Nigerians Brace Up For More Hardship As Petrol Price Soars To N1,500 Per Litre

Nigerians are now bracing up for fresh hardship as the increase in petrol and diesel prices threatens to trigger another wave of higher costs across the economy.

Specifically,   Abuja and other northern cities are set to face prices as rising crude oil prices and transportation costs increase the cost of supplying petroleum products to inland markets.

This followed the decision of Dangote Petroleum Refinery to raise its Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, gantry price by 6.7 per cent to N1,350 per litre from N1,265.

In a memo to customers, the refinery said: “Dear valued customer, please find below the revised DPRP PMS gantry and coastal price, which is effective   September 12th, 2026.”

It also directed customers with existing loading arrangements to return their Automated Truck Certificates, ATCs, for repricing.

It said: “You are advised to return all ATCs for repricing and a new volume contract will be issued for immediate loading resumption.”

The increase is expected to raise acquisition costs for marketers sourcing petrol from the refinery and could trigger further pump-price adjustments.

The latest Energy Bulletin by the Industry Competency Centre, Lagos, showed that the seven-day average Brent crude price stood at $98.74 per barrel, while Bonny Light averaged $104.65. The seven-day average exchange rate was N1,323.12/$.

 

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The bulletin put the seven-day average domestic petrol price at N1,308.33 per litre and diesel at N1,855.97 per litre.

With coastal ex-depot petrol prices currently ranging from N1,265.50 to N1,285 per litre, inland markets are expected to record higher prices because of additional trucking and distribution costs.

Industry estimates indicate that petrol could sell for N1,400-N1,500 per litre in Abuja, with prices potentially exceeding N1,500 at some filling stations, depending on supply costs and marketers’ margins.

The impact could be greater in northern cities farther from coastal supply centres. Petrol prices in Kano, Kaduna, Jos and other inland markets could rise to between N1,450 and N1,600 per litre, depending on availability, transportation costs and supply routes.

Diesel prices are also expected to remain elevated. The bulletin showed Lagos diesel ex-depot prices ranging between N1,790 and N2,100 per litre, suggesting that inland prices could reach N2,100-N2,400 per litre or higher after transportation and other distribution costs.

The widening gap between coastal and inland prices highlights the impact of logistics on Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market.

While Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri have relatively close access to refineries, terminals and other supply centres, Abuja and northern markets depend heavily on products transported over longer distances.

The pressure could intensify if crude oil remains above $100 per barrel, the naira weakens or transportation costs rise. Conversely, lower crude prices, a stronger naira and reduced logistics costs could ease pressure on consumers.

Oil price, freight rate spikes challenge refineries — Expert

Reacting in an interview with Sunday Vanguard, Olatide Jeremiah, Chief Executive Officer, Petroleumprice.ng, said the increase reflected developments in the international oil market.

He said: “Oil price and freight rate spikes are universal challenges for refineries, except where the Federal Government intervenes. Gantry and pump prices will ultimately be determined by the impact of the Middle East crisis.

“The upward review of petrol prices to N1,350 per litre by the Dangote Refinery is expected as oil prices approach $110 per barrel.

“Pump prices could hit N1,500 per litre in major cities across Nigeria if the crisis persists.”

High fuel prices mean hardship for Nigerians — OGSPAN

Also speaking, Lawal Kamaldeen, Vice President, Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, OGSPAN, said the latest increase would further pressure households and businesses.

He said: “The ¦ 85 increase represents approximately 6.7 per cent, while the refinery’s cumulative increase since August 21 has reached ¦ 185 per litre, representing about 15.9 per cent. The latest adjustment comes at a particularly difficult time for Nigerian households and businesses, which are already facing significant increases in the cost of living and doing business.

“We recognise that Dangote Refinery is operating in a market increasingly affected by international crude oil prices, product replacement costs and geopolitical disruptions arising from the conflict involving Iran and the United States. Recent developments in the international oil market have created genuine cost pressures for refiners and petroleum marketers.

