The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Perpetual rise of Africa’s leading metropolis

    Perpetual rise of Africa’s leading metropolis

    By Maryam Kamilu

    SIR: Nestled along the Gulf of Guinea, Lagos stands as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a beacon of urban vibrancy in Africa. Its steady ascent to the top echelons of global recognition is a testament to an amalgamation of factors that converge to propel its continual rise and sustained prominence.

    Lagos, as the commercial heart of Nigeria, serves as an economic engine not only for the country but for the entire West African region. The city’s economic significance is underscored by its robust GDP contribution, fuelled by diverse sectors such as finance, manufacturing, entertainment, and telecommunications. The strategic location of Lagos as a bustling port city amplifies its role in facilitating trade and commerce, drawing both domestic and foreign investments.

    One of Lagos’s defining features is its rich cultural tapestry, woven together by a mosaic of traditions, languages, and vibrant social customs. From the bustling markets of Mushin to the eclectic art scene in Ikoyi, the city exudes an unparalleled fusion of diverse cultures. This cultural dynamism is reflected in its music, fashion, art, and culinary delights, drawing global attention and fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.

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    In recent years, Lagos has emerged as a burgeoning tech hub, earning itself the moniker “Silicon Lagoon.” The city’s tech ecosystem is flourishing, hosting numerous start-ups, incubators, and tech accelerators. Areas like Yabacon Valley have become breeding grounds for innovation, birthing ground-breaking solutions in fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology. Lagos’s embrace of technological advancements positions it as a frontrunner in Africa’s digital transformation.

    Lagos grapples with the inherent challenges of rapid urbanization, including traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and housing shortages. However, what distinguishes Lagosians is their indomitable spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. The city’s inhabitants exhibit a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges, fuelling the relentless drive for progress and development.

    Recognizing the imperative for infrastructural enhancements, Lagos has embarked on ambitious projects aimed at transforming the cityscape. Initiatives such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, road expansions, and the development of new city districts like Eko Atlantic City signify a commitment to modernization and improved urban living standards.

    Lagos stands as a testament to Nigeria’s diverse population, accommodating people from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and walks of life. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging, contributing to the city’s social cohesion and harmonious coexistence among its residents.

    Lagos’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The city’s economic significance, cultural vibrancy, and technological advancements have garnered international attention, solidifying its position as a leading metropolis in Africa and a destination for global investments, cultural exchanges, and business collaborations.

    Lagos’s perpetual ascent to the top is a multifaceted narrative of economic prowess, cultural richness, technological innovation, resilience in the face of challenges, infrastructural advancements, and inclusivity. The city’s journey to prominence exemplifies the triumph of a spirited and diverse populace amidst the complexities of urbanization. As Lagos continues to evolve and grow, it remains a testament to the potential of African cities, standing tall as a beacon of progress and dynamism on the continent and the world stage.

    Lagos is not just a city; it’s an embodiment of the pulsating heartbeat of Africa—a beacon that radiates resilience, innovation, and diversity, inviting the world to witness its perpetual rise.

    • Maryam Kamilu, Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Lagos promises to enforce EIA for project development

    Lagos promises to enforce EIA for project development

    The Lagos state government has promised to intensify efforts at mainstreaming Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into developmental projects to ensure sustainability. 

    This, it noted, will also ensure the continued safety of lives and property of residents. 

    Permanent Secretary (Environmental Services), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Gaji Omobolaji, spoke at a stakeholders workshop on how to make EAI more effective and workable. 

    The workshop was to sensitise technical professionals from government MDA’s and the private sector on requirements and procedures for conducting EIAs. 

    Omobolaji, represented by the Director of Sanitation Services, Hassan Sanuth, described EIA as ‘a decision making tool that guides developmental projects’.

    “It is a form of predicting what are likely consequences, positive or negative, of any project. It then recommends what should be done to make the project sustainable for the benefit of the environment as well as human being. 

    He added: “Lagos State, in the last two years, has been creating awareness on the importance of EIA. We are also extending it into government projects. The government has conducted EIAs on most of the projects it will be excecuting from next year, we are doing this so that the government itself is not found culpable of flouting the law.

    “The government is ready to implement and also enforce it. It is a government policy that must implemented.”

