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Tag: Lagos State Government

  • Sanwo-Olu reacts as Lagos doctors declare three-day warning strike

    Sanwo-Olu reacts as Lagos doctors declare three-day warning strike

    The Lagos State Government has appealed to medical doctors to postpone their three-day warning strike, scheduled to begin today, stating that negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the Director, Public Affairs in the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    The government assured that all grievances of the doctors were being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency.

    The Medical Guild, an association of doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, declared a three-day warning strike on July 26.

    The warning strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, was announced by the Medical Guild at a press conference on Saturday

    The state government acknowledged the concerns raised by the leadership of the guild, emphasising that the government was particularly concerned over the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers in the state.

    “A conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the Government was previously constituted to resolve all outstanding issues.

    “Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.

    “As a responsible government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State.

    “We urge the medical guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption,” the government said.

    The government commended Lagos residents for their patience and understanding, assuring the public that contingency plans are being implemented to minimise the impact on healthcare services during the period.

    At a news conference held at the guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Chairman, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, said the action followed series of failed attempts to address the matter through dialogue.

    He said the disagreement began in April when the state government unilaterally deducted part of doctors’ salaries.

    Although the deductions were later reversed following what he described as “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the situation relapsed in July with a fresh round of deductions, ‘’this time without prior notice or explanation.’’

    The doctors listed key demands, including the immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

  • Sanwo-Olu gov’t reopens Oko-Oba abattoir after sanitation compliance

    Sanwo-Olu gov’t reopens Oko-Oba abattoir after sanitation compliance

    The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege, following the facility’s compliance with mandated sanitation and hygiene standards.

    The abattoir was initially shut down on June 19 over serious environmental violations and poor operational practices.

    In a statement shared via his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced that the operators had “significantly complied with the minimum standards required for the operation of abattoirs in the state, which were initially egregiously violated, leading to the closure.”

    Wahab added that, moving forward, officials from the ministry will conduct monthly inspections to ensure continued compliance with environmental and health regulations.

    In a related statement issued Friday, the ministry urged the abattoir operators to maintain proper hygiene, avoid unsanitary practices, and manage waste responsibly while handling animal products.

    Prior to the closure, Wahab had expressed deep concern over the facility’s conditions during an inspection. In a video, he condemned the unsanitary slaughter of animals and the discharge of waste into public drains, calling the situation “simply unacceptable.”

    He also highlighted the unsafe practice of people sleeping within the market premises alongside animals.

    Following the shutdown, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps took action by dismantling unauthorized structures erected along the drainage setbacks within the abattoir grounds.

    The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources confirmed that it is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that improved hygiene and operational protocols are sustained at the facility.

  • Lagos investigates death of pregnant woman denied care

    Lagos investigates death of pregnant woman denied care

    The Lagos State Government on Saturday appointed a joint panel to investigate the tragic death of a pregnant woman identified simply as Mrs. Folajimi, who reportedly lost her life after being denied medical care at a private healthcare facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, due to her inability to make a financial deposit.

    The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns over healthcare access, allegedly involved both a traditional birth attendant and a private hospital.

    Recall, Akinbobola Folajimi, in a viral video, accused the hospital of refusing to provide medical treatment to his wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment. In the video, Folajimi is seen desperately trying to keep his wife conscious as she lay weak inside a car.

    “My goodness, Kemi, look at me. Stay strong; look at me. Think about your kids, please. You need to be very strong for me,” Folajimi says emotionally in the clip.

    In a follow-up post, Folajimi recounted that after being turned away, the hospital referred them to the General Hospital in Epe—a distance he said was too far for his wife’s critical condition. She reportedly passed away en route.

    Reacting to the development, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, expressed sadness over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire health sector.

    “No one should die during childbirth,” Abayomi stated, adding that the government is committed to uncovering the facts behind the incident and ensuring justice for the late Folajimi and her family.

    He added that a joint panel comprising officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the woman’s death.

    The probe will examine the registration status of the facilities and individuals involved, their compliance with medical regulations, and any potential breaches of emergency care protocols.

    The statement reads:“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections. The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.

    “We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties. We are also using this opportunity to reiterate the government’s position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.

    “The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasising the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards,” Abayomi stated,.

    Community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals have also been called upon to collaborate with the government in promoting maternal and child health across the state.

    “The Lagos State Government calls on community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to collaborate in promoting maternal and child health. The government is committed to justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family, assuring that accountability for negligence and breach of duty will be pursued vigorously.

    “In conclusion, the Lagos State Government extends its condolences to the Folajimi family and reaffirms its dedication to preventing similar tragedies in the future while fostering a safer healthcare environment for all residents,” Abayomi added.

  • Tanker explosion prompts LASG to reinforce road safety

    Tanker explosion prompts LASG to reinforce road safety

    The Lagos State Government has pledged to implement more stringent safety measures governing the transportation of hazardous materials, including gas and petroleum products, within the state.