“However, from the perspective of the domestic economy, we are concerned about the likely consequences of another increase in the cost of petrol.”

Kamaldeen said higher petrol prices would affect transportation, distribution, agriculture, small businesses and other economic activities.

“Petrol remains a major input for transportation, distribution, agriculture, small businesses and general economic activity in Nigeria. An increase in the wholesale price will inevitably create pressure across the downstream petroleum value chain,” he said.

According to him, the impact could include higher transportation and logistics costs, food and agricultural distribution costs, prices of essential goods and services, operating costs for small and medium-sized businesses, school transportation expenses and broader inflationary pressure.

He said OGSPAN was proposing a targeted, production-based support mechanism for locally refined petroleum products rather than a return to broad, import-based fuel subsidy.

“Such an intervention could include increasing the allocation of crude oil to qualified domestic refineries at competitive terms, particularly during periods of exceptional international price volatility,” he said.

He also called for a review of applicable taxes, levies and government charges on locally refined petroleum products, where necessary, as well as a transparent and time-bound domestic refining support framework linked to actual production and supply.

Kamaldeen added that any government intervention should be independently monitored and subject to clear performance benchmarks.

Also,   Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Spaces for Change, warned that sustained increases in fuel prices could deepen pressure on households and businesses.

She said: “For households, the most immediate concern is likely to be higher transportation and food costs. Higher fuel and logistics costs can raise the cost of moving people and goods, while households and businesses that rely on petrol- or diesel-powered generators may face additional energy expenses.

“These pressures could further reduce purchasing power, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Nigeria’s headline inflation rate currently stands at 15.43%, while food inflation is 20.31%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

“Businesses across manufacturing, agriculture, construction, retail and logistics are similarly exposed to higher energy, transportation and input costs.  

If the shock persists, firms may pass additional costs on to consumers, absorb lower profit margins, postpone investment or reduce employment. Consequently, a prolonged oil-price shock could constrain the recovery of the non-oil economy even as the oil sector benefits from higher crude prices.

“In the coming weeks, volatility is likely to remain the central concern. Continued conflict and disruption to major shipping routes could keep crude and refined petroleum prices elevated. Recent disruptions have already reduced oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to higher shipping and fuel costs.”

She added: “Nigeria should therefore avoid treating the current price increase simply as a revenue windfall. First, government should preserve part of any additional oil revenue as fiscal and external buffers rather than immediately expanding recurrent expenditure.

“Second, support should be targeted at households and sectors most exposed to the shock. This could include temporary expansion of well-targeted cash transfers, transport support and measures that reduce the cost of moving food from farms to markets. Support for agricultural production, storage, irrigation and affordable financing should also be prioritised to reduce the risk that higher energy and transport costs translate into further food-price increases.

“Third, government should accelerate measures that reduce Nigeria’s exposure to petroleum-price volatility. Greater domestic gas utilisation, more reliable electricity, renewable energy, efficient transport systems and improved logistics can reduce the cost of energy across the wider economy.”

Earlier, an economist and communications expert, Clifford Egbomeade, said the immediate effect of higher crude prices would be a cost shock across the economy.

“The immediate effect on Nigeria is a cost shock. Higher crude prices will raise the cost of diesel, transport, freight and other energy-intensive inputs, putting pressure on business margins and household incomes,” he said.

  

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American Wheelchair Football Super League To Debut In Nigeria As Exhibition Holds In Lagos

American Football Elite Development has disclosed plans to establish a Wheelchair American Football Super League in Nigeria, following the successful hosting of the country’s landmark Wheelchair American Football Exhibition in Lagos.

The exhibition, held at the outdoor basketball area of the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Lagos, brought together wheelchair athletes, sports administrators, diplomatic representatives, government and sports officials, academic institutions, corporate organisations and members of the public in a demonstration of the sport’s potential in Nigeria.

Liberty Pioneer emerged as the standout side of the exhibition, recording two victories from three games. The team opened with a 13-0 win over Iron Invicta before defeating Atlantic Chargers 10-3 in the final game, having earlier watched Atlantic Chargers overcome Lagos Dynamos 7-0 to book their place in the decisive encounter.

