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Tag: Lagos State

  • Customs intercepts N1.5bn contraband in Lagos

    Customs intercepts N1.5bn contraband in Lagos

    The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja said it intercepted contraband goods worth N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects within a three-week operation.

    Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, the Customs Area Controller, revealed this during a briefing in Lagos on Friday while handing over seizures to NDLEA and NAFDAC officials.

    Shuaibu, who assumed duty on April 23, confirmed the seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N1.5 billion were made between April 23 and May 16.

    He pledged to use his experience to manage the unit effectively, saying the command had stayed true to that goal.

    Regarding revenue, Shuaibu said the command generated N20.7 million through demand notices, auctioned perishables, and petroleum products from irregular importation.

    He added that he had shifted the unit’s approach to intelligence-driven operations, reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search methods.

    The unit intercepted seven 20-foot containers of illicit items in Lagos, following preliminary investigations that revealed the following:

    Container MSKU 8551954 held used tyres and vehicles. SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700 contained foreign parboiled rice.

    Container ZCSU 8845072 contained new shoes, ZCSU 7055181 had new clothes, and IDU 4258491 was loaded with new bags.

    Other seizures included 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice — equivalent to seven trailer loads — and 15 foreign-used vehicles.

    Also seized were 82 packs of Tramadol with 10 sachets each, and 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.

    Additionally, 290 jerry cans of petrol and 12 bales with four sacks of used clothing were seized, all totalling N1.5 billion in value.

    Shuaibu said the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in combating smuggling, counterfeits, and other illicit trade.

    He stressed that these achievements reflect a commitment to safeguarding the economy and citizens, through continued agency collaboration.

    He thanked God and Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi for the opportunity to lead the command.

    Shuaibu urged the public to report suspicious smuggling activities and advised honest declarations to avoid clearance issues.

    He added that efficient trade facilitation is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and regional integration in today’s global economy.

    He pledged that intelligence-led operations would create a more transparent, inclusive, and seamless trading environment in Lagos.

    He also thanked officers for carrying out operations without injury and appreciated the media’s role in public sensitisation.

    NDLEA’s Festac Area Commander, Abdul Maiyaki, praised Customs for handing over the seized cannabis and a suspect.

    He thanked sister agencies for their ongoing support in helping NDLEA fulfil its mandate.

    NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, also praised Customs for securing the nation against harmful substances.

    He noted Customs handed over seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC three months ago, with more intercepted now.

    Muhammad said the seizures were due to effective inter-agency cooperation, which helps reduce insecurity linked to drug abuse.

    He added that stopping such drugs from circulation helps lower the country’s insecurity levels.

  • Police arrest five for selling two-week-old baby for N3m in Lagos

    Police arrest five for selling two-week-old baby for N3m in Lagos

    Five individuals in connection with the abduction and sale of a two-week-old baby for N3m has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.

    The suspects, including a woman entrusted with the care of the baby’s teenage mother, are currently in custody following a detailed investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    Confirming the arrest, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Thursday, disclosed that the case was initially reported at the Ajah Police Division on May 5 by a man who disclosed that his 16-year-old cousin, identified as Miss Happiness, had become pregnant by an unknown individual.

    Due to financial hardship, the complainant’s mother had entrusted the pregnant teenager to one Nonye Osi for shelter and care until she gave birth.

    However, investigations revealed that Osi conspired with others to relocate the girl to an undisclosed location.When she was eventually found, she no longer had her pregnancy, and the baby was missing.

    Upon transferring the case to SCID for further investigation, detectives arrested five suspects: Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo.

    The suspects were found to have conspired in the sale of the baby.

    Following extensive investigative efforts, the two-week-old baby boy was recovered safely from the Agemuwo area of Badagry.

    Hundeyin said the child was found in good health.

    The case is now being handled by the Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, which is providing care for the infant pending his reunion with his biological mother.

    Hundeyin reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lagosians.

    “The child was found safe and sound. The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is currently handling the case and attending to the baby, who is in good health, pending his reunion with his biological mother.

    “While investigations are ongoing to bring all involved parties to justice, the Lagos State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said.

  • Lagos Govt warns against assault on CBD officials

    Lagos Govt warns against assault on CBD officials

    The Lagos State Government has warned residents that anyone who assaults law enforcement officers, particularly those attached to the Central Business District (CBD), will face the full weight of the law.

    Mrs Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on CBD, said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

    She disclosed that three individuals had already been prosecuted for attacking CBD officials while they were discharging their duties.

    “We will not tolerate any act of violence against our officers. Anyone found guilty of assaulting law enforcement personnel will be brought to justice.

    ”In as much as we train our officers regularly on how to relate professionally with members of the public, we frown at any action of violence,” she said.

    Olumegbon-Lawal said that both the Lagos Island and Ikeja CBDs had been reopened for business activities.

    She called on traders and stakeholders in the area to take responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure.

