The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos seals ‘illegal’ cemetery site

    Lagos seals ‘illegal’ cemetery site

    The Lagos State government has sealed the construction site for a proposed cemetery within a residential neighbourhood in Bode Thomas.

    The sealing of the site followed Saturday morning protest by residents of Natufe/Animashaun neighborhood who insisted that siting a cemetery in the place would pollute their water.

    The residents who defied the heavy rains on Saturday and stormed out in their numbers had alleged that a similar move by the developer, Olumide Amure, a few years ago was resisted, wondering why he suddenly resumed construction of a cemetery in their area in outright disregard to their well-being.

    Reacting to reports of resumed construction works on the site, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso told The Nation that a cemetery would not be developed there.

    He said: “The burial ground site is sealed and no such project will be developed there, thus the people need not worry.”

    Natufe is located off Babs Animashaun Road in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, mainland Lagos.

    They took their protest to the construction site, a large expanse bordered by residential buildings, a school, a church and just a few meters away from the Traffic Light at Bode Thomas junction.

    Chanting “no cemetery” and other slogans to register their displeasure, the protesters waved placards emphasising their disapproval of the proposed burial ground in the neighbourhood.

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    Chairperson, Natufe/Animashaun Community Development Association (CDA), Alhaja Aminat Braimoh, said they were out to protest the construction of a cemetery in the neighbourhood.

    “This man tried it over two years ago and we opposed it. Suddenly, we noticed he has started construction again and he is working day and night to achieve his purpose. So, we are out here again saying no because cemetery is not good here. We heard he wants to build an adult cemetery here and one for children about three blocks away. We do not want it. Look around you, this is a residential neighbourhood. We have children and elderly people here. We have schools, churches and estates here too. Locating a cemetery will pollute our land. We are not using pipe-borne water. Our source of water is borehole which cemetery will pollute.”

    Asked what steps have been taken by the CDA aside from the protest, she said letters had been written and sent to the Chairman, Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Also speaking, a former CDA chairman, Olarenwaju Olaniyan, confirmed that the developer, Olumide Amure tried the same thing during his tenure and was fought to a standstill.

    “ Amure knows me very well. The first time he started this, some years ago, we fought it from the local government to the state level. We have all the documents with us. He was stopped by the government. “But I heard now that he has permission. I am not speaking about that permission because I trust that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never give such a permission. The developer should know the consequences of his actions and desist from such a wicked act. We will not allow him to pollute our land. We won’t allow him to kill us all because what he is trying to do is bring an epidemic for those of us living here. “We do not have good water here. We are surviving on boreholes and the moment you start burying people here, you will pollute our ground and water. You will kill us all. We won’t allow that… “You do not even live in this neighbourhood. You bought this land less than three years ago and all you can think of is to put a cemetery here?” Olaniyan queried.

    According to him, 11 petitions were sent to relevant agencies and offices the first time he came up with his cemetery plans, adding that the community would do the same this time around.

    The Councilor representing Natufe/Animashaun Ward at the Local Government said they were not aware of any approval to the developer to site a cemetery there. He said he received a complaint from the CDA that the developer was building a burial ground in a residential area.

    “A cemetery is not suitable in such a place. They have complained that they don’t want it and as their representative at the local government, I will take their complaint forward to the relevant authorities,” he said.

    Contacted for reaction on Saturday, the developer told our reporter that he would revert, pleading for time to provide a detailed response.

  • Lagos begins electronic call up on Lekki-Epe corridor

    Lagos begins electronic call up on Lekki-Epe corridor

    The Lagos State Government will today commence full enforcement of a technology-driven electronic call-up (e-call-up) system to regulate the increasing movement of articulated trucks along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the development yesterday in a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola.

    Osiyemi explained that the surge in truck traffic, fuelled by major industrial developments such as the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and oil and gas infrastructure, necessitated immediate traffic control measures to prevent worsening congestion in the area.

    “The corridor currently accommodates about 360 to 400 trucks daily,” he said, warning that the number could spike drastically.

    “The Dangote Refinery alone could dispatch between 3,000 and 4,000 trucks daily when it reaches full operational capacity.”

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    To prevent a logistics crisis, the commissioner said the state would now strictly enforce the e-call-up system, which mandates truck operators to register online and upload their Authority to Load (ATL) documents for clearance.