A significant feature of the event was the collaboration between AFEDEV and the United States Consulate General, Lagos, which provided team jerseys, footballs and meals for participants, while also supporting the event’s visibility through its media team. Representatives of the United States diplomatic mission, alongside officials of the German Embassy, the University of Lagos, Lagos State University and the National Institute for Sports, attended the exhibition.

 

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Sports officials from other Nigerian states were also present, with some travelling to Lagos specifically to study the sport and explore how it could be introduced in their respective states.

AFEDEV Executive Director, Ojaideh Ufoma Lawrence, described the exhibition as the beginning of a broader development programme rather than an isolated event.

“This exhibition has demonstrated what is possible when athletes, diplomatic missions, government institutions, universities, businesses, the media and the wider sporting community come together around a shared vision.

“We are particularly grateful to the U.S. Consulate General Lagos for collaborating with AFEDEV and providing practical support that helped make this event possible,” Lawrence said.

He said AFEDEV would now intensify efforts to expand Wheelchair American Football across Nigeria, develop athletes, coaches and officials, and build stronger institutional and corporate partnerships, with the proposed Super League intended to provide regular competitive opportunities for teams, create a pathway for athletes to compete for national titles and potentially prepare Nigerian players for bigger international platforms.

The initiative has also attracted support from corporate organisations, including Nestle Milo, Pocari Sweat, Sports Assist, Showtime Nemsia Studio, UOU and Azogi.

  

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Lagos Crackdown: Vulnerable Children Arrested, Hauled Into ‘Black Maria’

Lagos’ street crackdown has seen teenagers arrested by law-enforcement and environmental agencies and packed into overcrowded “Black Maria” vans, raising concerns about their safety, dignity, due process and child-protection safeguards, VICTOR AYENI writes

“Abeg, comot!” two men wearing the green jackets of Kick Against Indiscipline operatives in Lagos State could be heard saying as they rounded up beggars on a

Lagos street.

In a viral video of the operation conducted, the beggars, including minors, could be seen being lifted slightly off the ground and forced into the rear of a large, enclosed van with green-painted windows.

The video showed the beggars being taken off the streets as part of an enforcement operation in Lagos.

The vehicle, popularly known as a “Black Maria”, is a bulky, enclosed enforcement van painted in distinctive green colours.

Such vehicles have become a familiar sight during street raids, where people apprehended for offences including street trading, hawking and other alleged environmental violations are transported away from the streets.

 

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In this particular video, which was posted in June by the state Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on his X handle, he disclosed that a total of 45 beggars were apprehended.

Separate enforcement operations were conducted by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps in the Oshodi, Agege and CMS areas of the state.

Wahab said 22 beggars were arrested in Oshodi and Agege, comprising adults and a few teenagers, and added that 14 adults and nine children were also apprehended at CMS during the exercise.

He also said clearance operations were ongoing in other parts of the state, including Admiralty Way in Lekki and Addo Road in Ajah.

The enforcement against street beggars took a new turn on May 25 when the state government intensified its environmental enforcement, making 10,634 arrests across the state over a single year.

According to Wahab, 5,715 persons were arrested for illegal highway crossing, while 3,886 others were apprehended for offences including street trading, environmental pollution and cart pushing.

He added that 102 persons were arrested for open defecation, while another 931 individuals were apprehended for waste management-related offences across the state.

Offenders in ‘Black Maria’

On Thursday, Sunday PUNCH observed a Black Maria packed with young people, including minors and teenagers.

The vehicle was filled to capacity with both boys and girls who were being carried through the streets.

It was not immediately ascertained whether the minors were being detained at a correctional centre.

But observers in the area wondered if it was appropriate for the authorities to transport minors to detention facilities in Black Maria vans.

The concern was due to the sordid history that Black Maria vans had accumulated over the years in the country.

Formerly, Black Maria vans were used by the police and prison services to transport prisoners and suspects to courts or jails and also to move awaiting-trial inmates.