    “We urge all stakeholders to protect government assets in their environment and to obey all traffic rules. These facilities belong to all of us and must not be left at the mercy of vandals.

    “We keep appealing to street vendors to desist from showcasing their wares on CBD lanes,” Olumegbon-Lawal said.

    The special adviser revealed that 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were impounded in the last one year for a range of traffic offences including illegal parking, driving against traffic and obstruction.

    She also warned against street trading, stating that goods seized would not be returned. Olumegbon-Lawal said that the CBD was taking internal discipline seriously as well.

    “We have five CBD officers currently undergoing disciplinary action for gross misconduct, which should serve as a deterrent,” she said.

  • Lagos LG election: We are contesting to win – Accord Party

    Lagos LG election: We are contesting to win – Accord Party

    The Lagos State chapter of Accord Party says it is contesting   in the July 12 Local Government election in the state to win.

    Its Chairman, Dele Oladeji, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) on Thursday in Lagos.

    He  expressed confidence about the party’s chances, saying Accord would win a number of seats in the election.

    “Our chances are bright : Accord is a popular party and we  will ensure that we produce candidates that will relate well with the people at the grassroots.

    “We have areas where we are  strong ,and we are going to work hard and win in those areas and others,”he said.

    The party chairman vowed that the party would defend its votes at the polls.

    “We shall make sure the votes are counted and reflect the will of the people in areas we are contesting.

    “We shall sensitise the voters on how to vote and stand by their votes until they are  counted and declared before leaving the polling booths,” he said.

    He said the party’s chairmanship and councillorship primaries would hold on Sunday and that the indirect mode would be adopted.

    Oladeji promised that the primaries would be credible and that results would reflect the choices of party members.

  • Lagos govt. bans night construction

    Lagos govt. bans night construction

    The Lagos State Government has restricted construction activities across the state to between 7.00 a.m and 6.00 pm., Mondays to Saturdays.

    The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, announced the new directive in a statement on Thursday, by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi.

    Olumide said the measure became necessary to safeguard the environment, curb incidences of building collapse, and enhance the overall well-being of residents.

    “This restriction must be strictly adhered to by all stakeholders in the construction sector. It is in the public interest and will be enforced by relevant government agencies.”

    He added that while the state recognised the dynamic nature of building projects, any request to work beyond the stipulated hours must be made through a formal application and would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    “Concessions may be granted but only after due diligence and evaluation,” he said.

    The commissioner also urged residents to be vigilant and proactive by reporting construction sites that flout the directive.

    “We encourage the public to take ownership of their environment. If you observe construction activities going on outside the approved hours, please report them to the appropriate authorities,” Olumide said.

    A construction worker at a site in the Agodo-Egbe area in Alimosho Local Government, who gave his name simply as Musa Tola, told NAN that while the policy might affect project timelines, it was a welcome development if it would help reduce hazards.

    “Sometimes we work overnight to meet deadlines but safety is important. If government is serious about this, we will have to adjust,” Tola said.

    Similarly, Mrs Ifeoma Uche, a resident of Idimu, described the move as timely.

    “Some sites work all night and the noise disturbs everyone. I think this will bring some sanity,” she said.

    Lagos  has witnessed several building collapses in recent years, prompting renewed attention to regulatory oversight in the construction sector.

    The government said enforcement of the new working hours would commence immediately.

  • We will spring surprises in Lagos LG election – NNPP

    We will spring surprises in Lagos LG election – NNPP

    The Lagos State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it will adopt consensus mode of primaries to choose its candidates for the July 12 Local Government election in the state.

    The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Mr Richard Benson, disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

    Benson said: “We are adopting the  consensus approach  for  our primaries.

    “In places where we have many  aspirants, we shall ask others to step down for the popular and strong aspirants to fly the party’s flag.”

    He ,however, said that the date for the primaries had not been fixed , assuring that it would hold within the window provided by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

    He added: “We are fully involved and participating in the local government election in Lagos.

    “We are going to win some  seats because we have areas where we are strong. We are going to win in our strongholds;we will   spring a surprise in the election.”

    When asked to  list the  party’s strongholds , the spokesman said that he would not reveal the areas so as not let out the party’s strategy for the election.

  • Lagos LG election: Labour Party holds primaries, adopts indirect mode

    Lagos LG election: Labour Party holds primaries, adopts indirect mode

    The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has fixed Friday for its chairmanship primaries  for the July 12 Local Government election in the state.

    The LP State Chairman, Pastor Dayo Ekong, disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos. Ekong said that the chairmanship primaries would hold at the various council areas.

    According to her, the  party will adopt the  delegate-based mode(indirect)to pick its candidates

    “Our councillorship primaries will hold today (Thursday)across all the wards while the chairmanship primaries will be held on Friday in all the local government areas.

