A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka has expressed confidence in Seyi Tinubu’s ability to transform Lagos into a world-class city, rivaling Dubai.
According to Obidike, critics of Seyi Tinubu will live to see him achieve this vision as Lagos Governor.
He spoke on the heels of Seyi Tinubu’s endorsement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) as the ideal candidate for the Lagos governorship seat in 2027.
Despite some opposition, many believe Seyi Tinubu has the potential to build on his father’s legacy and bring about significant positive changes to Lagos.
He said: “As a capable and competent individual, Seyi Tinubu is expected to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare.
His vision for Lagos is aligned with the APC’s goals of promoting progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.”
While some critics have expressed doubts about Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy, Obidike’s statement serves as a testament to the confidence many have in his ability to lead Lagos towards a brighter future.
For those drawing comparisons between the political conflicts in Lagos and those in Rivers, questioning why the president has not imposed a state of emergency there seem not to have had a deep peep into the nitty gritty of both cases.
Many people who have been observing the political happenings in Rivers with a rational mindset, rather than an emotional one, would likely agree that Fubara has betrayed his supporters. Moreover, he has tried to outwit his benefactor. Those infractions in the political turf are seen as sins worse than idolatry, which to some, may be forgivable while others will choose to nail such offender to the cross. This culminated in the demolition of the state House of Assembly, which is a significant violation.
Just like some are railing at the President for being overbearing on another arm of government, that was exactly what Fubara did by knocking out the Legislature in the state, notwithstanding whatever political differences exist. So it could be said that he was fed with his own meal.
The president attempted to mediate among the conflicting parties as a redemptive measure of a father, but those efforts did not yield any positive results as they were inadvisedly rebuffed.
Fubara in the full glare of all, escalated tensions by submitting a budget proposal to only four members of the house, being fully aware that this could be interpreted as a basis for impeachment. The argument that the other 27 members decamped to another party is neither here nor there because the prescribed procedures for a valid decamping were yet to be fulfilled. You do not decamp by mere verbal pronouncement, your name must be in the register of the party you are decamping to for the exercise to be completed or in the face of the law, such action will be a nullity.
Additionally, he has been carrying out various government initiatives without informing the larger assembly. The implication? He had muzzled an arm of the state government which itself is an impeachable offence.
Considering the ongoing tensions between Sanwo Olu and Obasa, it might be advisable for the governor to think about disbanding the Lagos House of Assembly or to avoid presenting his commissioners and budget for their consideration but no; he still followed due process and bidded his time rather than act brashly.
Observations over time have illustrated that Obasa has habitually disrespected Sanwo Olu, a trend that has been evident for many years. Although some may find it hard to grasp the importance of this situation, my extensive political experience of over twenty-five years has provided me with insights into these dynamics. I understand the impacts of ego and financial motivations, as well as the intricacies of political power dynamics and aspirations. Many hold the belief that Obasa’s behaviour might be an attempt to negotiate a favorable succession with Governor Sanwo, as he seems to think that by asserting his power, he stands a better chance of becoming the next governor.
However, this perspective might be incomplete; it is possible that the speaker’s motives were tied to negotiating contracts to meet commitments to his constituents. Regardless of the reality, Obasa participated in the political arena, and while his tactics may have been somewhat forceful and lacking in propriety, they were not entirely out of line. Concurrently, the governor tactically maneuvered against him.
During Obasa’s absence, Sanwo Olu garnered his arsenal and collaborated with his associates to oust the speaker from his role. Although he never overtly discussed this plan amidst various allegations, he refrained from employing thugs or criminals against the speaker, nor did he resort to kidnapping or assassination.
Conversely, the speaker fought hard for his position and managed to return to his seat without damaging any government property or inciting chaos in the state.