They were often criticised for being overcrowded, hot and poorly ventilated. The Federal Government officially renamed the vehicles from “Black Maria” to “Green Maria” in 2018 to signal a shift towards rehabilitation.

In March 1980, 50 men reportedly suffocated to death inside a packed police van in Lagos, creating a national outcry known as the Black Maria Tragedy.

During military regimes, the vans became known as symbols of political persecution, famously featuring in protests, art and the anti-military music of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti.

However, these black vans are seen during enforcement operations conducted by LAGESC or the Lagos State Taskforce, which are used to convey arrested offenders from the streets.

A source in LAGESC told Sunday PUNCH that when offenders such as street beggars are picked up on the streets by these agencies, they undergo a formal process of profiling, rehabilitation, prosecution or repatriation.

“The individuals that have been arrested are taken in for documentation to determine their backgrounds, health needs and states of origin. The authorities work with social welfare agencies to provide rehabilitation programmes for vulnerable persons.

“Some of these offenders are charged in mobile or magistrate courts (such as in Oshodi). Those convicted, especially repeat offenders or those linked to organised groups, can face fines or jail terms ranging from three months’ imprisonment.

“But many of the arrested individuals are handed over to appropriate state authorities or social services to be safely returned to their respective home states outside Lagos. They are only conveyed in vans temporarily, and officers are also with them to ensure their safety,” the source disclosed.

Notwithstanding, there were claims by some street sellers and other business individuals who ply their trade in public places that merely seeing such vans instils fear in them.

They allege that some of the minors arrested are packed together in these vans and that this might be unconducive to their health and well-being.

 We don’t keep minors, says NCoS Lagos

Reacting to the allegation, the Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Osho Onimisi, told Sunday PUNCH that the prison service does not operate Black Maria vans and does not keep minors in its facilities.

“We don’t keep minors. We have a borstal institution where they are taken. One can’t even determine who is underage from merely looking; it’s from the police station that it is determined who is underage or not. And if the case gets to the courts, the Magistrate most times knows if they are underage.

“We only work with warrants issued to us by the courts to remand. And if we sense that the person looks young, we reject them. The Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 gives us the right to reject them.

“The Act, under its provisions for juvenile offenders, mandates that Controllers of Corrections and Superintendents-in-charge of Custodial Centres must not admit minors (juveniles) into facilities meant for adults. Furthermore, I wish to emphasise that we don’t even use a Black Maria; it’s Green Maria,” he said.

Lagos Taskforce reacts

Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, refuted the claim, adding that such a claim was based on assumptions.

“You saw a Black Maria filled with teenagers; where, when, how? I am sorry, it is not the Lagos State Taskforce Black Maria. Taskforce is not the only enforcement agency that conveys suspects with Black Maria, and we have the agency’s name and logo inscribed on them.

“Other enforcement/security agencies also carry their suspects in Black Maria. Taskforce does not have the monopoly of carrying suspects in Black Maria from the point of arrest to the station for the safety of both suspects and the enforcers of laws,” Abdulraheem said.

Culled from The Punch 

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Lagos Tightens Security At Badagry Border Over Child Theft

The Lagos State Government has stepped up measures to tackle child theft and illegal abduction in the Badagry axis, identifying the area’s border location as a factor facilitating the activities of suspected child traffickers.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this during the state’s bi-monthly meeting with heads of security agencies and parliamentary affairs in Ikeja.

Salu-Hundeyin said the government had intensified its security meetings to ensure that emerging threats were identified and addressed at the grassroots.

She said the meetings, previously held quarterly, were now conducted every two months because of emerging security concerns across the state.

“It’s another bi-monthly meeting with the Head of Parliamentary Affairs and Heads of Security Agencies of the state. First, let me tell you, it’s no more quarterly. It’s bi-monthly now. So, we meet more often because we’ve realised that there are security issues,” she said.

According to the SSG, child theft was among the major issues discussed at the meeting, with reports indicating that the Badagry axis had become a hotspot for criminal activity.

