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Tag: Apapa

  • Apapa begins compulsory residents’ registration

    Apapa begins compulsory residents’ registration

    By Misturah Yusuf, Azeezat Adeshola, Ummusalmoh Kamorudeen

    Apapa Local Government is set to begin compulsory registration of all residents as part of a new measure to prevent non-residents from accessing welfare packages and empowerment schemes meant for the community.

    Chairman of the council, Idowu Senbanjo, stated this during the budget stakeholders’ forum held at the council secretariat.

    Senbanjo said the move became necessary after it was  discovered that people from neighbouring councils had been benefitting from its palliative distribution and empowerment programmes.

    “We discovered that people from other local governments were benefitting from our programmes. This time, empowerment will be strictly for Apapa residents”, she said.

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    The chairman added that residents will be required to present their NIN, voter’s card, and LASRRA ID during the registration to verify eligibility and ensure an accurate database for planning.

    She explained that the new database will help the council manage welfare items, track beneficiaries, and ensure that government interventions reach the intended population.

    According to her, the initiative is part of broader efforts under the administration’s SHEA 2.0 agenda, which prioritises social welfare, healthcare, education, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

    She also warned street traders and mechanics operating on roads and drainages to vacate such areas, adding that the state task force will soon intensify enforcement to restore order.

    On security, she said that the Navy and other agencies are working with the council to address emerging threats and urged residents to remain vigilant.

    Head of the Budget Department, Olajumoke Akinloye, described the stakeholders’ meeting as an important step ahead of the 2026 budget retreat, adding that residents’ inputs will shape the fiscal plan.

  • Environmental challenges: Apapa-Iganmu Local council to recruit workers, others

    Environmental challenges: Apapa-Iganmu Local council to recruit workers, others

    By Faith Ajiboye and Ahmed Aishat

    The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Saliu, has unveiled plans to tackle environmental challenges in the council.

    Speaking during a Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the council’s Secretariat, Saliu said the council was set to recruit street sweepers and enforce anti-grazing laws, amongst others to tackle environmental challenges.

    “As part of the renewed effort, the council will distribute over 12,000 waste nylon bags to households and conduct a general street-clearing exercise to improve environmental cleanliness,” he said

    He said the existing street sweepers were not enough, thus, necessitating the recruitment of more sweepers to enhance street cleaning across the council.

    He lamented that unrestricted movement of animals makes the environment dirty, noting that such practices must stop.

    “I have told people that ruminant animals like cows should be kept in safe places and not allowed to roam around because their droppings make our surroundings dirty,” he said.

    He lamented the persistent waste disposal challenges and poor sanitation affecting several communities.

    He urged residents to pay the necessary fee, warning that anyone caught violating the sanitation laws would face the wrath of the law.

    “Residents must cooperate by paying their waste levies to support the waste disposal vans. Anyone who fails to comply with environmental sanitation rules will face the full wrath of the law. Everyone is equal under the law,” he added.

    The Director of Environmental Services, Matthew Aganano, said that the council’s main strategy involves engaging directly with community members to encourage proper waste management.

    Read Also: Apapa donates transformers to boost power supply

    “We organised this meeting to sensitise residents on the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and to promote cooperation with LAWMA-approved PSP operators. This will improve the aesthetic value of our surroundings and ensure we live in a healthy environment,” Matthew said.

    He, however, lamented that some residents refuse to pay for waste collection, while area boys often obstruct PSP operators.

    He assured that inefficient operators would be reported to LAWMA for replacement and urged residents to embrace recycling and waste sorting, emphasising that “waste is no longer just waste — it can generate income.”

    Leader of the House, Adigun Haruna, noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering collaboration between the government, PSP operators, and residents.

    “Cleanliness is next to godliness. Our people must understand that dumping refuse in unauthorised places is dangerous to health. We must all play our part in keeping our surroundings clean,” he said.