The people of Rivers, many of whom are ignorant of the agreements between the two conflicting factions or the governor’s initial nomination and election processes, took to the streets in anger. Some blocked roads while others vandalized and destroyed government property. They were merely told that the federal government was withholding their allocations while being informed that they are key revenue generators for the nation, leaving them confused as to why their funds were being delayed. Some politicians are using a reverse psychology tactic to pursue their objectives. Should we expect a government that acknowledges economic sabotage to remain passive while you harm the economy?
Are they aware of the number of individuals imprisoned for defacing currency, alongside those who steal and sell infrastructure equipment?
There is a genuine need for political education among many Nigerians, and I question what the National Orientation Agency is doing in this regard. It is common to see numerous Nigerian youths on Instagram expressing rage, resentment, and opinions on issues about which they are ill-informed.
The drift? You can agree and disagree politically,.make your points and pursue political interests but threatening mayhem or destroying National assets to make a point is like cutting your nose to spit your face which is at best, abhorable. In the Lagos situation, tact and reason were applied while in the Rivers State case brigandage was adopted. Talk about the difference between brain and brawn; two parallels that can never meet. The end point is that Lagos Politicians learnt from the best mentor that is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
•Comrade Atoyebi, a philanthropist and Social Commentator is of the BAT Ideological Group and wrote in from Abuja
Lagos State Police have arrested Peter Dike for allegedly stabbing his wife to death during a domestic dispute at their apartment in the Oke Ira Ilogbo Eremi community in Morogbo.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when an argument between Dike and his yet-to-be-identified 38-year-old wife escalated into a physical altercation.
In the heat of the fight, Dike reportedly rushed into the kitchen, grabbed a knife and stabbed his wife in multiple sensitive areas of her body.
According to eyewitnesses, the severity of the attack left the woman in a pool of blood, writhing in pain before succumbing to her injuries.
Rather than fleeing the scene, Dike allegedly remained beside his wife’s lifeless body until law enforcement arrived.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said officers on surveillance and township monitoring patrol received an alert about the crime and quickly responded.
“The case is confirmed. After a team of detectives in the area got the information, they swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect. One kitchen knife stained with blood was recovered from him. He confessed to the crime,” Hundeyin said.
The victim’s remains were evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Badagry.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.
Exhibitors from countries across the globe at the Pharma West Africa Exhibition 2025 in Lagos have called on the Federal Government to grant opportunities to them to set up manufacturing facilities in Nigeria in order to deepen their market penetration in the pharmaceutical/ healthcare sectors.
The exhibitors also called on the Federal Government to remove the hurdles put on the way by some its regulatory agencies in the drug, health, food and beverage value chain to enable them introduce cost effective medicines.
The programme which brought together hundreds of manufacturers, pharmacists ,and other players in the health sector was put together by Trade Show Organisers of Nigeria, an outfit that leverages the power of network , commerce and capacity to offer practical solutions to the challenges of the industry.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Mr. Jamie Hill, the Managing Director of Trade Show Organisers of Nigeria, organisers of the exhibition,, described Nigeria as a good market, saying the intention of the exhibition has always been to bring as many exhibitors as possible from around the globe to connect with local players in the pharmaceutical sector.
He said; “I am very excited at the Pharma West Africa Exhibition.
“We are obviously going to be back here in 2026 and continue with this. We always plan to bring as many companies as possible to meet with local players in the sectors and this is just the seventh edition; it is growing year on year.
“We are going to become the biggest show in the West African region and that is our plan. We have had massive support from our partners and that has made it possible to get to this level, but talking of challenges, we have been able to get over that,” he said.
Meanwhile, some of the exhibitors also spoke to journalists on their impressions at the event.
Mr. Simranjit Singh Gandhi, the founder and director of Aprazer Healthcare Private Limited in India, one of the companies exhibiting at the event, said this was their first time of being at the event, however promised to have a discussion with the Nigerian regulatory agency in order to make available their products in the country.
“This is our first time in Lagos Nigeria and it is great,” he said.
“We have some businesses to seal but we want people to see the big opportunities in this Pharma West Africa because this is a very big event.