“I want to tell you one of the touching ones about child theft. I call it child theft. You know, people that steal other people’s children and go and sell them.

“And this is so sad because, in this particular case, the woman has been charged to court. So, I can talk about it. And they even have a kind of clinic. She does it in conjunction with her own husband. You know, it’s really sad,” she said.

 

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She explained that Badagry’s location along an international border made it easier for suspects involved in child trafficking to evade arrest.

“According to the report, most of this particular criminal activity happens mostly around the Badagry axis. Why we are talking about data and knowing locations is so that we know why it is happening there and what can be done. It’s simply because Badagry is a border town. So, they can easily escape,” Salu-Hundeyin said.

She added that the state government would increase security infrastructure in the area, including the installation of additional security lights.

“So, we now know that we have to put more lights, I mean, security lights, on that area,” she said.

Salu-Hundeyin further disclosed that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons would provide the state government with updated statistics on child trafficking cases, including convictions and pending cases.

“And the NAPTIP officer had promised to give us accurate statistics. I can’t tell you those statistics now because she didn’t come with the accurate ones. But she was able to tell us how many convictions are pending, those that have been convicted and all that, and the areas that they happen,” she said.

The SSG said the government was coordinating efforts through relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Youth and Women Affairs, to combat child theft and trafficking.

“Because when we’re talking about children, we’re talking about the future of the country, the future of the state. It’s very saddening that people will do that to innocent children. And so, we’re not taking it easy,” she said.

Salu-Hundeyin also linked some criminal activities to mental health concerns, saying the state government was expanding mental health infrastructure as part of its broader response to social challenges.

She disclosed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was building what she described as the biggest mental health hospital in Africa, which she said would soon be commissioned.

The SSG said the state was also strengthening community-level security through the Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch and regular engagements with local government secretaries, Community Development Committees and Community Development Associations.

“We also hold meetings with the secretaries of the local governments. We also discuss security issues there so that they can go back to communities, CDCs and CDAs. We can see what’s going on,” she said.

Salu-Hundeyin also disclosed that the meeting examined concerns over the safety of some bridges in the state following reports from a representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

She said the concerns would be forwarded to the relevant ministries, departments and agencies for necessary action.

Meanwhile, during a separate meeting with members of the Lagos Police Community Relations Committee, Salu-Hundeyin commended the organisation for its proactive approach to security and community engagement.

She said the committee’s activities had complemented the efforts of the state government and security agencies in promoting peace and safety across Lagos.

“If I say that we’re not always grateful to you, it’s an understatement. We’re really grateful because the office is being seen the way it is seen because of what you’re doing. So I would say that we are because you are,” she said.

The SSG particularly praised the committee’s efforts to educate residents on electoral processes, noting that voter education could help reduce election-related violence.

She said, “If you teach people how to conduct themselves before and during an election, it’s also a security issue. Because people will then know you’re educating them on their rights as voters.”

Salu-Hundeyin urged the committee to sustain its public enlightenment campaigns ahead of future elections, stressing that elections should be seen as a civic responsibility rather than a conflict.

“We’ve spoken to DPOs, we’ve spoken to all that, to say that, look, how do people tend to appreciate that election is not war? It is a civic duty that we must perform to make sure that we exercise our democratic rights and to have whoever we desire to lead us,” she said.

She added that voter education would help residents understand that elections gave them the power to freely choose their leaders.

“Election, the way I see what you’re doing, is like a mirror of governance, kind of, that if you exercise your rights well, you will get the right government you want. And people need to know that, especially at this time,” Salu-Hundeyin said.

