Police Crack Down on Protest Against Forced Evictions in Lagos

Police fired tear gas to disperse residents protesting forced evictions and home demolitions in parts of Lagos, raising fresh concerns over housing rights, police conduct, and the treatment of vulnerable communities.

Lagos Govt Announces Traffic Diversion On Adekunle Ramp For Construction Works

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has declared a temporary closure of the Adekunle Ramp, both inward and outward, effective from Sunday, 19th November to 8th December 2023. This closure aims to facilitate ongoing construction works with a projected completion period of five weeks. In a press release signed by Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, alternative routes have been outlined to ease traffic flow during this period. The routes are: Lagos Island to Ebute Meta: Motorists are advised to utilize Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge), subsequently linking Iddo and accessing the Otto/Oyingbo axis. From there, they can proceed along Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their intended destinations; Concerning Victoria Island Traffic Diversion, commuters were asked to navigate through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, then proceed through Apongbon to access Eko Bridge. Continuing via Costain through Apapa Road and Railway Compound to Alagomeji, they can use Glover Road to reach Apena Junction, eventually accessing Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey. If one is traveling from Lagos-Ibadan through Adekunle to Ebute-Meta: they are advised to utilize the Ikorodu Road via Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, and Fadeyi. From Fadeyi, they can proceed through Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way for onward movement. Similarly, motorists from Gbagada are encouraged to pass through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road towards Jibowu. From Jibowu, they can access Herbert Macaulay Way to connect to their intended destinations. For those traveling from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Ebute-Meta, they were recommended to take the Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way. From there, they can access Ikorodu Road to reach their respective destinations. The press release emphasized the presence of traffic and security personnel deployed to manage the construction zones and alternative routes. Motorists were also urged to cooperate with officials, exercise patience, and observe safety measures during the ongoing construction works. According to the statement, the closure applies solely to the Adekunle Ramp, with the entirety of the 3rd Mainland Bridge remaining accessible to motorists during this period. See the full statement below: LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION PRESS RELEASE DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC ON ADEKUNLE RAMP, INWARD AND OUTWARD Following the level of the construction works ongoing on Adekunle Ramp and in order to complete it in record time of Five Weeks, the entire traffic inward and outward of the ramp will close to traffic from Sunday, 19th November till 8th December, 2023, (the completion period of 5 weeks earmarked for the project). Consequently, alternative routes presently in use still subsist as follows; 1. Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Meta will make use of Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge) to link Iddo inwards Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link their desired destinations. 2. Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to link Eko Bridge, Costain via Apapa Road, Railway Compound to link Alagomeji, Glover Road to access Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to connect their desired destinations. 3. In the same vein, Motorists wishing to travel through Adekunle to Ebute- Meta from Lagos- Ibadan are advised to make use of Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journeys. 4. Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations. 5. Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Meta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road to access their various destinations Adequate traffic and security personnel are still on ground at the construction zones and the various alternative routes/critical points, Motorists are encouraged to cooperate with them, exercise patience and observe safety measures during the palliative works. It should be noted that the entire stretch of 3rd Mainland Bridge inward and outward is still open to Motorists during this period as only the Adekunle ramp is affected. E-signed; Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation. 16th November, 2023.