    Director of Environmental Assessment Olasunkanmi Sojunu described EIA as a global tool for environmental management’

    He said: “Before any project is developed, the law requires that the project be subjected to an early determination of its likely impact, beneficial or adverse. There must also be measures to mitigate those impacts. So if we must have sustainable development in the state and across Nigeria, EIA must be considered essential.

    “The responsibility of conducting EIA lies in the hands of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. That is why this stakeholders’ workshop is necessary to sensitise stakeholders. 

    “We must equip our workers to be able to sensitise the people to do the right thing. We will also be firm with monitoring and enforcement to ensure people do the right thing.

    A retired professor of Environmental Science, Babajide Alo, who lectured the stakeholders on EIA, said the government should increase its enforcement to ensure projects are executed in tandem with the EAI to ensure sustainability and safety of residents.

    “If EIA is enforced the way it is crafted, projects will not be citied in the wrong places. So government should do more now in enforcing EIA. Part of it is to empower the administrators of EIA? If their capacity is high enough, they can fully understand and enforce the implementation EIA as is done globally.

    “The peow also have to be partners in progress. They must ask the right questions about projects coming to their area to ensure its environmentally- friendly, sustainable, and beneficial to them,” he added. 

  • JUST IN: Lagos govt commences removal of illegal gates in Lekki

    JUST IN: Lagos govt commences removal of illegal gates in Lekki

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has announced the removal of illegal gates that are permanently closed along the Lekki Phase 1 axis.

    He revealed this in a post on his official X page on Saturday, December 23.

    He wrote partly: “Following several days of traffic snarl, which residents connecting Lekki were experiencing due to the inability to access connecting roads due to the indiscriminate mounting and multiplicity of the gates in many parts of the state, defacing the aesthetics of the environment and causing unnecessary traffic in the major roads.

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    “Lagos State Government through the Enforcement team of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has commenced the removal of illegal gates that are permanently closed around Lekki 1 axis.”

    He further added the areas where these removals will take place “These gates include; Sir Rufus Foluso Giwa Road, Theophilus Oji Road, Osaro Isokpan Road, Abike Sulaiman Road, Ben Okagbue MBA Road, Olubunmi Rotimi Road, Olanrewaju Ninalowo Road, Dele Adedeji road, Abayomi Sonuga road, Siji Soetan and Rasheed Alaba Williams roads.”

  • BREAKING: One-storey building collapses in Lagos

    BREAKING: One-storey building collapses in Lagos

    Two adult females and a baby have been trapped in a one-storey building that collapsed in the Ebute-Metta area of Lagos State.

    The Nation learnt that the incident occurred early Friday morning.

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    The women were said to be an illegal occupant of the building as the residents had been reportedly issued an evacuation notice by the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

    Details shortly…

  • ‘Lagos to partner more investors’

    ‘Lagos to partner more investors’

    Special Adviser (Legal) to the Lagos State Governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mrs. Bukola Odoe has assured of adequate partnership with stakeholders to further develop the state’s economy in 2024.

    Describing 2024 as a year of renewed impact and consolidation, Odoe said there is a need to look ahead and build on the achievements of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the last four years, particularly in the delivery of public infrastructure.

    Speaking at an interactive engagement with members of staff, Mrs. Odoe said 2024 is key to attaining numerous goals of the government, and ‘Office of PPP will ensure necessary support to actualise the THEMES + Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s government’.

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    She said: “The aim is to strengthen and renew partnerships to launch even more ambitious and impactful projects that align with the laid out plans in the THEMES+ development agenda of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “The PPP office remains committed to fostering productive partnerships that promote the development of Lagos State, contribute to the well-being of its residents, and position Lagos as a leading city in public infrastructure development.”

    Mrs. Odoe maintained that her office will work assiduously to drive economic growth and development across the state by harnessing the expertise and efficiencies that the private sector can bring to the delivery of more public infrastructure.

  • 14 perm secs retire from Lagos public service

    14 perm secs retire from Lagos public service

    Fourteen permanent secretaries on Wednesday, December 20, pulled out from the Lagos state civil service, signalling their official retirement.

    The Pens Down ceremony in honour of the retirees was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa.