  

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Attention Tobun Abiodun: Epe Roads In Very Deplorable Condition, Need Urgent Attention

Article By Balogun Ibrahim

I wish to use this medium to call on the member representing Epe Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, also one of the longest-serving House members, Tobun Abiodun, to help us repair the damaged and devastated roads and some spots on Odubote Nitel Road, and the Etitun and Ajagannabe-Ayetoro roads, all in Epe Local Government Area, which he represents at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Indeed, the adjoining Etitun and Ajagannabe-Ayetoro roads are not in better shape at all, because they have become a death trap for the entire community. In fact, the state of the roads mentioned is totally awful and nothing to write home about, despite the fact that the House of Assembly member, Abiodun Tobun, represents the Constituency and it is the road that links up to his father’s house around Ajagannabe and Eyindi.

Let me ask this question: does the four-term state lawmaker, who is aspiring for a fifth term, feel comfortable each time he visits his hometown and his father’s house in such a deplorable, poor shape and begging for his attention, which has not come for over 15 years in office as a long-term member of the House?

What will it take for him to ensure that the failed portions of the area he represents are repaired, so as to serve the people better? Is it only to hoist flags of the All Progressives Congress on the streets and adjoining ones that he can do while overlooking the small matters of filling potholes on the streets of the aforementioned areas?

 

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Tobun’s derailment of campaign promises earned him not to contest for a fifth term in office. Whenever I went to my hometown (Epe), I always shed tears because of the deplorable roads left undone and the lack of electricity for close to two decades now. Moreover, is Tobun Abiodun the only best candidate for Epe to represent them? Why not trying another one else? It has never happened in the history of Epe Division for a single candidate to represent them for three to five terms. What’s happening in Epe? This calls for more action, especially from the youths in Epe Division. “Emaje ki’wonjeyin mo aye o.”

Though most of his social media handlers were parading him as someone who has done his best for his constituents, today many Epe indigenes did not want him for a fifth term in office, especially because of his maladministration, non-performing and failure to deliver on his campaign promises; Epe roads are in shambles and unmotorable for motorists, and he is vying for a fifth term! It is time for Epe indigenes at home and in the diaspora to call his bluff. Why fiveth terms in office?

It is amazing how Nigerian political leaders care about their constituents only during elections, and after the elections they jettison them because they are no longer relevant (electorates).

Why are our politicians and political office holders doing this? Do they think that we are moron, or that we don’t have the power to challenge them anymore? When the election comes, you will see them begging for our votes; once it is over, they leave us with pains and hungers. May God help us from these politicians.

This is, therefore, a call on the four-term House of Assembly member, Hon. Abiodun Mustainu Tobun, to live up to the pledge he made to serve his constituents better by repairing these roads without further delay: the failed and deplorable portions of the Odubote-Etitun and Ajagannabe-Ayetoro roads. As we are all aware, another election period is around the corner. Our experience under the last administration will determine who we vote for.

Balogun Ibrahim writes from Epe, Lagos State, via balogunibrahim1777@gmail.com

  

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One Killed, Two Injured As Building Collapses During Demolition In Alimosho, “We Were Not Informed Before Commencement Of Demolition” - LASBCA

What was meant to be the demolition of a two-storey building in Aboru, Alimosho, Lagos, ended in tragedy yesterday when the structure collapsed, killing one person and injuring two others.

The building, located at No. 42, Governors Road, Aboru, reportedly collapsed while it was being manually demolished.

Two adult males were rescued from the rubble, but one other man was found dead beneath the collapsed structure.

The incident has raised questions over compliance with Lagos State’s building and demolition regulations, with the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) saying it was neither contacted nor informed before the demolition commenced.

Speaking with The Guardian, Director of the agency’s Public Affairs Unit, Ademuyiwa Adu, described the exercise as an illegal demolition and warned that the property could be seized.

 

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“We were not involved or informed about the demolition. The punishment is confiscation of the property. Demolition has a process and must pass through us, and we are the only ones legally authorised to carry out demolition,” Adu said.

Under the state’s regulations, property owners are required to obtain the appropriate demolition permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) before removing a structure. LASBCA is also responsible for monitoring structural safety and compliance.

Officials said defaulters could be made to bear the cost of removing demolition remnants, while the government may also take steps to seize its interest in the affected property.

Following the collapse, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) received a distress call and dispatched its Alpha Eagle Response Team from the Cappa, Oshodi Response Unit.