    This commitment was articulated by Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Commissioner for Transportation, in a statement released on Wednesday, following the gas tanker explosion that occurred on Otedola Bridge on Tuesday.

    “We deeply regret the gas tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge, which caused widespread damage and disruption of activities.

    “Our thoughts are with those affected, and we commend the swift response of emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath.

    “This incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles,” he said.

    Osiyemi said the ministry of transportation was also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences.

    “We call on all transport operators to uphold the highest safety standards and cooperate with government efforts to safeguard lives and property.

    “Lagos remains committed to a safer, more resilient transport system for all,” he said.

  • One student dead, 14 hospitalized as deadly infection rocks King’s college Lagos

    One student dead, 14 hospitalized as deadly infection rocks King’s college Lagos

    A 12-year-old student at the King’s College in Victoria Island, has died with fourteen others hospitalisized following the outbreak of diphtheria.

    According to the Lagos State government, 34 close contacts of the deceased have been identified and placed under observation.

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that the index case, a 12-year-old boy, developed a sore throat and fever on February 22 and was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received treatment but succumbed to myocarditis, a severe diphtheria complication, on March 6.

    He added that 14 other students showed signs of the infection and were transferred to LUTH for screening. Twelve tested positive for early signs of diphtheria and are receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. All are reported to be recovering.

    The state government due to the incident activated an Emergency Response Committee and will begin a mass vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren and healthcare providers. Nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine will be deployed to high-risk areas, and infection prevention measures will be strengthened at King’s College.

    Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands. The Lagos State government is working closely with federal health agencies and the WHO to contain the outbreak.

    Prof. Abayomi reassured residents that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

  • Lagos govt speaks on banning pure water in the state

    Lagos govt speaks on banning pure water in the state

    The Lagos State Government has taken to social media to refute claims that it plans to ban the production and sale of sachet water, popularly known as ‘pure water’ in the state.

    Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday emphasized that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures rather than outright bans.

    The statement comes in the heels of speculations about a government ban following a viral video showing individuals destroying packs of sachet water in factories and on buses.

    Wahab also reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution, referencing an Engagement Workshop organized by the ministry on October 3, 2024.

    The commissioner’s tweets read, “My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses. I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

    “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations and is in the interest of public health and safety.

    “It is important to emphasise that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and does not have plans to do so. Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management. As part of our commitment, we are implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns.

    “To further support this initiative, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to address the growing challenges of plastic waste in the state.”

  • Lagos State govt reduces blue line fares by 25%

    Lagos State govt reduces blue line fares by 25%

    The Lagos State Government has announced a 25% fare reduction on the Blue Line Rail during off-peak hours, set between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, effective August 12, 2024.

    Additionally, travel time between Marina and Mile 2 will be shortened to just 18 minutes.

    This update was shared by the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, in a statement on LAMATA’s X handle on Saturday.

    July 30, 2024 LAMATA begins Red Line Metro test runs in preparation for Q4 passenger operations
    LAMATA begins Red Line Metro test runs in preparation for Q4 passenger operations July 24, 2024

    She highlighted that the reduced travel time means a train will be available every 18 minutes in both directions, enabling commuters to plan their journeys more efficiently.

    Akinajo also announced that starting Monday, August 12, the number of daily trips on the Blue Line will increase from 54 to 72, while the current Sunday schedule will remain unchanged.

     

    “The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will from Monday, 12th August 2024 upscale the number of trips from 54 to 72 per day. The current schedule for Sunday operations remained unchanged.

    “Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs, Abimbola Akinajo announced during the weekend that Blue Line riders will now travel between Marina and Mile 2 in just about 18 minutes from the previous travel time of 25 minutes.

    “The implication is that there would be a train every 18 minutes both ways, thus allowing commuters to plan their trips.

    “Besides, she announced a 25% per cent discount fare for commuters travelling within the off-peak period set at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm daily,” the statement read in part.

    The statement also highlighted that the updated train schedule is expected to reduce journey times, encourage greater use of the service during off-peak hours, and lower overall transportation costs. The new timetables are accessible on the LAMATA website, at stations, and on LAMATA’s social media platforms.

    Additionally, it noted that since the launch of passenger operations on the Blue Line metro rail on September 4, 2023, the Blue Line has successfully transported nearly two million passengers.

    What you should know
    The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line is a 27-kilometre urban rail route connecting Marina and Okokomaiko, built in phases.

    The first 13-kilometer phase, from Marina to Mile 2, includes five stations: Mile 2, Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre, and Marina.

    Powered by its own power plant, the Blue Line began operations on September 4, 2023. By January 4, 2024, it had transported 583,000 passengers—well below the state government’s target of 150,000 daily riders.