    The Head of Service (HoS), Olabode Agoro, said the ceremony is an occasion to rejoice and thank God for the gift of life given in good health.

    Agoro noted that the 14 permanent secretaries being celebrated in retirement ‘have been found worthy in recognition of their commendable service and record of outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the public service’.

    The HoS thanked them for their doggedness, commitment, dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice throughout their career, and the good working relationship exhibited while in service. 

    He said: “Let me declare that all of you retiring today have been found worthy, especially for your commendable service and record of outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the state’s public service.

     “As the newest members of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), the government would continue to look forward to benefitting from your vast reservoir of information, policy formulation, and implementation to continue to move the state forward.

    “On behalf of the most vibrant Body of Lagos State Permanent Secretaries and a grateful public service, I say a very big thank you to you all. I also wish you continued good health and long life while I pray that the Almighty God shall continue to abide with you and all the members of your families.”

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    Those pulled out of service are Mrs. Nathan-Marsh Oyinade, Mrs. Okelola Oludara Oyebisi, Abiodun Bamgboye, Ogunnubi Timothy Olukayode, Olajide Charles Adeboye, Ms Fashola Simone Olayinka, Mrs. Patunola-Ajayi, Olayinka Linda, Amuni Abayomi Mustapha, Mrs. Dapo-Thomas, Boladele Aderemi, Mrs. Kilanko Asisat Olaperi, Dr Onasanya Olayiwole Shakiru, Engr. Daramola Olufemi Olubunmi, Adewuyi Moshood Adewale and Mrs. Emokpae Olatokunbo Ibironke.

    Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, congratulated the retirees for their meritorious and unblemished retirement.

    Abiodun Bamgboye, who responded on behalf of other retirees, thanked the government for allowing them to serve. He advised those still in active service not to look back but to ensure they contribute their quota to improve the lot of the state and humanity.

  • Lagos to increase water supply lines

    Lagos to increase water supply lines

    • By Lydia Raji

    Lagos has restated its commitment to solve water supply challenges on a massive scale.

    The Executive Director (Operations), Lagos Water Corporation(LWC), Mrs Helen  Omolanke Taiwo restated this  at the Re – Commissioning of Mosan – Okunsola  2 MGD water works , Abesan and flags off Pipe Reticulation Extension in Baruwa .

    She said there are measures that address challenges and prioritise  projects towards  enhancing the lives of Lagosians through improved water supply.

    Her words: “As the Executive Director ( Operations) . One of my early diagnoses is the capability of Lagos water corporation to produce water provided plant(s) are in operational state.

    Water supply goes beyond just running plants to produce water. It encapsulates total water supply processes, that is, from source, production, effective distribution and commercial activities) remains the yardstick for an efficient water utility. The further diagnosis reveals that oftentimes water produced by Lagos Water Corporation ends as Non – Revenue water ( NRW) as there is missing link in our supply processes.’”

    She indicated that the corporation was  working to improve the capacity of the Abesan – Baruwa water supply scheme. To address water supply challenges in the Abesan Housing Estate, she said the Lagos water corporation embarked on a targeted approach to solve this problem in the most effective manner possible.

    On Mosan – Okunola Water Works ,she continued that it was a priority of the corporation to identify the peculiarities  of the area infrastructure. She noted: ” We prioritize the need to rehabilitate our Mosan – Okunola 2MGD mini waterworks . Additionally, there is a need to have a holistic understanding of the flow path.This propelled  us to appraise the pipe reticulation.We can only achieve this by validating the present realities of pipe networks. We have  executed some distribution activities which will allow us to implement the corporation flow management in Abesan and part of Baruwa .  The display drawings ( Abesan – Baruwa) Linkage and Abesan – Baruwa Reticulation)  are part of our achievement to enhance the operation here .”

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    She enumerated the major challenges involved in  pipe reticulation and installation of new flow valves.

    According to her, ” the difficulty is in locating our appurtenances which were in most cases severed in the course of road construction if we are  address this challenge,.”

    She called for  more synergy between the corporation  and various state Ministries Department and Agencies  ( MDA’S) and Federal Ministry of Works involved in road construction for proper relocation of water pipes and appurtenances .

    She added: “With collaboration of all concerned in the sector, we plan to replicate this little success in so many operational areas as well as to open new frontier of water supply facilities in line with Mr Governor’s THEME Agenda.