LASEMA subsequently activated the state’s Emergency Response Plan and assumed incident command to coordinate the rescue operation.

The two survivors were extricated from the rubble and given emergency first aid by personnel of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being taken to a nearby health facility for further treatment.

However, the rescue operation ended in grief when the body of the third victim was recovered from beneath the debris.

  

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Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Relief As First Phase Of Kara Bridge Repairs Completed

There was a glimmer of relief for motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway yesterday as the contractor handling the repairs of the Kara Bridge completed the first phase of the concrete works, even as traffic congestion continued to stretch along the busy corridor.

The development came after motorists endured hours of gridlock on Tuesday, with some commuters spending almost four hours on the road as the repair works forced a partial closure of the bridge.

As of yesterday afternoon, however, traffic movement had improved slightly, although motorists approaching the bridge were still moving at a slow pace.

One motorist said he joined the traffic shortly after Emergency inward Lagos and was approaching the Otedola area at about 2:30 p.m., describing the situation as better than the previous day.

“It’s better than yesterday. I spent almost three hours from the 7Up area to get to Otedola on Tuesday. It was crazy,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Works commenced the intervention to repair damaged expansion joints on the bridge, a development that has reduced the number of available lanes and created significant pressure on the expressway.

 

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The Acting Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, dismissed concerns that the repairs were progressing slowly, saying the first side of the bridge had already been completed despite the difficult working conditions.

“Who is saying the pace of work is slow? We are almost done with one side. We started yesterday,” Adeleye said, stressing that the hardship being experienced by motorists was understandable given the importance of the repairs.

He said the damaged expansion joints had contributed to accidents on the bridge, making the intervention necessary despite the temporary inconvenience to road users.

According to him, the contractor plans to complete the second section and switch to the other side of the bridge as quickly as possible.

However, rainfall yesterday forced the suspension of the next phase of the concrete and stone works. Workers continued drilling the expansion joint in preparation for its installation while construction activities that could not continue in the rain were put on hold.

A traffic update on the bridge said only two lanes were available to motorists heading towards the OPIC Turning, forcing the four lanes from the Secretariat towards Kara Bridge to merge into two lanes about 10 metres before the bridge.

The lane reduction also affected traffic around New Garage, where traffic lights were being used to alternate vehicles approaching from Isheri-Olowora and River Valley with those coming from Otedola Bridge and heading out of Lagos.

As a result, the traffic backlog extended towards the Mobil-Otedola axis.

Traffic management personnel, including LASTMA officers, police and other relevant agencies, were deployed at strategic points to regulate movement.

Adeleye said the agencies were on the ground to manage the situation and that arrangements had also been made for traffic control at night.

He advised motorists to remain patient and consider alternative routes, including the Ogijo and Ikorodu corridors, where traffic was reportedly lighter.

“I am also going through Ogijo, through Ikorodu now. That road is very free right now,” he said.

The Lagos State Government had earlier warned motorists to expect delays during the two-week repair exercise and advised them to plan their journeys accordingly.

In a travel advisory signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the government said half of the affected section would be closed at a time, with motorists expected to use the available lane interchangeably.

The impact of the closure was worsened by the volume of traffic feeding into the Kara corridor from several directions, including 7Up, the Secretariat, CMD Road, Ojodu Road and other connecting routes.

Some motorists resorted to alternative routes through Ikorodu, Sagamu, GRA, Oba Akran, WEMCO Road, Ogunnusi Road and Ojodu-Berger, although many still reported spending hours on the journey.

Beyond the immediate repairs, Adeleye said the government was mindful of concerns over similar problems emerging on other bridges, including expansion joints showing signs of deterioration.

He said the current repairs were being executed with the aim of ensuring durability and preventing a recurrence.

According to him, the concrete being used is expected to attain the required strength within five to seven days, after which the repaired section can be opened to traffic.

He assured motorists that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the entire intervention would be completed within the scheduled two-week period.