    A community leader, Shade Akinbusoye, while calling for more public enlightenment on proper waste disposal, lamented irregular waste collection in some areas.

    “Public awareness is not sufficient. More sensitisation should be done about waste management. As a community leader and landlady, I am willing to participate in any initiative that promotes cleanliness,” she said.

     She, however, complained about irregular waste collection in areas such as Karimokweluyeru, Ajowa, Aisha, and parts of Obale, where PSP operators rarely visit despite demanding payment.

    Another community leader, Ojo Afolabi, described the current state of waste management in the LCDA as “nothing to write home about.”

    He commended the council chairman for organising the meeting and urged residents to desist from patronising illegal cart pushers who dump waste in canals.

    “With this awareness, I believe there will be improvement within the LCDA. Cleanliness is next to godliness,” Afolabi said.

  • Apapa donates transformers to boost power supply

    Apapa donates transformers to boost power supply

    The Apapa Local Government has distributed five electricity transformers to communities to tackle erratic power supply and improve residents’ standard of living.

    While handing over the transformers, the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Sebanjo, said the initiative reflects her administration’s resolve to pursue people-centered development.

    “This initiative is not just about providing light; it is about supporting families, strengthening education, boosting businesses, and improving security. It is a promise kept and a step towards renewing hope for a prosperous Apapa,” she said.

    She added that the intervention was targeted at easing the burden of households and businesses that have long suffered epileptic electricity in Apapa.

    Sebanjo said that the transformers were allocated to Wards A, B, C, D, and E, with a pledge that additional units would be provided in the near future.

    She also listed ongoing projects in road construction, water supply, education, women and youth empowerment as part of the council’s broader developmental drive.

    The council boss urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, protect them against vandalism, and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee long-term use.

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    Chairman of Apapa GRA Residents Association (AGRA) Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha (rtd), said the council had brought long-awaited relief to residents.

    “If you live in Apapa, you know the problem of transformers. We have begged for years, but today this effort has brought hope to our people,” he said.

    A community leader, Mr. Nathaniel Adebe, said the distribution demonstrated genuine commitment to grassroots development.

    “My heart is full of joy. Past administrations neglected us, but now we see change. We pray God strengthens the Chairman to do even more,” he said.

  • Apapa inspects five projects

    Apapa inspects five projects

    Apapa Local Government Area administration, led by Chairman Idowu Senbanjo, on Monday inspected five ongoing projects in the council area to assess their progress and quality.

    The projects inspected include a rehabilitated AstroTurf mini stadium at Caucrick, the renovated Pelewura Road, another AstroTurf mini stadium under renovation in Ijora Oloye, a 20,000-gallon micro waterworks, and renovated Child Avenue and Central Avenue roads, among other infrastructures.

    Speaking about the ongoing rehabilitation of the Astro-turf mini stadium at Caucrick, Senbanjo emphasised that the project aims to boost sports development and keep the youths off social vices.

    She said: “We have a lot of youths in Apapa who are very energetic and we have in the past won several accolades for the state in tennis and football. The Astro-Turf redevelopment is our way of encouraging sports among the youth and in their schools, such that they have designated days for sporting activities and to keep them away from social vices.”

    Senbanjo stressed that all projects are executed with quality materials that can withstand the test of time, no matter the cost, emphasising that the administration prioritises quality in infrastructural development.

    During a courtesy visit to the palace of the Oba of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Aremu, he commended the chairman’s administration on the multiple development in the community, particularly the water works.

    “To be sincere, the chairman of Apapa Local Government is doing a great job in the welfare of Apapa, If you look at the roads, you will notice it. We have been having water problems but now, we have water works, I am confident that after the commissioning of that place, Ijora will have healthy and pure water to drink.”

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    According to the Vice Chairman, the increasing need for a stable, clean, and sanitised water supply in the community necessitated the construction of the 20,000-gallon micro waterworks to distribute 20,000 gallons of water daily to the residents.