    “Only validated and cleared trucks will access designated parks, awaiting an electronic call-up notification before proceeding to their loading points,” Osiyemi stated.

    He emphasised that the initiative aims to eliminate illegal truck parking, safeguard road infrastructure, and ease the movement of people and goods in one of Lagos’ most economically critical zones.

    “This system is designed to reduce chaos on the roads, improve traffic flow, and protect road infrastructure along the corridor. It is a bold step towards transforming logistics and transport management across Lagos, especially in fast-developing areas like Lekki-Epe,” the commissioner added.

    He urged all stakeholders in the logistics and transport sectors to comply voluntarily, noting that such cooperation is vital to the system’s success.

  • Lagos: Evolving face of intermodal transport system

    Lagos: Evolving face of intermodal transport system

    • By Tayo Ogunbiyi

    With a multimodal transport revolution underway, from electric rail lines to modern ferries and smarter bus routes, Lagos is positioning itself as a model African megacity. For decades, the challenges of overpopulation, infrastructural decay, and inefficient public transport have plagued commuters and impeded economic productivity.

    But today, Lagos is charting a new course, one that positions it as a continental leader in sustainable and integrated urban transportation. With over two million passengers transported on the Blue Line Rail since its launch, more than 60 million served by state-run buses since 2019, and a vibrant, revitalized water transport system, Lagos State is showcasing the power of coordinated transport policy, innovation, and political will.

    One of the state government’s most remarkable achievements is the successful take-off of the Blue Line Rail, an electric light rail system that has transported over two million passengers since it commenced full commercial operations.

    This feat reflects both the reliability of the infrastructure and the readiness of Lagosians to embrace mass transit solutions. Phase I is now fully operational, while work is ongoing on Phase II with its eight stations and additional rolling stock.

    The Red Line, a 37-km rail system stretching from Marina to Agbado, utilizes the existing Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) corridor, thereby demonstrating smart infrastructure leveraging.

    Equally impressive is the performance of state-owned buses under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI). Since 2019, over 60 million commuters have benefited from the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL), which now moves more than 42,000 passengers daily through a fleet of over 300 buses and 21 active routes. With average fares pegged at N261.67, lower than standard commercial rates, the initiative not only ensures affordability but also promotes inclusivity.

    Water transportation, long underutilized in the state, has emerged as a critical mobility option, thanks to the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) and the strategic OMI EKO project in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD).

    Within just one year, LAGFERRY has transported over 280,000 passengers, operating a fleet supported by state-of-the-art terminals and modern surveillance systems. These efforts have helped decentralize urban movement, improve safety, and catalyse growth along the waterways.

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    In a city surrounded by water, tapping into the potential of inland waterways is not just practical—it is visionary. The OMI EKO project is a flagship water mobility initiative that will see the construction or renovation of 25 terminals, the acquisition of over 78 electric ferries, and the dredging of 140km of routes to enhance accessibility. This investment is already bearing fruit. The opening of the Ijegun Egba Ferry Terminal in January marked a new chapter for waterfront communities, reducing commuting times and creating new economic linkages.

    LASWA’s ISO 9001:2015 certification is a testament to its commitment to operational excellence and safety. In a bid to demystify water travel for young Lagosians, LASWA also launched the Water Savvy Kids Program, educating children on water safety and swimming—a community-forward, life-saving intervention.

    To drive tourism and increase water ridership, LAGFERRY has launched promotional events like IGNITE THE WATERWAYS, International Women’s Day ferry tours, and the annual Boat Regatta. These not only highlight Lagos’ cultural vibrancy but also position its waterways as viable commercial and recreational corridors.

    The heart of Lagos’ transport reform is its strategic and inclusive Transport Policy, championed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi. This framework promotes safety, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across all modes—land, rail, and water. It embodies Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of A Greater Lagos Rising, one where development serves people at every socio-economic level.

    The Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) exemplifies this vision. It organizes the chaotic bus transport landscape into three coherent tiers: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Standard Routes, and First and Last Mile (FLM) services. These tiers are designed to optimize connectivity from city centres to underserved neighbourhoods. Key BRI achievements include the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal and the construction of 51km of Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs), offering dedicated lanes and upgraded infrastructure to reduce delays and enhance commuter comfort.