    However, as of the latest update, nearly two million passengers have been transported since its launch, more than doubling the ridership in just over six months from the last reported figures.

    LAMATA’s Managing Director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo announced that the second phase is expected to be completed by 2027, with construction by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

     

  • LASG to sanction Uber for non-adherence to data sharing agreement

    LASG to sanction Uber for non-adherence to data sharing agreement

    The Lagos State Government is set to sanction Uber Technologies System Nigeria Ltd., for failure to comply with essential data sharing agreement.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

    Osiyemi said the move to sanction Uber was propelled by an unyielding commitment to the safety and security of its residents.

    He expressed deep dismay at Uber’s continuous defiance of established regulations, particularly regarding critical Application Programme Interface (API) integration for enhanced safety and security.

    Osiyemi noted that this was an alarming violation in spite of the ongoing efforts to maintain a secured and regulated transportation environment.

    He also underscored the non-negotiable nature of the API integration, emphasising its vital role in enabling real-time data sharing for government monitoring and accountability during active trips.

    “This is essential for fostering a secured and regulated transportation ecosystem for the well-being of all Lagos State residents.

    “Immediate corrective action is imperative to rectify Uber’s non-compliance with the Data Sharing Agreement and API integration of the state,” he said.

    He urged Uber to urgently seek resolution within the established regulatory framework.

    The commissioner further stated that non-compliance would result in stern sanctions in strict accordance with the state laws and regulations.

    He also advised Uber users to take caution as the sanction when in place would equally affect their operations.

  • LASG alerts motorists on road repairs, traffic diversion

    LASG alerts motorists on road repairs, traffic diversion

    The Lagos State Government on Friday announced plans to carry out rehabilitation and laying of interlocking stones on a portion Agege Motor Road, necessitating diversion of traffic on Saturday.

    Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, notified the motoring public going to Oshodi under Bridge, en route PWD, Ikeja Along, of the planned diversion.

    “The diversion will take place at Cappa by the traffic lights intersection for the purpose of rehabilitation and laying of interlocking stones on Agege Motor Road, Oshodi

    “To connect their destinations, motorists are advised to make use of Ilupeju by-pass to link Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, through Gbagada by Anthony Oke to Maryland on Mobolaji-Bank Anthony Way, to join other segments of Agege Motor Road,” he said.

    Osiyemi assured that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be on ground to ensure seamless commuting during the course of the repairs.

  • Transport fare cut: Lagos records long BRT queues

    Transport fare cut: Lagos records long BRT queues

    Long queues on Monday characterised many terminuses of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) of Lagos State Government following slashing of BRT transport fare to ameliorate the suffering of the state residents.

    Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had, on Thursday, announced 25 per cent rebate on fares charged by BRT and other Lagos State Government-owned transport schemes.

    The governor spoke during a live media chat to intimate residents of steps being taken by his administration to reduce economic hardship on Lagos residents.

    The long queues made some of the commuters to desire to stand inside buses rather than wait for long for seat availability.

    At the Ayobo, Oshodi, Mile 2, Okokomaiko, Costain and Ikorodu terminuses, the situation was same.

    A commuter and civil servant, Mrs Vivian Mgbemena, told newsmen at the Oshodi terminus of BRT that she rushed to the `standing’ queue when she saw a very long queue of commuters waiting for seats.

    She expressed delight that the fare, which was N600 from Ayobo to Oshodi, was slashed to N450.

    Mgbemena thanked Sanwo-Olu for the reduction.

    “When I got to the bus stop, the queue was very long, and because time was against me, I had to stand.

    “I even waited for about 30 minutes before I was able to board a bus for standing,” she said.

    Miss Ngozi Ejiofor, who travelled from Okokomaiko to Mile 2 using BRT, told newsmen that the cut in transport fare was commendable.

    Ejiofor, however, urged Lagos State Government to further slash transport fare on the route from N300 currently charged.

    “It is still high; the government should help us to reduce it further.

    “It should also look into the number of buses plying our route,” she said.

    A businessman, Mr Kunle Olowopoju, also praised Lagos State Government for the fare cut, describing it as huge relief.

    Olowopoju, who queued at Costain Bus Stop of BRT, said that BRT transport fare from Costain to Ikorodu was reduced from N700 to N600.

    “When compared with fares charged by  commercial buses, this is good, but there is need to reduce it more. Things are really biting hard.

    “People need to move around to meet their daily needs.

    “When one cannot go out due to lack of transport fare, it is not good,” he said.

    Mr Benjamin Anibogu, an automobile parts trader at Ladipo Market, also hailed Lagos State Government for slashing the BRT fare.

    He said that he paid N485 instead of N650 from Oshodi to JokeAyo.

    Anibogu appealed to the government to do more to alleviate the suffering of Lagos residents.

    “Prices of food stuffs and other household commodities have all gone up. Government needs to look into that,” he said.