    Speaking to the press, the Head of Works and Infrastructure Development, Damilola Oyegbami, said that the ongoing reconstruction of Pelewura way is intended to ease traffic flow in the area.

    While expanding on future plans of her administration, Senbanjo announced that the maiden edition of the Apapa cleanup exercise will hold on July 4, a sanitisation exercise for all residents of the community.

    Stressing that hygiene is one of the most imperative cultures she wants to establish and maintain in her administration, Senbanjo urged the residents to troop out en masse to support the initiative and make a change in their environment.

    “We will hold an Apapa Cleanup exercise on July 4, a sanitisation for the residents. I want to urge everybody, both business owners and home owners to come out and clean up our environment. We hope that this exercise becomes a statement of intent and sustainable practice for years to come,” she urged.

    The chairman revealed that her intent to seek re-election is hinged on the successful continution of her administration’s initiatives in schools and other areas contributing to the development of Apapa local government area as a whole.

  • Fed Govt okays Apapa, Tin Can ports upgrade

    Fed Govt okays Apapa, Tin Can ports upgrade

    The federal government has approved the reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos in a major move to enhance efficiency and restore the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s seaports.

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement in Lagos on Thursday, said the port rehabilitation is part of the Western Ports modernisation drive, with similar procurement processes underway for the Eastern ports.

    He said, “These upgrades are complemented by the deployment of digital solutions, including the Port Community System, the E-Call-Up System, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance. These interventions are designed to reduce delays, boost investor confidence, and reposition Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.”

    He added that efforts are ongoing to revive a national shipping line under a public-private partnership model.

    “Additionally, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preparatory activities for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). The process is being carefully structured to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance,” he said.

    Oyetola emphasised that the ministry has achieved consistent growth across its agencies, driven by digitisation and operational efficiency. He also celebrated Nigeria’s three-year record of zero piracy incidents, citing it as a testament to ongoing security reforms.

    “Investment opportunities are expanding in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors, and warehousing infrastructure. Our overarching objective is to make Nigeria the maritime and logistics gateway for West and Central Africa,” he added.

    On regional integration, the Minister disclosed Nigeria’s leadership in operationalising the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), headquartered in Abuja.

    Stakeholders at the event commended the ministry’s direction and recent reforms.

    Pioneer President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr. Greg Ogbeifun noted, “The federal government has done its part by addressing several challenges in the sector. The private sector should take advantage of the opportunities created by the government for job creation, economic development, training and employment of cadets.”

    Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmola, described the newly introduced National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as a “transformative blueprint,” but stressed the need for implementation and local content enforcement.

    He said, “Nigeria loses over nine billion dollars annually due to under-enforcement of the Cabotage Act. This is an economic and patriotic emergency. Our ports must now prioritise indigenous participation in shipping, terminal operations, and maritime services.”

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    President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Aminu Umar, praised the government’s progress in tackling piracy and initiating the CVFF disbursement process, but called for continued collaboration between industry players and regulators.

    Also speaking, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, commended the ministry for including Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun on NIMASA’s governing board and hailed the government’s new policy thrust.

    “This stakeholder engagement marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. We believe that strategic collaboration is not only essential but indispensable to the successful implementation of this ambitious national blueprint,” Ani stated.

    The engagement brought together terminal operators, ship owners, freight forwarders, barge operators, maritime unions, and security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Customs, and Immigration.

  • Customs seizes fake drugs worth N3.2b in Apapa

    Customs seizes fake drugs worth N3.2b in Apapa

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has dismantled a smuggling ring that specialised in importing fake and unregistered pharmaceuticals into the country.

    This announcement comes barely two weeks after the Comptroller-General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi, displayed 12 containers of seized pharmaceuticals at the same Apapa Customs Command.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Controller of the command, Babatunde Olomu, announced the seizure of another 6 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals at the port.