“This is a great opportunity because Nigeria is a great market to be honest. We are here to have discussions with NAFDAC, have discussions with business associates so that our products can be available in Nigeria in a legitimate manner.
“We want to be part of the Nigerian market and make sure our products are here to help the country in areas needed,” he said.
Also speaking, Victor Chinedu, the Vice President (Commercial and Branding) PURELIFE HEALTH, whose company came up with a platform to help connect the people with healthcare experts, said the innovation would help to integrate various aspects of primary healthcare, including health and wellness products, vaccinations, diagnostics, specialist consultations, and medication delivery.
He said; “We are utilising technology to address hitherto difficult medical processes. We are serving as a platform for all primary healthcare activities, from medical doctors to diagnostics, to pharmacists and we are making sure that individuals that have access to this app can have access to all these primary healthcare drivers on one platform.
“We are here at Pharma West Africa because it is one of the largest gatherings of pharmaceutical stakeholders and this is a veritable platform to connect with business owners, to companies. We feel that if we want to make it easier for people to access their health, why can’t we create a general platform whereby they would have access to all these things at a go and so this is good because at the comfort of your home, you can list orders. At the comfort of your home, you can see the doctor, run diagnoses and get prescriptions.
“This is because four out of every ten Nigerians do not completely care for their health, so we saw all these loopholes and decided to make healthcare accessibility easy for them by coming up with this,” he said.
On his own, Mr Kausher Nayabali of KNA, a group of companies which is into so many health sectors, said of their mission in Lagos for the Pharma West Africa.
“We are into many sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, FMCG appliances. It is about a 100 years old company. We are in Nigeria for exhibition with our products and we want to offer these products to Nigerian people at an affordable price.
“We are enjoying our presence here and hope to be here for second time. We are looking to discuss with big importers and we can also produce our products right here. Because of logistics, we at times have issues bringing our products here but we can produce them here. We have been dominating the market for the past 15 years and we want to do the same in Nigeria.
“If we have good support from Nigeria, we can do more. Nigeria is one of the strongest economies in Africa with a big population, so we can help Nigerians to get good quality products at reasonable prices.”
Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Ikeja High Court has sentenced five men to 18 years imprisonment for murder.
The convicts—Imuriana Muhammed, Ogbole Muhammed, Yahaya Sefiyanu, Haruna Suleiman, and Gambo Dauda Ogah—were arraigned on a five-count amended charge, including conspiracy to murder, rioting, and willful damage of property.
The charges were brought against them by the Lagos State government.
Two other defendants, Usman Suleiman and Abdullahi Buruma, pleaded not guilty and will face trial separately.
During the hearing, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Dr. Babajide Martins urged the court to convict and sentence the five men based on their guilty plea.
Reviewing the case, Dr. Martins told the court that on September 23, 2021, at about 4:30 p.m., police officer Kazeem Sunmonu Abonde, attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) SHQ, was killed by a group of Okada riders during an enforcement operation at Honda Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos.
He added that during the same incident, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Christopher Edafe and other officers sustained severe injuries.
“Investigations revealed that the defendants were identified as the perpetrators of the violence. The defendants were arrested and eventually arraigned before this court on July 12, 2023” he added.
Dr Babajide Martins informed the court that the prosecution had called one witness, PW1 Oyighe and at the end of his testimony, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th defendants, though their counsel applied for a plea bargain.
Justice Ogala after listening to the review of facts from the prosecution, convicted the defendants and sentenced them according to their plea bargain agreement.
“In view of the plea bargain agreement, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th defendants have been found guilty and convicted.
“According to section 77 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Imuriana Muhammed, Ogbole Muhammed, Yahaya Sefiyanu, Haruna Suleiman, and Gambo Dauda Ogah are sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.