    Furthermore, the integration of the Cowry Card, a digital fare payment system, has streamlined operations, eliminated the inefficiencies of cash-based transactions, and improved accountability. With the card usable across multiple modes, Lagos is taking bold steps toward a unified ticketing system, mirroring standards in advanced cities.

    Sustainability underpins Lagos’ transportation overhaul. Solar-powered traffic signal lights, road markings, and medians have been installed across 49 upgraded junctions. These enhancements facilitate smoother vehicle flow and improve pedestrian safety. With 3,941 newly developed parking slots and enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations, Lagos is tackling congestion on multiple fronts.

    Technological integration is also central. The Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) has implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to optimize route planning, personnel deployment, and fleet maintenance. The benefits of this digital backbone are evident: efficient scheduling, reduced vehicle downtime, and improved commuter experience.

    On the rail front, energy efficiency is a top priority. The Blue Line uses electric trains that drastically reduce carbon emissions. When fully operational, it is expected to ferry 500,000 passengers daily, significantly decreasing the number of cars on the roads and cutting pollution.

    Transport in Lagos is no longer just about getting from point A to B. It’s about connecting people to opportunities, lowering the cost of living, and building resilient communities. The economic benefits of this multimodal network are immense: time savings, improved business logistics, job creation, and urban renewal.

    Moreover, improved connectivity helps bridge spatial inequalities. Communities previously marginalized due to poor access are now benefiting from robust transport links. From the slums of Makoko to the waterfronts of Badagry, mobility is becoming a right, not a privilege.

    The government’s collaboration with private sector players, such as Yamaha, Showmax, and local media, has opened up avenues for branding, logistics, and content distribution via the water routes. These innovations hint at the future potential of Lagos’ Blue Economy, an ecosystem where transport, tourism, and technology converge.

    While the achievements thus far are laudable, Lagos is not resting on its laurels. The Green Line Metro Project, which will run from Marina to Lekki Free Zone, and the Purple Line connecting Redemption Camp to Ojo, are future metro expansions that promise to extend the gains of current investments.

    With population growth showing no signs of slowing, urban transport will continue to face pressure. However, Lagos’ model provides a compelling case study for other African megacities. Its blend of long-term vision, public-private partnerships, and community-centred planning is proving to be both scalable and replicable.

    In an age where cities must innovate or collapse under their weight, Lagos has chosen transformation. From the silent hum of electric trains to the roar of water taxis on the lagoon and the buzz of bus terminals alive with activity, the city is finding its rhythm.

    What the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has achieved in the past six years in the transport sector is more than just transport upgrades—it has reimagined the possibilities of urban life. In doing so, the administration is sending a powerful message: Africa’s future is not just arriving. It’s moving—and in Lagos, it’s moving smart.

    •Ogunbiyi is Director, Features, Ministry of Information & Strategy.

  • E-call up enforcement begins on Lekki-Epe corridor Monday

    E-call up enforcement begins on Lekki-Epe corridor Monday

    The Lagos State Government will, from Monday, June 16, begin full enforcement of a technology-driven electronic call-up (e-call-up) system to manage the growing influx of articulated trucks along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

    This was announced on Sunday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement released by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola.

    According to Osiyemi, the surge in truck movements—driven by major industrial developments such as the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and expanding oil and gas infrastructure—has made the implementation of strict traffic control measures necessary to avoid severe congestion in the area.

    “The corridor currently accommodates about 360 to 400 trucks daily,” he said, warning that the number could spike drastically.

    “The Dangote Refinery alone could dispatch between 3,000 and 4,000 trucks daily when it reaches full operational capacity.”

    To prevent a logistics crisis, the commissioner said the state would now strictly enforce the e-call-up system, which mandates truck operators to register online and upload their Authority to Load (ATL) documents for clearance.

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    “Only validated and cleared trucks will access designated parks, awaiting an electronic call-up notification before proceeding to their loading points,” Osiyemi stated.

    He emphasised that the initiative aims to eliminate illegal truck parking, safeguard road infrastructure, and ease the movement of people and goods in one of Lagos’ most economically critical zones.

    “This system is designed to reduce chaos on the roads, improve traffic flow, and protect road infrastructure along the corridor. It is a bold step towards transforming logistics and transport management across Lagos, especially in fast-developing areas like Lekki-Epe,” the commissioner added.

    He urged all stakeholders in the logistics and transport sectors to comply voluntarily, noting that such cooperation is vital to the system’s success.

