A tragedy was averted on Wednesday after a diesel-laden tanker fell and spilled its content on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway area of Lagos State, thereby sparking panic amongst residents of the area.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident happened in the early hours of the day as motorists hurried to work.

Photos of the incident obtained by our correspondent showed some residents scooping the diesel that had spread along the road.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, noted that the swift intervention of emergency responders brought the situation under control.

According to Taofiq, LASTMA officials cordoned off the area before the arrival of the fire service in a bid to protect lives and properties.

Taofiq said, “Earlier today, a fully laden diesel tanker experienced a spillage along the main carriageway of the expressway, posing an imminent threat to commuters, residents, and surrounding infrastructure.

“Demonstrating exemplary coordination and urgency, LASTMA officials, in synergy with other emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Fire Service, promptly converged at the scene. Their rapid intervention facilitated the effective containment and mitigation of the hazardous situation, averting what could have been a major disaster.

“The affected zone was immediately cordoned off to protect lives and property, while LASTMA officials meticulously managed traffic flow to minimise disruptions and ensure the safety of all road users. This coordinated response successfully neutralised the risk of fire and environmental degradation.”

Reacting to the incident, Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, urged motorists to be safety conscious while using the expressway.

Giwa who spoke through Taofiq, expressed the state government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with traffic laws across the state.

“This incident highlights the indispensable need for all tanker operators to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and safety protocols.

“We implore all transport stakeholders to prioritise the safety of both lives and property. The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in enforcing compliance with all traffic laws to prevent avoidable mishaps,” he said.

The immediate past deputy president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya, has been elected as the national president of the Union.

Alhassan Yahaya won the election during the 8th Triennial delegates conference held in Owerri, Imo State with 436 votes, while Mr Tunde Atunbi polled 97 votes and Garba polled 39 votes to place second and third respectively.

Alhassan was the immediate past National Deputy President of the union.

Also, a Deputy Director with Radio Nigeria, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde emerged as Deputy National President of the Union unopposed and Muhammad Umar Tukur and Abdulrazak Bello Kaura were returned unopened as the Vice President and Zonal secretary Zone A respectively.

Ronke Afebioye from Ekiti state Council was also re-elected unopposed as the vice President Zone B and other national executives who were equally returned unopposed.

Niger State’s Executive Council has proposed a massive N1.2 trillion budget for 2025 fiscal year.

This proposal was unveiled by Commissioner of Budget and Planning Mustapha Ndajiwo during a Government House Council meeting, as announced by the Governor’s Special Adviser Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo on social media X.

Ebbo explained that the commissioner told the council that the estimate is made up of N188.42 billion or 15.68 per cent recurrent and 1.01 trillion or 84.34 per cent capital expenditure respectively.

The commissioner stated that when compared with the approved budget of 2024, the estimate represents an increase of 32.94 per cent.

” The Commissioner in his analysis also stated that even though the 2024 approved budget was supplemented with the sum of N191.98 billion, the breakdown of the draft 2025 proposals revealed an increase of 1.18 per cent and 32.98 per cent in recurrent and capital expenditure respectively, ” Ebbo stated.

He noted that Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in his remarks, explained that the size of the estimate was informed by the gap in infrastructure and key development areas and the inflationary trend of the country.

After the presentation, the council deliberated on it and approved the estimates.

It then directed the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo to prepare for submission to the Niger State House of Assembly for approval.