“Conspiracy to murder 14 years, rioting 3 years, willful damage of property one year imprisonment. The terms shall run consecutively and it shall commence from the day of your remand June 14, 2023.” the judge said
Dr Babajide Martins prayed to the court of a trial date for the 5th and 7th defendants, Usman Suleiman and Abdullahi Buruma who pleaded not guilty.
Justice Ogala adjourned the case to April 9, 2025 for trial in respect of the 5th and 7th defendants and further remand them at the correctional facility were they are held currently.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR, on Monday returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jandor, who resigned his PDP membership along with his Lagos4Lagos Movement, disclosed this at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos.
“Our return to APC was not for personal purpose but reflection of our commitment to the development of Lagos”, said Jandor.
Here are things to know about Jandor:
1. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, is a Nigerian politician, journalist, entrepreneur, and technocrat.
2. Jandor was born to Alhaji Adeniran and Ruth Oluwafunmilayo Adeniran on November 22, 1977 in Mushin Area of Lagos State.
3. He is 47 years old.
4. He was the Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate under the People’s Democratic Party with his running mate, Funke Akindele.
5. He came third in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election (62,449 votes) behind Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC) – 762,134 votes (Winner) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) (Labour Party) – 312,329 votes (Second place)
6. He received the 2021 Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance by South American University, Lagos, Nigeria.
7. He is a graduate of The Polytechnic Ibadan; Modul University, Vienna; the Howard University School of Business, Washington DC, USA; and Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.
8. Jandor started his journalism career as a journalist for over twenty years.
9. He eventually ventured into politics as a member of APC.
10. He was the convener of the movement of Lagos4Lagos, a movement under the APC.
11. Jandor defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in January 2022 from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
12. He is married to Maryam Olajide Adediran, and they have two children: Fareedah Oluwamayokun Amoke and Fadhilulah Oluwamurewa Adedayo Akanniade Olajide-Adediran.
The rent debate in Lagos is heating up, and all eyes are now on the Lagos State House of Assembly. This comes after Enugu State took a bold step by introducing a bill aimed at curbing the excesses of landlords. In Lagos, where rent hikes and exorbitant agency fees have become the norm, the question remains: will Lagosians get relief anytime soon? IBRAHIM ADAM reports
It was Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who stirred the conversation when he quoted the Enugu bill on his X handle, writing: “LAGOS … Coming Soon. A very strong issue but must be well discussed and implemented after deliberation by the Lagos House of Assembly.”
His follow-up post added fuel: “Under this tweet, Landlords and Tenants are tackling themselves and sharing very interesting perspectives. Very nice.”
With Lagos residents grappling with skyrocketing rents, many hope the conversation will lead to concrete action.
What the Lagos tenancy law says
The Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011 provides some legal protection for tenants against unreasonable rent increases. Section 37 allows tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes in court.
However, the law has loopholes. High-value areas like Ikoyi, Ikeja GRA, Victoria Island, and Apapa are exempted, leaving tenants in these locations vulnerable.
Moreover, Section 37 (2) gives no clear limit on how much landlords can increase rent; meaning rent hikes could still be astronomical.
Learning from Enugu blueprint
The Enugu State House of Assembly recently introduced the bill for a law to amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, which aims to cap agency and legal fees at 10% of annual rent, abolish caution fees, and penalise violations with fines of up to N500,000 or six months in prison.
The bill also seeks to define eviction processes to prevent fraudulent evictions and ensure that only certified agents operate in the state.
Entitled “the Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024,” the proposed legislation sponsored by member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Okey Mbah, underwent the first reading on Tuesday.
Mbah said: “The ills it seeks to address are widespread and generally suffered by our constituents.”
Landlords: Defending the price surge
For many landlords, the rising cost of rent is a necessary evil. They cite high construction costs and economic instability as reasons for the hike.
A landlord in Surulere confidently told our reporter: “If you don’t take this house for N1m, I can bet with you that before next weekend, I will give it out for N1.5m annual payment.”
Another landlord in Somolu was even blunter: “It is my house, and I will give it out at what I choose to. The government did not build this house for me. If you cannot pay N1.3m annually, you can try another place.”