FCTA Demolishes 11,705 Shanty Colonies, Generates N2.5bn Revenue

The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11,705 shanty colonies across the city, Abuja, from January to October, according to an official. The department also generated N2.5 billion and created 13,873 direct and indirect jobs within the period. Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, FCTA, disclosed this during a media briefing on the activities of the department in Abuja on Sunday. Galadima explained that the shanties and illegal developments were demolished in conjunction with the Ministerial Enforcement Task Force Team. He identified the affected areas as Kabusa, Kasuwan dare, Galadimawa junction, Mabushi scavenger colony and Gudu District along Oladipo Diya way. He equally said that the department also removed obstructing structures on waterways at Lugbe, Jahi and Lokogoma. This, according to him, has curtailed the flooding being experienced within the city in recent years. He also said that the encroachment on rights of way and security black spots were equally dismantled in collaboration with security agencies in the FCT. The director also disclosed that a total of 1,764 building plan applications were received within the period, out of which 1,422 were granted approvals, including backlogs of previous years. On revenue generation, Galadima said that the N2.5 billion was generated from building plan approval and land use contraventions from January to October. He said that amount represents 68.5 per cent of the N3.7 billion target for the year, adding that of the N2.5 billion, N1.7 billion was generated from building plan approval alone. The director also explained that the 13,873 direct and indirect jobs were created at different stages of construction at various sites as approved by the department. Another achievement according to Galadima included the inauguration of One-Stop Vetting Team to treat backlog of files and fast -track of building plan approval for Plots within areas serviced with infrastructure. He added that the department also established Regional Offices to decentralise monitoring and enforcement activities in the Area Councils and Satellite Towns. “We equally inaugurated a Committee on the Prevention of Building Collapse in the FCT to proffer modalities and institutional framework to avert building collapse in the territory. “The department also inaugurated a Post-Development Audit which commenced at Dawaki as a pilot scheme. “The staff of the department equally carried out routine monitoring of physical development activities within the territory where contravening developments are served either with stop work, quit notice or demolition notice,” he said. On staff welfare, Galadima said that the department has institutionalised end of year activities where it appraises itself, enhances staff bonding as well as presents awards to deserving staff to boost morale. “There is also a monthly medical fitness check for all staff and monthly sporting activities to boost physical fitness of staff,” he added. He identified increasing cases of land grabbing and harassment of the department staff by security agencies as some of the challenges recorded within the period under review. “There is also the problem of non-resettlement of indigenous communities which created pockets of expanding slums throughout the city. “Another challenge is the inadequate and obsolete utility vehicles for monitoring and heavy-duty equipment for enforcement to cover the ever-growing territory. “Others are inadequate office accommodation, slow adoption information and communication technology, and non-0utilisation of land after removal of squatter settlements. “There is also the challenge of slow pace of infrastructural development especially in the satellite towns and abandoned buildings serving as criminal hideouts among others,” he said. 

FCT Residents Get October 31 Ultimatum To Revert Land For Residential Use

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum to beneficiaries of monetized federal government properties in Abuja. They are required to revert to their original land use by the end of October, or they risk having their properties revoked by November 1. This announcement was made by Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control in the Administration, during a news conference in Abuja.  He emphasized that the monetization program was initiated by the Federal Government in 2005 due to the high maintenance costs of these properties, and beneficiaries must adhere to the terms of purchase. Galadima stated, “The minister has approved and directed that all owners of such properties should revert the properties to their original and designated land use, which is residential. Failing to comply with this directive from Nov. 1, the houses are considered as revoked and returned to FCTA.” The Department of Development Control has recorded over 111 cases of land use conversion for these sold houses, spanning across all districts of the capital city.  Additionally, the minister has ordered owners of properties, especially those along major streets, who have converted their properties without approval, to either revert to the original use or pay contravention charges. Non-compliance with these directives may result in the administration taking appropriate action, including revocation.  The primary objective of these measures is to maintain the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

FG To Build 34,500 Homes Under Renewed Hope Cities Project

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, says the Federal Government plans to build 34,500 homes in selected cities across the 36 states in the first phase of its Renewed Hope Cities Project. Dangiwa said this when he received the acting Controller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mrs Caroline Adepoju on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Saturday. He said increasing access to decent quality and affordable housing for all Nigerians was a major priority of the government. “Our Renewed Hope Cities will be inclusive and integrate all segments of Nigerians. They will comprise of one, two and three -bedroom affordable bungalows and multilevel flats catering for low to medium-income earners. “In spite of the challenges, we plan to build Renewed Hope Cities nationwide with the first phase dealing 34,500 homes in select cities and state capitals across the 36 states and the FCT. “For high-income earners, we will leverage Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers to offer the elegance of Terrace and Detached  Bungalows and Duplexes,” he said. Dangiwa said the ministry had mapped out clear actionable steps to make this possible for Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. “A major focus is the reform of all federal housing agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), institutions under the supervision of the ministry tasked with delivering affordable housing to Nigerians. “While the FMBN focuses on affordable housing using single digit interest rates and long tenures of up to 30 years to contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, FHA has the flexibility to develop houses for high-income segment. “These two institutions should to able to meet and deliver on the goals of your agency to deliver affordable housing to all cadres of the hardworking immigration officers. “For high-income earners, we will leverage Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers to offer the elegance of Terrace and Detached  Bungalows and Duplexes,” he said. The minister said for funding  the ministry would leverage on resources from the FMBN. Earlier, Adepoju said that shelter was a major priority in any society. “So, we have come here to know how this new administration can benefit our personnel. I am aware that there are programmes in place where the immigration service of Nigeria can key into and benefit from. “Apart from that I have come to appeal to you sir to the rescue of our personnel,” Adepoju said.