    According to Olomu, “We recently uncovered six more containers laden with prohibited items, mostly unregistered pharmaceuticals. Other items in the seized containers include cosmetics, used clothing and two vehicles illegally imported into the country. These seizures are worth a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3,247,427,969.00.

    Olomu categorised the seized containers into three: “Category 1 – Container No. SUDU 8685733 (40FT) contained 1,698 of RTPL CSC Cough syrup with codeine concealed in 202 packages of water closet; Container No. MRSU 4846204 (40FT) was laden with 1,690 cartons of codeine syrup concealed in the toilet seat. The two seizures have a street value of N2,710,400.00.

    “Interestingly, these two containers were intercepted as a result of international collaboration as well as local networking with officers and men of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” Olomu said.

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    The second category is “container No. ONEU 1153150 (40 FT) which contained 1,584 packages of Globatin anti-marks & 30g Clobetasol cream falsely declared as Truck Tyres while container No. MRSU 3258823 (40 FT) was found to contain Rabeprazole, for injection, 25mg Zahifranil tablets, 1000mg vancomycine hydrochloride, cyproheptadine with vitamin B complex, and other pharmaceutical products without NAFDAC registration number, falsely declared as kitchen wares and tables.”

    Category three, he said, was “Container No. MRKU 0904594 (40 FT) was found to contain two stolen vehicles from Canada. A 2024 model Lexus RX 450h vehicle with chassis number JTJCJNGA6R2017707 and another 2023 Lexus RX 350 with chassis number 2T2BAMCAPCO32741 falsely declared as food items, and another container no. SEKU 4716830 (40 FT) was found to contain 390 bales of used clothing, which contravenes the import prohibition law.”

    Olomu stressed that the Service is primarily focused on facilitating trade and collecting revenue for the government; the NCS owes the Nigerian citizens the duty of protecting them from dangerous imports that are injurious to their health and well-being.

    The Service, Olomu said, is determined to avoid making Nigerians vulnerable to the selfish interests of merchants of death, whose stock in trade is to bring in harmful substances. We also intercepted two cars stolen from Canada that were attempting to be smuggled into Nigeria,” Comptroller Olomu posited.

  • NLC, Apapa flex muscles over LP

    NLC, Apapa flex muscles over LP

    Flexing of muscles over who controls Labour Party (LP) continued yesterday between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Lamidi Apapa, a Deputy National Chairman.

    Apapa yesterday summoned a National Working Committee (NWC)  meeting with the intention, according to him, to kick start the process of reconciliation as directed by the Supreme Court in its judgment.

    But the meeting failed to hold and Apapa said it would be scheduled for another day.

    Apapa insisted that Article 14 of the party’s constitution confers on him the authority to lead the party in the absence of the national chairman.

    According to him, with the Supreme Court sacking Julius Abure, he is constitutionally supported to take over.

    He declared that the NLC has the constitutional responsibility to stabilize the party and not to take over the leadership under any condition.

    He also explained that there is no constitutional support for the National Caretaker Committee headed by Sen. Nenadi Usman.

    He spoke on Smile FM Radio monitored in Lagos yesterday.

    But Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubaku, told The Nation that Apapa ceased to be LP national officer following the expiration of the Abure-led exco under which he served.

    According to him, Apapa could no longer call an NWC meeting.

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    He said: “Everything about Abure and his followers ended after the expiration of that period given which they endorsed for terms of settlement.

    “That includes Apapa and everybody because we are not talking about Abure alone. We are talking about the entire structure of the LP (NWC).

    “Apapa is just seeking attention. Once the media understand the whole issues and where it is coming from, they will stop projecting his claim to the chairmanship position of the party.

    “Most of them are being sponsored because they know that LP is the party to beat come 2027, that is why they are scared.”

  • Apapa welcomes workers with prayers

    Apapa welcomes workers with prayers

    Apapa Local Government Area has held its 1st Working Day Inter-Faith Prayer Session to welcome workers and non-staff to set a spiritual tone for the year ahead.