On social media, some landlords echoed these sentiments. Cheryl deBlaq wrote: “I only collect rent & agreement fee of #50k. I don’t use agents. The Lagos laws favour tenants more than homeowners, and that’s why many homeowners are selling or converting properties to hotels.”
While some landlords defend their actions, others like Omotoso, a landlord in Lagos, admitted: “Some landlords are simply wicked shylocks with the amount they charge for rents in Lagos. The government must do something about landlords and their partners in crime, estate agents.”
Tenants: Voices of frustration, desperation
For tenants, the story is one of hardship and frustration. Rent increases without prior notice, excessive agency fees, and steep caution fees are making life unbearable.
Reacting to Gawat’s post, Olajide Taiwo, a Lagos resident, voiced concerns about the gap between legislation and enforcement, lamenting: “Egbon, it’s one thing enacting laws and another thing implementing them. My rent has been increased twice in just three years, with a 70% hike each time.”
Other residents shared similar experiences. One tenant disclosed, “Mine was increased three times in four years. The last one was over a 50% hike. Increases are at par with the dollar’s upward movement but never come down. God dey help us still.”
Akereyejo emphasised the strain of living in Lagos, highlighting how landlords are quick to complain about rising costs while tenants bear the brunt.
“Seriously, living in Lagos is almost becoming unbearable for tenants. This has to be addressed. The government is building infrastructures with taxpayers’ money, but landlords are the ones complaining about cement prices.” Akereyejo said.
Beyond rent, hidden charges such as agency fees, caution fees, and legal costs are also weighing heavily on tenants.
Oluwaseun Tijani pointed out: “The rent itself isn’t the problem; it’s the agency fees, caution fees, and legal fees. There should be laws regulating how and when rent increases occur.”
Capturing the frustration in a blend of humour and seriousness, Raheem Azeez Arisekola wrote: “House rent 150k per annum, agent and commission 250k, caution fee 50k. Total package 450k. Lagos scared me a lot… haha.”
The latest complaint comes from Wahab, a tenant who shared his ordeal with escalating rent demands.
“My landlord increases house rent yearly. When I wanted to get the apartment, the landlord told me N600,000, and I begged for N500,000.
“But because I needed accommodation, I had to get it. I later discovered that the tenants I met there were paying N450,000.” Wahab recounted.
The situation worsened when the landlord issued an ultimatum. “As of yesterday, the landlord has asked them to pack out if they cannot afford N600,000,” Wahab added.
Agents and market dynamics: The middlemen’s role
Agents are also central to the conversation, often accused of driving up costs through excessive fees.
Our reporter found out that in areas like Agege, Surulere, Somolu, and Bariga, a room and parlour self-contain goes for N1m to N1.7m annually, with additional agreement, commission, damages, and legal fees between N700,000 and N900,000.
While a room self-contain between N700, 000 and N1.2m with agreement, commission, damages and legal fee between N500, 000 and N700, 000.
Abimbola, a prospective tenant, shared a shocking revelation: “A shop rent at 500k, agreement 250k, commission 250k, caution 50k, agent fee 5k. Just this morning! I asked the agent if he could pay such for that size of shop; he went cold.”
Another X user questioned: “Is there a way they can eradicate agreement and commission fees or, better still, set a standard price? Agreement and commission dey frustrate boiz gan.”
Sanwo-Olu advocates rental policy
Thankfully, Governor Sanwo-Olu is also championing a transformative housing initiative – the Monthly Rental Payment System.
Speaking at the 10th National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development meeting in Lagos last year, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the burden of annual rent obligations on low and middle-income earners.
He highlighted the state’s existing rent-to-own programme, requiring a modest five per cent down payment and a six per cent simple interest rate over 10 years.
However, recognising that not all residents are ready for homeownership, the governor revealed plans for a purely rental system, allowing residents to pay rent monthly. This approach is designed to ease financial pressure and make housing more accessible.
Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, reinforced the governor’s commitment.
She announced that the monthly rental scheme would launch by the end of 2024 or early 2025, starting with the public sector where earnings are easily verifiable. If successful, it will extend to the private sector.
The state earmarked N5 billion for this scheme, underscoring its dedication to perfecting the initiative before rollout.
Odunuga-Bakare pointed out that aligning rental payments with tenants’ earnings would not only enhance affordability but also stabilise the housing market.
Fashola, others advocate monthly payment of rent
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, alongside key real estate stakeholders, is also backing the shift to a monthly rent payment system.
At the Wemabod Real Estate Outlook 2025 event themed “Real Estate Development: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Economic Recovery” in Lagos, Fashola argued that synchronising rent payments with monthly salaries could halt inflation and stabilise the economy.
Fashola’s perspective is echoed by Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Abdulrahman Yinusa.
Yinusa stressed the importance of employer involvement, suggesting that employers guarantee rental payments by deducting rent from salaries.
This assurance, he believes, would encourage landlords to accept monthly payments, knowing their income is secure.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wemabod Limited, Bashir Oladunni also praised the monthly rental concept.
He noted that while tenants would find it easier to meet their obligations, landlords’ interests must also be safeguarded. Given that many landlords rely on rental income to offset development loans, he added that the government must establish regulations balancing the needs of both parties.
Oladunni revealed that Wemabod, backed by six states of the federation, is exploring the monthly rental model as part of its strategic plan to expand its housing portfolio by 500 units over the next five years.
Economists and policy experts: To regulate or not?
While many demand government intervention, some experts warn against overregulation.
Abayomi Odekoya wrote: “Government intervention should not be to control rent, as it will reduce the incentive to invest in the housing market. If supply is low, rent will skyrocket, and undercover payments will become the norm.”
However, another user argued: “Truth remains that government cannot fold its hands and watch hawkish landlords drive up inflation by arbitrarily jacking up rents. In most parts of Europe, the law limits landlords to increase rents based on conditions like adjusted inflation and property value.”
Another user added: “Ko kan ye o! This is private business; if you want rent to be cheap, build government houses and rent then at giveaway prices. When I dey buy Dangote Cement, una no help me, when I dey settle Omo onile, una no dey there. When I want to benefit, you want regulate me? Ki lo de?”
Will Lagos take the leap?
With the Lagos rental market spiraling and tenants crying out for relief, the state’s next steps are eagerly awaited. As Jubril Gawat hinted, the public hearing for any incoming law promises to be interesting. The question remains: will Lagos adopt a framework similar to Enugu’s, or will the landlords’ lobby prove too strong?
For now, Lagosians continue to hope for a fairer system, one where rent prices align with reality, and the dream of living in Lagos does not become a financial nightmare.
The Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos commands have celebrated women in security and law enforcement.
They also celebrated the contributions of female spouses of security officers, noting the sacrifices they make and roles they play in nation building.
In Lagos, the celebration, which was part of the International Women’s Day, culminated in a march led by the Chairperson and wife of Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, Mrs. Oluwatoyin.
The march, which started from the POWA Secretariat at Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, went through Isaac John Street to Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way before terminating at the secretariat. Mrs Jimoh advised the women to support their spouses by being resourceful and not just sitting idly at home.
She said POWA would engage some of the women in skills acquisition training to help to be financial independence to assist their husbands.
Similarly, the chairperson, FCT POWA, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, who hosted wives of officers and pupils from various police secondary schools in Abuja, urged women to keep making positive impacts.
Mrs. Disu, who was represented by her deputy, Mrs. Veronica Iwodi, the wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, said: “To every woman breaking barriers, juggling responsibilities, and standing strong in the face of adversity- your strength is the foundation upon which families, communities, and nations are built.