Wike Sets To Launch Comprehensive Roads Rehabilitation In Abuja

In a bid to enhance the state of road infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, is gearing up to kickstart an extensive road rehabilitation and bridge repair project. The official launch is scheduled for Monday. Anthony Ogunleye, the Ministry’s Director of Press, made the announcement in a statement released on Saturday, emphasizing the significance of this initiative in improving the FCT’s road network. The comprehensive resurfacing project will target 135 roads across prominent districts such as Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa, and Maitama. This endeavor is poised to breathe new life into these roads, ensuring their durability and improved functionality. The official flag-off ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. along Ladoke Akintola Boulevard in Garki II, Abuja. This marks a pivotal moment as it signifies Minister Wike’s commitment to driving rapid infrastructure development within the nation’s capital. With this initiative, Nyesom Wike aims to set a promising precedent for significant infrastructure improvements and a brighter future for the FCT’s transportation network.

FCTA demolishes illegal market used for criminal hideouts in Abuja

The officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished an illegal market called “Kasuwan Dare”, a suspected hideout for hoodlums and drug dealers in Asokoro, Abuja. The market was located at Hassan Musa Katsina Street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension, Abuja. Speaking after the demolition, the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said that the illegal market was becoming a threat to the residents of the area and passerby. Galadima added that the area was turned into a haven for criminal activities despite relentless efforts by the FCT Administration to sanitise the area. He added that the miscreants operating in the area were affecting the aesthetic quality of the entire environment, adding that the Administration would allow it to continue. He said that area had to go because it constituted a security threat, adding that the area was also serving as a hideout for miscreants, drug dealers and men of the underworld. “The operation will help us get rid of the hoodlums and drug dealers that have taken over the place. “We had demolished the place about three times, but the nuisances rebuilt and continued their activities. “This time around, the demolished market will remain demolished. We need to sanitise the place and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment. “It is also part of the current administration’s policy of sanitising the city, and this is one of the areas we are commencing the exercise,” he said. Also, the Secretary, FCTA Command and Control, Mr Peter Olumuji, said that efforts would be put in place to ensure the safety of residents in the area. The Village Head of Kpaduma, Mr Bitrus Yakubu, commended the FCT Administration for coming to their rescue and for ridding the area of hoodlums. “The place has been here for over twenty years but today it has gone down for our own good. “We are very happy as a community that the area is cleared for good,” Bitrus said.

N5bn Palliative: FCT to boost transportation, food –Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCTA is considering transportation and food supplies support with the N5 billion palliative received from the Federal Government. Wike stated this in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT. The Federal Government had on Aug. 17 announced a N5 billion palliative for each state of the federation, including the FCT, to cushion the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy. Some of the state governments have confirmed receiving N2 billion from the amount, while awaiting the N3 billion balance. However, the minister said that the FCT was not included in the N5 billion palliative until he wrote a memo informing President Bola Tinubu of the development. He added that Tinubu has approved the amount, adding that other states have received N2 billion already, expressing confidence that the FCT will equally receive soon. “But we are yet to decide on what to do with the N2 billion palliative. We have not chosen any area yet. “Are we going to concentrate on food, but we are thinking that the issue of transportation is very very important, particularly the urban mass transit. “People would like to have easy transportation to go to where they want to go, and if you give them rice and they eat the rice today, what about transportation tomorrow? “So, we have not come up with what actually we are going to use the money for, but I believe food support and transportation is very key,” he said. The minister added that efforts were ongoing to bring back urban mass transportation to be able to reduce the suffering of the masses in terms of transportation. 