    The event, which took place at the council secretariat, signifies a leadership that prioritises faith and unity in governance.

    Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Senbanjo, emphasised the importance of starting the year with prayers, noting that such gatherings promote peace and inspire commitment among workers.

    She added that the event reflects their dedication to fostering a sense of community, direction and also a reminder of the need for divine guidance in governance and administration.

    “We’ve come together to praise and worship God, to thank Him for his faithfulness, to thank him for his love, his kindness, for prospering my local government for the peace and joy we have in our council, ” she said.

    Senbanjo expressed gratitude to staff for their support and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their duties.

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    “I have the best workforce in Lagos State working with me in Apapa Local Government. I thank all of them. Without the workers, I will not be here today. My success is hinged on every one of them, and I give thanks to God for each and every one of them,” she said.

    The Council Manager, Sonate Adebanji, lauded the efforts of the chairman and  members of staff in moving the council forward.

    She said the event was to ensure they achieve better than last year and to also ensure that the vision and goals of the local government is achieved.

    “This is the first staff forum for year 2025; we are trying to encourage the staff. They did well last year and we appreciate them for that.

    “They have displayed hard work, dedication to duty. This year, we are trying to encourage them to do more, to ensure that, we achieve better than last year and to also ensure that the vision, the goal of this local government is achieved,” she said.

  • Apapa celebrates, rewards retirees

    Apapa celebrates, rewards retirees

    By Fatiah Akinrinlade and Azeezat Okubajo

    The Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos has celebrated and presented gifts to its retirees.

    The event, held at the council’s secretariat, Apapa, saw the six retirees going home with deep freezers.

    The council Chairman, Idowu Senbanjo, appreciated the retirees for contributing to the growth of the council during their years of service.

    “To the retirees you can see that we have done this. The reason is because you have contributed to the development of the unified local government services. So, we are appreciating you today. We are showing our gratitude to you because you have done very well. You were all very hardworking staffs. You have been loyal to the constituted authority. If not for that, we won’t say everyone should be here today to appreciate you. Thank you all, we appreciate you indeed,” she said.

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    Senbanjo urged them to take proper care of their health and be consistent with their medical checkups.

    “As you have retired today, please don’t stay back, don’t just sit down doing nothing, find something to do, continue doing your activities so that your health will not fail you. You must ensure you do medical checkups. It is very important and I pray that the lord will be with you,” she said.

    The Council Manager, Mrs. Sonate Adebanji, while lauding the chairman for the event, thanked those who came to celebrate with the retirees.

    The Director of Post Service Department, Peter Ogunshakin, urged the retirees to actively participate in their communities.

    “Continue to be relevant in your communities; be relevant in your community development association, religious and political gatherings. You are starting a new life. It’s not for you to go and rest, you can only relax. Don’t be stagnant, do not stay idle”.

    He advised the retirees to prioritize their health, by doing exercise, eating healthy food and avoiding things that will trigger health issues.

    He urged them to plan meticulously, use their savings on what will be of immense value to them, avoid incurring unnecessary debts and extravagant spendings.

    One of the retirees, Dauda Omotosho, thanked God for granting him the grace to retire. He also appreciated the council boss for the gifts.

  • Lagos to re-establish drainage right of way in Apapa

    Lagos to re-establish drainage right of way in Apapa

    Lagos State Government will today begin enforcement operations to re-establish the three-metre drainage Right of Way for drainages in Apapa.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab, after an inspection tour to check the level of compliance, said the enforcement is coming after the expiration of notices and meetings with property owners to voluntarily move their fences that fall within the drainage setback earlier in the year.

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    According to him, the eight major collectors have lacked maintenance for many years because the ministry has had no access to them due to encroachment.

    This, he said, was a big contributor to flooding in Apapa, so the ministry served contravention notices to the buildings on the drainage setbacks.