  

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Lagos APC Begins Governorship, Assembly Campaign, Targets Grassroots Mobilisation

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced its campaign for the governorship and House of Assembly elections, with the party leadership directing its structures across the state to intensify grassroots mobilisation.

In a statement signed by Ayaba Omobola Akingbehin, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Publicity to the Lagos State APC Chairman, the party said the campaign marked a new phase in its preparations for the forthcoming elections.

The campaign, formally launched under the leadership of the state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is expected to take the APC’s message to voters across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Ojelabi said the party would centre its campaign on continuity, consolidation, renewed progress and victory, while highlighting its record in government and plans for the future of Lagos.

He said the APC was entering the campaign with a strong grassroots structure and a clear understanding of the importance of the elections to the continued development of the state.

 

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According to him, the election presents Lagosians with an opportunity to sustain the state’s current trajectory of development and progress.

Ojelabi also underscored the political legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership and progressive political tradition had played a defining role in the evolution of Lagos politics and governance.

He said the party would engage communities, wards, local governments, traditional institutions, professional groups, women and youth organisations, market associations and other stakeholders as part of its mobilisation strategy.

“From Alimosho to Epe, Badagry to Ikorodu, and Lagos Island to Ikeja, our mobilisation machinery will be fully activated to ensure that our message reaches every segment of Lagos,” he said.

The chairman urged party leaders and members to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation, stressing that the APC was determined to secure a decisive victory at the polls.

“We are not campaigning merely to participate. We are campaigning to win and continue the work of building a stronger and more prosperous Lagos,” Ojelabi said.

He called on party members and supporters to remain united, disciplined and focused throughout the campaign, noting that every ward, community and vote would be important to the outcome of the elections.

Ojelabi further assured Lagosians that the campaign would be issue-driven and focused on the aspirations of the people, while respecting democratic values, the electoral process and relevant laws.

He called on Lagosians who believe in continuity, stability, development and progressive governance to support the APC as it seeks a renewed mandate to lead the state.

Reiterating the party’s determination to win the elections, he declared: “The work must continue. The gains must be protected. The mandate must be renewed.”

  

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Lagos To Construct 1,086-Metre Road In Igando-Ikotun LCDA

The Lagos State Government has flagged off the construction of the 1,086-metre Alhaji Ashafa, Alhaji Ogundimu and Tunde Olufoye Streets in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho.

This is as part of its “no community left behind” infrastructure push under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the Lagos State Government restating its commitment to infrastructure development across communities, assuring residents that no area will be left behind in its development agenda.

Officials including the Special Adviser on Rural Development and local leaders spoke at the ceremony, stressing improved connectivity, reduced travel time, economic boost, and job creation in semi-urban areas.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, noted that the event was not merely about the commencement of another road project, but a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the State Government to delivering sustainable development to communities across Lagos.

 

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He described the project as a testament to the administration’s resolve to ensure that the benefits of good governance reach every part of the State, including rural and semi-urban communities.

Dr. Agbaje explained that the Office of Rural Development had, in September, flagged off about eight road projects across different communities, describing the initiative as another step towards building a more connected, inclusive and prosperous Lagos.

He said the projects were in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of ensuring that infrastructure development reaches communities at the grassroots and that no community is left behind.

In his goodwill message, the Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimosho Constituency II, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, represented by Comrade Raheem Akeem, described the project as a testament to the commitment of the Lagos State Government to delivering the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of residents.

He said the project would provide lasting solutions to some of the challenges confronting residents and businesses within the community.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving the project and for his continued commitment to infrastructure development across Lagos State.

She noted that the construction of the roads would boost socio-economic activities, reduce travel time and create employment opportunities for residents of the community.

The Executive Chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Comrade Lasisi Akinsanya, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Mojisola Badmus, also expressed appreciation to the State Government for the project.

Badmus noted that since the inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration, the Igando-Ikotun LCDA has benefited immensely from various government interventions and developmental projects.

She, however, urged members of the community to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to ensure that the work was completed within the stipulated scope and timeframe.

  

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