorism, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and social stability.

    “Nigeria must not normalize massacres. If a village can be attacked for hours and the state still cannot respond, then we are facing a serious national emergency,” Hashim said.

  • Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed as unfounded, mischievous and clueless reports falsely attributed to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, allegedly calling on Ndigbo to arm themselves in anticipation of an imminent war.

    Leader of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, in a statement on Sunday, condemned the rumour and called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors.

    He described Mbata as a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records, who could not have issued such a call, urging the public to disregard the fake news.

    The statement partly read, “Our attention has been drawn to the unfounded, mischievous and clueless allegations against the Leader of the Igbo Nation and renowned President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Distinguished Senator John Azuta Mbata, where he was quoted as saying: ‘Every Igbo man from 18 years up must get a gun, stack weapons. Igbo land is under terrorist siege and must be defended. A war is coming in days.

    “This is fake news, and we hereby categorically state that our Leader and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide did not and can never issue such a call for arms.

    “Therefore, this malicious propaganda and criminal blackmail, for whatever purpose and intention, is dead on arrival.

    “The Leader of the Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, is a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records.

    “In strong terms, we condemn such mischievous and false insinuations and urge the unsuspecting public to disregard the fake news, and to consciously verify such sensitive content before dissemination, in order not to fall victim to, or aid, the peddlers of fake news, either directly or unknowingly.”

    Acknowledging that the matter borders on national security and cannot be swept under the carpet, Okpalaezeukwu called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors and promoters.

    “Sequel to the above, we call on the offices of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and other appropriate authorities, to collectively deploy their widespread investigation mechanisms in order to detect, arrest and prosecute the sponsors and promoters of this expensive fake news that is tantamount to undermining our collective efforts for stability, peace and national security.

    “Igbo land, especially the Southeast, is a peculiar terrain with unique challenges ranging from a fair share of national insecurity, gross marginalisation and neglect, absence of capital projects, and inadequate national development efforts for a better society.”

    The group further commended the recent efforts of the South East Development Commission on the South East Vision 2050, targeted at addressing most of the peculiar challenges of the Igbo nation.

    “We urge the leadership and management of the Commission not to resort to business as usual, but to match words with actions rather than beautiful conferences and rhetoric.

    “We also urge the Commission to work closely with the South East states’ governments and other stakeholders, and to prioritise regional security, as no meaningful development can thrive amidst insecurity.

    “As we commend the genuine efforts of our political leaders and security agencies towards safe and secure communities, we respectfully call for political solutions and non-kinetic approaches to the hydra-headed security challenges facing us today as a nation,” the statement added.

  • Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Media mogul Mo Abudu has dismissed allegations that a group within Nollywood is working with cinema owners to restrict screening opportunities for certain films.

    Speaking on ARISE TV, Abudu emphasised that cinema operations are guided by business considerations and audience demand rather than personal preferences or favoritism.

    Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who joined the discussion, noted that concerns about unfair practices in the industry have become increasingly common.

    “I have heard these things, people have been saying this. Actors themselves have come out to say this has happened to them. And there are some fans too who corroborate these stories, confirming that some people convinced them to watch one movie apart from the movie they came to see,” Omotola said.

    Responding, Abudu said, it makes no commercial sense for cinemas to restrict screenings or discourage audiences from watching particular films.

    Abudu cited EbonyLife Cinemas, which she owns, as an example, stating that the company prioritises filling seats to maximize return on investment.

    Abudu explained that screening schedules are adjusted based on performance, with cinemas balancing creative considerations with operational costs like electricity and staff salaries.

    She emphasised that decisions are not personal and apply equally to all producers, regardless of ownership or status.

    Responding, Abudu said, “I can’t speak for all the cinemas, but I can certainly speak for EbonyLife Cinemas. it’s not true. We run a professional business. Our return on investment depends very heavily on making sure that we have people sitting in every single cinema.

    “It is in our interest to ensure that every cinema is full. We have five cinemas in EbonyLife. We do about 30 screenings a day. That’s about 900 screenings in a month. There is plenty of space.”

    Addressing complaints about peak-hour slots, she said audience demand does not always align with expectations. “Even if you say people prefer peak hours, and they get 50% of that, that’s still about 450 screenings in a month,” she said.

    “When your film is in our cinema and it has no audience, and I am running air conditioning and paying staff, and you only have two or three people in a 100-seater cinema, by the next week we are going to have a conversation,” she said. “That time slot can no longer really work.”

    “There is no sentiment to anybody being in the cinema space,” Abudu added

    To buttress her point, she referenced a film produced by her daughter, Temidayo Abudu, which was removed from cinemas due to poor turnout, “My daughter had a film in the cinema last year. When it wasn’t performing, we had to move the film out. So there is no sentiment,” she said.