    Earlier, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive , LSWC   Mukhtaar Tijani,  urged residents of Abesan and Baruwa areas to utilise water supplied by the corporation.

    He also pledged to provide free water connections to 50 homes on a first – come – first serve basis.

    Tijani said the Mosan Okunsola a two  Million Gallon per day  (2MGD ) Mini Water Works had been successfully restored, and that  the  5KM pipe network renovation and the  Reticulation network surrounding of Abesan Estate has been turned on.

    He urged the inhabitants of Abesan and Baruwa to pay their water bills promptly.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water resources, Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Olakunle Rotimi Akodu implored   residents through the Baale of Baruwa community to embrace the project.

  • Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, four others named most viable states

    Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, four others named most viable states

    A report released by Economic Confidential, an Intelligence Magazine, has named  Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo and Edo States rich most viable states in the country for 2022.

    The organisation in its seventh Annual States Viability Index (ASVI) said that six states to include; Bayelsa, Kebbi, Katsina, Akwa-Ibom, Taraba and Yobe States are insolvent as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in 2022 were below 10 percent of their receipts from the Federation Account Allocations (FAA) in the same year.

    The Managing Editor, Economic Confidential, Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, who said this yesterday in Abuja said, the IGR of the 36 states of the federation totaled N1.8 trillion in 2022 was above that of 2021 which was N1.76 trillion.

    Abdulraheem stated that the report was compiled from figures released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, and the Federal Account Allocation Committee.

    He said Lagos remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR among the states with a total revenue generation of N651 billion compared to FAA of N370 billion which translated to 176 percent in the twelve months of 2022.

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    According to him, the IGR of Lagos State of N651 billion is higher than that of 30 other states put together whose Internally Generated Revenues are extremely low, and poor compared to their allocations from the Federation Account.

    However, he said Ogun State which generated IGR of N120 billion compared to its FAA of N113 billion representing 106 per cent, followed by Rivers with generated N172 billion IGR compared to FAA of N363 billion representing 48 per cent; Kaduna State with N58 billion compared to FAA of N155bn representing 37 per cent; Kwara with IGR of N35 billion compared to FAA of N99 billion representing 36 per cent and Oyo generated N62 billion compared to FAA of N181bn representing 34 per cent and Edo generated N47 billion IGR compared to N147 billion FAA representing 32 per cent.

    “The total internally generated revenue of N1.15 trillion from the seven most viable states in 2022 was almost twice the total IGR of 29 remaining states put together that merely generated about N650 billion.”

  • Lagos, UNFPA train special needs instructors for schools

    Lagos, UNFPA train special needs instructors for schools

    The Lagos State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has trained special need instructors and counsellors from 15 selected schools across the state. The training was to onboard the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) curriculum in special needs schools.

     The three-day training, which held at the Ibis Hotel Ikeja Lagos is the first phase of the onboarding process in order to ensure that children in special need schools across Lagos State and those out of school are equipped with sex education.

     The CSE which started in 2021 with five technical colleges and eight Women And Poverty Alleviation centres, acquisition centres with six modules has been broadened to nine modules to accommodate the special needs of marginalised children.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the teaching of sexuality and sexual health is an imperative as the country moves towards a more inclusive education system highlighting that the training is designed to empower instructors with necessary tools, knowledge and sensitivity required to effectively disseminate the CSE curriculum to their respective schools to meets the need of the children.

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     She added that with human sexuality occupying an integral part of overall wellbeing, the Lagos State government in collaboration with UNFPA considers as priority the sexual development of special needs children who are very often marginalised in society.

     Oke-Osanyintolu, who was represented by Mr. Saka Abdulateef said: “The Comprehensive Sexuality Education is structured in such a way that it provides a framework for the acquisition of knowledge of self and family living across the individual’s life course spread around thematic areas of

    “Therefore, the implementation of the curriculum will improve access to adequate and correct information for young people, improving their ability to make informed decisions about their own sexuality and reproductive lives and exercise their reproductive rights.”

     Speaking on the sidelines at the event, a Director in the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Umar Rashida Omashola said that the onboarding of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum in special needs schools would help curb cases of sexual abuse among people living with disability, build their self esteem and promote a well informed community of young people.

