News

LASG Issues Registration Ultimatum To Danfo/Korope Drivers

Published

6 months ago

June 29, 2024

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the move aligned with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for Lagos State.

The Lagos State Government has issued a two-week registration notice to all public transport drivers (Korope/Danfo bus drivers), as it releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience.

Speaking at a meeting with bus operators and Union leaders in the State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the move aligned with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for Lagos State.

Giwa described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic hence, the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test.

He further explained that the Lekki Epe Corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the expressway and adjourning roads, and had mapped out systematic framework to address these challenges.

Some of the planned solutions according to the transportation special adviser include; the restructuring of the existing unregulated public transport bus operations on the Lekki Epe Corridor, deployment of high-capacity buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network, re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Minibuses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

Others added are; the Introduction of an E-ticketing System, Provision of transport infrastructure (Layby, terminal etc.), Regulation and Standardisation of Bus operations, improved Transportation Services i.e. Safety and Passenger Comfort and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Giwa further stated that the restructuring plan will be implemented in phases, urging transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program, to come to the Ministry of Transportation to register within the next two weeks. He added that the registered operators will be allotted routes by the ministry to ensure strict compliance with the strategy.

The special adviser also warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations that will be implemented, will be fined and will forfeit their vehicles if they ignore the notice of their fines. He declared that the state government will not accommodate willful disregard of its existing Transport Sector Reform Law.

Addressing the concerns raised by members of the unions, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, explained that the state government is counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the Lekki-Epe Corridor, affirming that Lekki –Epe expressway would be a pilot test for the standardisation of the transportation system in Lagos.

Earlier in the meeting, the Head of Bus Services Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr Amure, stated that the rapid development of the Lekki/Epe axis was one of the reasons the state government chose the corridor to continue its Bus Reform Initiative, which started with the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit in different parts of the State.

The Special Adviser, Hon Sola Giwa, Permanent Secretary, Olawale Musa, Acting Chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha aka Sego and Deputy Chairman Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN, Alhaji Taofeek Ajayi signed a communique at the end of the meeting to affirm their support of the restructuring initiative.

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”