  • Lagos orders forfeiture, heavy fines for illegal land reclamation

    Lagos orders forfeiture, heavy fines for illegal land reclamation

    The Lagos State government has announced strict new sanctions against illegal land reclamation, including the forfeiture of half of any unlawfully reclaimed land and the imposition of heavy financial penalties based on market value, in a decisive crackdown on environmental abuse.

    The directive was unveiled by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, during an appearance on national television in the lead-up to the World Oceans Day.

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    The policy, approved by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is part of a broader strategy to protect the state’s fragile coastal and waterfront ecosystems.

    The commissioner said: “Any unauthorised reclamation, especially those that encroach on or narrow our waterways, will now attract immediate forfeiture and market-value fines. This is not just policy on paper. It is an active deterrent.”

  • Lagos onboards 10 MDAs on e-procurement platform

    Lagos onboards 10 MDAs on e-procurement platform

    Lagos State has onboarded 10 ministries, departments and agencies on the e-procurement platform towards full digitalisation of its public procurement system.

    Director-General of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Fatai Onafowote, said the number of MDAs on the e-platform has risen to 169.

    He spoke at the opening of a training on e-procurement for procurement officers of the 10 MDAs and new officers.

    The training was to equip participants with the technical competencies required to manage and operate the e-procurement system effectively.

    Onafowote said the era of the manual procurement process is coming to an end.

    “As the state continues to invest in digital infrastructure and automation of its processes, procurement officers must be proactive, self-motivated and open to learning”, he said.

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    Onafowote thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support for the agency’s digital transformation agenda.

    He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting good governance.

    He hailed Messrs. Kehinde Kassim and Associates, their consultants on change management, for their collaboration in the digitalisation  drive.

    Director of Procurement Department, Akintunde Subair, said the training would deepen the operational understanding of the e-procurement system.

  • Lagos presents cheques to 250 vulnerable residents

    Lagos presents cheques to 250 vulnerable residents

    The Lagos State Government  on Monday presented cheques for various sums of money  to 250 vulnerable individuals to help  them to scale up their businesses and meet essential needs.

    It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting  needy residents  through its financial assistance programme – Sanwo-Olu Cares and Sanwo-Olu Listens”.

    The  cheque presentation took place at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, with disbursements ranging from N300,000 to N1.5 million per individual.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Tajudeen Afolabi, who presented the cheques, said that the initiative aimed to alleviate hardship among the state’s most vulnerable residents.

    He said  the financial support was intended to assist beneficiaries in settling expired house rents, medical bills, children’s school fees and other critical expenses.

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    “You don’t have to know anyone in the government to benefit from this.

    “Most of the letters requesting help are dropped anonymously in our waiting room.

    “I treat these letters daily. Some I even take home to ensure they are addressed,” Afolabi said.

    According to him,  applicants are required to submit handwritten letters clearly stating their needs, such as business support, rent, education, or medical expenses.

    He said that requests varied from N300,000 to N5 million.

    “All letters must include proof of Lagos residency, National Identification Number, a passport photograph, phone number, and a detailed address,” he added.

    Afolabi urged the beneficiaries to prioritise long-term economic empowerment over temporary indulgences, ‘especially with the Sallah celebration approaching’.

    “Please don’t spend this money on rams. Start small businesses and let the money grow,” he advised.

    He also encouraged those with health challenges to enrol in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.

  • Lagos gives 24-hour closure notice to Alaba-Rago Market traders

    Lagos gives 24-hour closure notice to Alaba-Rago Market traders

    • Plans to retroduce monthly sanitation

    Lagos State Government (LASG) yesterday warned Alaba-Rago Market traders of closure if they fail to comply with environmental rules within 24 hours.

    Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this while speaking with reporters after an inspection of the Alabarago Market and some other areas in the state.

    Also, the government announced plans to reintroduce the Monthly Environmental Sanitation.

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    Wahab said: “The state understands the essence of proper sanitation and has resolved to commence the monthly environmental sanitation. A formal commencement date will be made public soon.’’

    The commissioner decried the level of illegal waste disposal and environmental abuse in several communities, particularly in Idi-Araba, where a syndicate is allegedly aiding illegal cart-pushing and operating a disused dumpsite.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the places visited by the commissioner were Idi-Araba and environs as well as Orile-Iganmu.