     Omoshola explained that the Lagos State and the UNFPA hopes to make the project a sustainable one by building a culture of continuous learning for participants to ensure that the skills acquired are updated from time to time.

     “So our relationship with the UNFPA has been fruitful. it’s been seamless and it’s a mutually benefitting relationship. For the news set of instructors that being trained, we are going to take them through the curriculum, and how they are going to be teaching their students using the curriculum,” she said.

  • Lagos inaugurates agro-produce hub

    Lagos inaugurates agro-produce hub

    N750m earmarked for traders’ support programme

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inaugurated a newly constructed middle-level Fresh Food Agro-Hub, at Idi-Oro in Mushin area of the state.

    He said the facility would help to mitigate the 50 per cent post-harvest losses, and reduce carbon emissions.

    Sanwo-Olu also launched N750 million market trader moni initiative.

    From the amount, N50,000 will be given to 15,000 traders across the local governments and LCDAs.

    He said 250 beneficiaries would be selected in each of the local government/LCDA.

    The Mid-Level Agro-produce Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, the governor said, was the first in the state, heralding a turning point in the food distribution system.

    The facility, he added, is sited on 6,400sq.m of land, with adequate car/truck parking area, and with centralised dry and cold storage systems, giving the market players the economies of scale to make decent profits.

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    According to him, the hub will pave the way for the modernisation, reorganisation and presentation of state-of-the-art data-driven food and agriculture systems where players and actors in the marketing chain interact freely.

    “This will also address prevailing market challenges of inadequate infrastructure; food shortage; high degree of fragmentation and standardisation,” the governor noted

    He said the government adopted the Food System Transformation Agenda as a measure to improve the current system, which is inundated by wastage, post-harvest losses, traffic congestion and other inefficiencies that result in the loss of over 50 per cent of agricultural produce, especially in perishables.

    He said: “This transformation journey is hinged on our five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021-2026), which reflects our passionate commitment to boosting food production, processing and marketing. The roadmap sets the stage for direct interventions, strategic collaborations and the establishment of linkages with the private sector, financial institutions, foreign governments and multilateral agencies.”

    He reiterated that the agenda categorised the Food System into the Central Logistics Hub, Mid-level Agro-produce Hub, and the Last Mile Food Distribution outlets.

    “This demonstrates our resolve to follow through with the Agenda, the construction of the Central Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe is ongoing, while the smallest of the pilot, the mid-level Agro-produce Hub, is being inaugurated today. This will be followed with the construction of additional three Hubs at Agege, Ajah and Abule-Ado axis of the state. In all, the plan is to construct 50 Mid-Level Agro produce Hubs across the state

    He mentioned other initiatives towards helping the state attain the goal of meeting 40 per cent of Lagos State’s food requirements by 2025 to include the groundbreaking of Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, the innovative tractor-hailing application, the establishment of a 32 tonns/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota, the enterprise development for women and youth in poultry production, piggery, aquaculture, apiculture (beekeeping), horticulture, and artisanal fishing.

     He said the efforts continue to yield the desired result in increased food production.

    Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the facility would help get farmers’ produce to market quickly and efficiently, reducing food waste, boosting profits and creating jobs.

    According to her, the government is taking steps to improve agricultural efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes and drive real environmental and economic change.

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamigboye, said the food hub was aimed at reducing vulnerability to food shortage and guaranteeing uninterrupted food supply at cheaper prices, to residents of the state.

    Bamigboye thanked the governor for constructing the facility in the local government, saying it would have direct impact on the lives of the market men and women.

    “I am a bit overwhelmed with joy in celebrating the inauguration of this facility by Mr Governor, which is the first agricultural hub to be constructed in Mushin by the state government.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made a giant stride in the area of agriculture. With the inauguration of this agro-hub today, there will be a great encouragement in global food processing business, enhancements of employment opportunity for youths in agricultural sector.

    “It will also attract many to agro-business and processing, due to high demand for consumer food products, and also bring economic development to Mushin and its environs,” he said.

    Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area Rasaq Ajala thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving Mushin a great gift.

    He promised that the people of Mushin would own the project and make it worthwhile.

    He reiterated his saying that Mushin is populated with good people than the image many outside the area had.