FG to redesign Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has vowed to redesign the Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road in Kogi State. Umahi, who spoke during a courtesy call on the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello at the Government House, Lokoja on Tuesday night, also revealed plans for long-lasting, low-maintenance concrete roads and assured of swift progress on all federal road projects in the state. The minister had earlier on Tuesday inspected a bridge reconstruction at Gada-biu, the Abaji section of Abuja-Lokoja road, Koto-Karfe bridge, Murtala bridge, Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road, Lokoja-Okene Road, and Lokoja-Kabba Road. He disclosed that the federal government was considering concrete road construction innovation which he said it has low-maintenance cost and can last for over 50 years without maintenance. The minister also disclosed that concrete roads are cheaper in terms of construction cost and the guarantee of construction materials.  He, however, commended Governor Yahaya Bello’s commitment to the people of Kogi State and his administration’s accomplishments across education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Minister expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception upon his appointment as Minister of Works and for his dedication to the betterment of Kogi State. In a remark, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, expressed deep appreciation for the minister’s proactive approach in inspecting deteriorating federal roads within the state, which according to him, demonstrated a significant dedication to resolving pressing infrastructure issues. Bello also expressed optimism regarding the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road infrastructure, and commended Umahi for his visit to the state. The governor highlighted the concern surrounding the condition of federal roads in Kogi State, emphasizing its strategic position as the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He acknowledged the hardships faced by commuters, the negative impact on trade and the economy, and the strain on transportation systems. 

FCTA, concessionaires sign ‘Park and Pay’ deal in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory administration (FCTA) and a group of concessionaires of on-street parking, have signed an agreement to restore the “park and pay” scheme in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, who signed on behalf of the FCTA, said that the move was to promote a culture of orderliness and organisation in vehicle parking. According to him, the initiative will decongest the city and make motoring a more pleasant experience. Adesola explained that the scheme was suspended in 2014 by an Abuja High Court, on grounds that it was not backed by a law. He also said that the earlier implementation was without the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He, however, said that the FCTA has put a regulation in place and secured FEC’s approval, to ensure a smooth implementation of the scheme, considering its benefits. The permanent secretary explained that under the scheme, parking lots would be provided for vehicle owners for a fee, while motorists that indulge in wrong packing would be fined. He added that the reintroduction of the scheme was with the active support of the six Area Councils. Adesola explained that the FCTA and the councils have agreed that all wrong and rights charges would be consolidated and shared between the Administration and the six area councils. He emphasised that implementation would not commence immediately until residents were fully sensitised and enlightened about the scheme. “So, while the agreement is being signed today, the commencement of the park and pay is not starting today. “The communication that should precede the implementation of the project is that the citizens need to know that we are signing on-street parking. “A lot of activities will follow. There will be robust stakeholders’ engagement; the operators will visit key institutions and will engage residents through electronic and print media. “This is to ensure that people are sensitised and above all, to be aware that there will be a period of free parking, just for people to know how to use the facility,” he said. Earlier, Mr Wadata, Bodinga, Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA noted that the increasing population growth in the FCT was accompanied by congestion and traffic challenges. Bodinga said that development has led to haphazard parking, increased parking competition and traffic congestion. This, according to him, exposes the motoring public and the pedestrian to security and road hazards, adding that reintroduction of the initiative would mitigate the challenges. He said that the scheme would impact positively on economic activities of FCT residents, through improving customer experience and promoting efficient parking management systems. According to him, the scheme will enable customers to find easy parking spaces, thereby saving time and fuel, especially with removal of fuel subsidy. “The FCTA gazetted Federal Capital Territory Parking Scheme, 2019, with the accompanying guidelines, provides legal basis for the implementation of the on-street parking scheme. “This will increase the safety and security of vehicles and pedestrians, reduce traffic and pollution, and improve the aesthetic of the urban city and workplace for the motoring public. “It will also be cost effective because people can access parking spaces very easily when coming into the city and reach their destination within work hours. “It will equally improve traffic management, cleaner and safer environment with positive effect on health,” he said.