    “We are committed to free, fair and transparent primary elections. We are confident  of a good outing in the  election,” the chairman said.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is to conduct the election in  20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

  • 8,000 Lagos State staff on study leave – Commissioner

    8,000 Lagos State staff on study leave – Commissioner

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said that no fewer than 8,000 public servants were granted study leaves in order to improve their productivity and efficiency.

    The Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, stated this at the Ministerial Press Briefing on the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second years in second term.

    At the event held at the Baguda Kalto Press Centre Alausa Ikeja, he said 70 per cent of those on foreign training are back while the rest opted to stay abroad.

    “For those that are still receiving their salaries, we didn’t pay for their courses, but those who no longer receive salaries, we paid for their courses and it has added to productivity.

    “These public servants came from 56 ministries, departments and agencies, they were granted approval to go on study leave in the last three years to enhance their professional skills and competences,” he said.

    The commissioner said that a total of 23,420 were trained between May 2022 and December 2024, while over 158 training programmes including in-plant and in-service training were organised.

    ”These cut across multiple cadres, skill levels and thematic areas relevant to public sector efficiency, leadership development and regulatory compliance.

    ”It covers areas such as digital transformation, emotional intelligence, policy analysis and project management.

    ”The ministry processed 742 signs off training request for various ministry, department and agencies,” Ayantayo said.

    He said these trainings were part of the state government effort aimed at boosting capacity, adding that Lagos state has some of the best-performing staff members in the federation.

    “The quality of service delivery in sectors such as transportation demonstrates the competence of personnel, many of whom possess not only relevant qualifications but also considerable experience and knowledge gained through continuous development.”

    The commissioner said that in 2024, only 15 candidates failed the state’s promotion exercise.

    “A total of 5,342 officers participated in the 2024 civil service examination in Lagos State, with only 15 candidates failing. The outcome is highly encouraging and reflects the quality of the state’s workforce,” he said.

    Ayantayo revealed that the state has a considerable number of staff on its payroll totalling about 101,108.

    He said that agency staff, especially ad-hoc staff engaged through contractual agreements, are not paid allowances and salaries by the state government.

    “Instead, these are guided by the terms of their contracts with local councillors or specific agencies.

    ”Some of these staff members work part-time or on short-term assignments, and their remuneration reflects the nature of their engagement.

    “The issue of staffing within Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union was also addressed.

    ”Challenges persist with some members from government-owned broadcasting stations such as LTV, Traffic Radio, and Radio Lagos seeking inclusion in the Oracle payroll system.”

    He explained that many of these staff members were not employed by the state government, but by the broadcasting stations, adding that negotiations are on to resolve these matters.

  • Lagos govt set to launch monthly rent payment scheme

    Lagos govt set to launch monthly rent payment scheme

    The Lagos State Government says it is finalising plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at easing financial burden on residents, especially low-income earners.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office on Tuesday.

    He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to make housing accessible and affordable for residents.

    He recalled that the state had earlier launched a rent-to-own housing scheme which allows tenants to make an initial five per cent down payment and spread the balance over a 10-year period.

    “That initiative was well-received, and its success encouraged us to explore new ways to reduce the pressure of yearly rent payment,” he said.

    According to him, many tenants, particularly those with modest incomes, find it difficult to pay rent annually.

    Akinderu-Fatai added that “we believe that monthly or quarterly payment options will give people more breathing space and reduce the stress associated with sourcing lump sums.”

    He noted that the government was currently engaging landlords, property developers and other key players in the real estate sector to understand the challenges and fine-tune the policy before rolling it out.

    He said “of course, there are issues to resolve — things like landlord cooperation, payment tracking and enforcement. But discussions are ongoing and we are listening to all sides.”

    The commissioner added that the government was fully committed to the plan, working diligently to implement a pilot phase in selected areas of the state.

    “This is not just policy on paper. We are making real progress. We know what this means for many families, and we are determined to make it happen,” he stressed.

  • FG to close popular Lagos bridge for 21 days

    FG to close popular Lagos bridge for 21 days

    The Federal Government has announced  temporary closure of the Ijora-Marine Bridge in Lagos State, from May 18, to carry out urgent repairs that will last for 21 days.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, said in a statement on Tuesday that the closure would begin at 7.00 a.m. on Sunday (May 18).

    She said that some sections of the bridge would be completely closed, while others would experience partial closure during the period.

    Kesha said that the repairs would involve lifting the bridge deck to replace worn-out bearings and carrying out other critical maintenance work.

    According to her,  the aim is to make the bridge safer and more comfortable for motorists and pedestrians.

    Kesha said: “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but this is a necessary step to keep the bridge in good condition and  ensure safety of all road users.”

    She added that traffic diversion had been carefully arranged and traffic officials would be on ground to guide motorists and ensure smooth flow of traffic.

    She also appealed to residents, commuters and business owners in the area to plan their movements ahead and give cooperation  during the period.

    “Safety signs and traffic management tools will be put in place to minimise disruption.

    “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank members of the public for their patience,” she added.