    “This is about return on investment. It does not matter who owns the film. If I, Mo Abudu, make a film and we are not able to fill up the seats, it’s going to give way to the next film that can,” she added.

    The comments come amid growing tension between filmmakers and cinema operators, with some alleging unfair practices and unfavourable screening times.

  • Fed govt convenes NEC conference to drive inclusive growth, strengthen economic coordination

    Fed govt convenes NEC conference to drive inclusive growth, strengthen economic coordination

    The Federal Government will on Monday convene a two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen economic coordination and accelerate inclusive growth across Nigeria’s 36 states.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the conference, scheduled for February 9 and 10, 2026, will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, with Vice President Kashim Shettima presiding in his capacity as Chairman of the National Economic Council.

    Governors of the 36 states and other key national stakeholders are expected to attend the summit, which is being convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    According to the organisers, the conference will provide a platform for federal and state actors to align priorities and deepen collaboration around Nigeria’s long-term development agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.

    The theme of the conference is: “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.”

    Officials said the summit is expected to produce far-reaching policy direction for states as they synchronise their programmes with the Federal Government’s national economic plan.

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    The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Secretary of the NEC, Dr. Deborah Oko Odo, said the gathering would focus on pressing macroeconomic priorities.

    “The conference will focus on national economic issues aimed at encouraging economic growth and development across the country,” she said.

    She added that discussions will centre on fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation and shared development strategies between the Federal Government and state governments, with a view to improving policy consistency and accelerating development outcomes nationwide.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

    Other top government officials, development partners and private-sector leaders are also expected to participate, as the Federal Government continues to deepen reforms and strengthen partnerships for sustainable national growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • NBA urges National Assembly to approve mandatory electronic transmission of election results

    NBA urges National Assembly to approve mandatory electronic transmission of election results

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the National Assembly to reconsider and approve a proposed amendment to the Electoral Amendment Bill that would mandate the electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

    The call was made following the adoption of a report presented by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on February 5, 2026.

    The report expressed concern over the Senate’s recent rejection of an amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the Electoral Act. The amendment sought to require presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results in real time to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal immediately after Form EC8A was signed, stamped, and countersigned by party agents.

    The NEC observed that the current discretionary language in the law, which allows presiding officers to “transfer the results in a manner as prescribed by the Commission,” weakens the legal foundation for transparent, real-time reporting.

    “The ambiguity leaves room for manipulation, misinterpretation, and post-election disputes,” the council noted in its resolution.

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    In adopting Osigwe’s report, the NEC resolved that the National Assembly should urgently pass the proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) to clearly compel electronic transmission of results.

    The council emphasized that explicit statutory requirements, rather than discretionary wording, are essential to safeguard electoral transparency, protect the integrity of votes, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Highlighting the importance of credible elections, the NBA stated that continued resistance to enforceable electronic transmission measures undermines democratic accountability.

    “Technology-backed transparency is no longer optional in a modern democracy,” the NEC stressed, urging lawmakers to align Nigeria’s electoral framework with global best practices.

    The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement and advocacy to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws clearly reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box.

  • LASTMA averts midnight fire as PMS tanker overturns on Lekki–Epe expressway

    LASTMA averts midnight fire as PMS tanker overturns on Lekki–Epe expressway

    A major disaster was narrowly avoided in the early hours of Sunday when a fully laden Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker overturned along the inward carriageway of the Lekki–Epe Expressway at Awoyaya.

    In a statement, LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq said the incident, occurred around 2:00 a.m., involved a lone articulated tanker conveying a significant volume of PMS that reportedly lost vehicular equilibrium and upturned while navigating the inward-bound corridor of the high-traffic Lekki–Epe Expressway

    According to him, “Considering the volatile and highly combustible nature of its cargo, coupled with the strategic importance of the transport corridor, the occurrence constituted an imminent and grave danger to human lives, public and private property, as well as the immediate environment.”

    LASTMA noted that its officials were promptly dispatched to the scene, where operatives swiftly established a secure perimeter, enforced traffic control, and began preliminary recovery operations. Their quick response prevented fuel scooping, secondary collisions, and what could have escalated into a devastating fire.

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    In coordination with LASTMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service activated fire prevention protocols, maintaining close surveillance to avert any risk of ignition. The tanker’s contents were later transloaded into an empty 33,000-litre tanker under meticulous supervision, ensuring a safe resolution without any casualties.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, praised the professional response and seamless collaboration between LASTMA and the Fire and Rescue Service, describing the outcome as a testament to the authorities’ operational vigilance.

    LASTMA has once again urged tanker and articulated vehicle operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations, conduct regular maintenance, and exercise caution during nocturnal operations to protect lives and public infrastructure.