    He said the market was sealed up sometime last year for environmental infractions, adding that there would be a decision taken if they failed to clean up the environment within the stipulated time.

  • Lagos to reintroduce monthly environmental sanitation exercise

    Lagos to reintroduce monthly environmental sanitation exercise

    The Lagos State Government is set to formally reintroduce the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise as part of efforts to tackle increasing sanitation challenges across the metropolis.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Sunday during an inspection tour of areas facing significant sanitation issues, including Idi-Araba, Orile Iganmu, and Alaba Rago Market.

    Wahab stated that the planned reintroduction of the exercise is among several measures aimed at promoting a cleaner, flood-free, and more sustainable Lagos.

    He noted that a formal commencement date will be announced soon.

    “The state understands the essence of proper sanitation and has resolved to commence the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. A formal commencement date will be made public soon,” Wahab stated.

    The Commissioner decried the alarming level of illegal waste disposal and environmental abuse in several communities, particularly in Idi-Araba, where a syndicate is allegedly aiding illegal cart-pushing operations and operating a disused dumpsite.

    “There is a law on environmental management and protection in the state which prohibits cart-pushing. In the past few weeks and months, there has been a major enforcement drive against this, which will be stepped up,” he said.

    At Alaba Rago Market, Wahab expressed concern over unsanitary practices by traders, including indiscriminate waste dumping on road medians and the expansion of market stalls onto drainage alignments and roadways.

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    “They have turned the median into a dumpsite. The market has extended onto the road and blocked drainage systems. We’ve given them till tomorrow evening to clear these infractions; afterwards, we’ll determine if the market should be sealed,” he said.

    At Orile Iganmu, the government discovered severe blockages in the Iganmu Channel caused by indiscriminate dumping. Wahab ordered the deployment of swamp buggies next week to clear the channel and restore free flow of stormwater.

    The Commissioner also revealed that more than 100 trucks from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have been deployed across the state to assist areas where Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators are underperforming.

    “You can’t refuse to pay for waste collection and then throw tantrums when the service falters. It’s your waste. Lagos has 377 wards and 377 PSP operators. If residents pay, operators will be obligated to deliver,” he said.

    Wahab urged residents to support government efforts by avoiding illegal waste disposal and taking ownership of public infrastructure. He stressed the importance of proper waste bagging and patronage of accredited PSP operators.

    The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); LASWMO General Manager, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi; and other senior officials.

    Areas visited during the inspection included Ojerinde, Ewunmi, Wonuola, Takuro, Paul Okuntola, and Taiwo Streets in Idi-Araba; Alaba Rago Market along the Badagry Expressway, Ojo LGA; and the Iganmu Channel in Orile-Iganmu

  • Lagos warns building owners over Certificate of Fitness

    Lagos warns building owners over Certificate of Fitness

    •Unveils ambitious energy roadmap

    Lagos State Government has issued a directive mandating property owners to acquire a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation for their buildings in the state.

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Mr. Olajide Babatunde, who gave the directive during a ministerial press briefing, said it was part of intensified efforts to ensure structural safety and prevent building collapses.

    Babatunde stated that the measure was crucial to addressing the recurring issue of building collapses in Lagos and part of the government’s broader commitment to creating a safe and orderly built environment.

    He emphasised that no building would be allowed to be occupied without meeting the required safety and structural standards.

    The special adviser said: ‘’215 certificate of completion and fitness were issued to building owners, developers after stage-by-stage inspections of their building process by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), through the Building Certification Department (BCD).’’

    Highlighting the government’s progress in modernising land administration and urban development, Babatunde pointed to the ongoing implementation of the Enterprise Geographic Information Service (e-GIS), spearheaded by the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS).

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    Meanwhile, the state’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has unveiled bold future plans aimed at achieving universal energy access, improving electricity reliability, and stimulating local manufacturing of power infrastructure components.

    Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, mentioned that key among the ministry’s initiatives is the full implementation of the Lagos Electricity Market structure under the Lagos State Electricity Law, 2024 which will involve licensing independent electricity distribution companies, supporting embedded generation, and operationalizing the Lagos Independent System Operator (LISO) to stabilize the power ecosystem.

    “We are taking deliberate steps to transition Lagos into a 24-hour economy through reliable and sustainable energy solutions,” Ogunleye stated.