“In demanding professions like security and law enforcement, where the stakes are high and sacrifices are great, your resilience and dedication inspire generations. Keep pushing forward, knowing that your contributions are invaluable and your potential limitless.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has stressed the need for heightened safety awareness following a gas tanker explosion at Otedola Bridge.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the accident site, which was engulfed in flames on Tuesday night, Osiyemi condemned the violation of traffic regulations by the tanker driver.
He pointed out that despite a clear road sign prohibiting trucks from using the corridor, the driver ignored the restriction, leading to the devastating inferno.
“There was a clear sign that said ‘No Trucks Allowed,’ yet the tanker driver disregarded it, putting lives and property at risk,” he stated.
Osiyemi emphasized that the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and enhanced technical measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles. The Ministry of Transportation is also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences.”
During the visit, the commissioner and his team conducted a comprehensive evaluation, not only of the transport infrastructure but also of other affected structures.
“We are here to look at the totality of what happened. A comprehensive assessment of the bridge and surrounding structures.”
He confirmed that the assessment included checking for structural cracks on the bridge and its surrounding facilities to determine their integrity.
Osiyemi urged heavy-duty vehicle drivers to adhere strictly to safety regulations and cooperate with government efforts to protect lives and property.
He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient transport system for all residents.
The Lagos State Government has emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to implement ambitious revenue reforms and sustain economic growth.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget made this call at the launch of the second edition of the Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) report in Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, themed “Lagos Economic Outlook: Charting a Resilient Path Towards a Sustainable Future,” the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olayinka Ojo, highlighted the importance of a collective approach in tackling economic challenges such as inflation, fiscal constraints, and global economic uncertainties.
“As the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos continues to lead in development, innovation, and investment. However, we must proactively address macroeconomic pressures to sustain growth,” she said.
Ojo noted that the LEDU report provides a data-driven analysis of Lagos’ economic performance, covering key indicators like capital importation, inflation, and fiscal sustainability.
She urged stakeholders to contribute innovative ideas aligned with the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) to drive long-term economic resilience.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, also stressed the importance of adaptive strategies to maintain Lagos’ economic strength in an evolving global landscape.
“This year’s LEDU underscores our commitment to evidence-based policymaking, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive development,” he said.
He explained that the report provides critical insights into macroeconomic trends and sectoral performances, aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “Budget of Sustainability,”
The Commissioner also emphasised the significance of collaboration between the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget and the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy.
“We talked about how we need to budget differently. We need to budget for sustainability, for sustainable growth, and for sustainable development. These are the agendas pushed by the circular economy initiative. The MEPB is committed to supporting entities like the Office of Climate Change, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the Ministry of Environment in their efforts to educate and sensitize the public. This support includes funding and approvals necessary to achieve their mandates,” George said.
He further elaborated on the “waste to wealth” concept, stating that it is not just a slogan but a concrete action plan requiring behavioral shifts and accountability.
“It’s actually action points, responsibilities, and consciousness towards achieving our goals,” he added.
Chairman, Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, in his lecture titled “Bridging the Revenue Gap in Lagos: Innovative Pathways to Enhanced Revenue Mobilization,” pointed out the disparity between Lagos State’s economic potential and its revenue collection.
According to Oyedele, while Lagos is Africa’s economic powerhouse, it generates less than 2% of its GDP in revenue, far below its capacity.
He outlined three key pathways to enhance revenue generation: property taxation, personal income tax expansion, and tax harmonisation.
He stressed the untapped potential of property taxation, citing examples of regions that generate substantial revenue through efficient land titling and valuation.
“Introducing incentives, such as automatic land titles for consistent taxpayers, could encourage compliance,”
Oyedele also advocated for leveraging AI-driven tax intelligence to expand the personal income tax net and formalize the informal sector.
He called for a streamlined and modernized tax system through harmonization, stronger inter-agency coordination, and the elimination of informal levies.
Commending the Lagos State government’s support for national fiscal and tax reforms, he urged stakeholders to collaborate in realizing Lagos’s full economic potential.
