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Labour strike: Minister appeals to NLC to shelve strike, secures release of detained NURTW members
By Mathew Denis, Abuja
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned strike.
The Minister spoke when he received Alhaji Ibikunle Baruwa, who led a team of four members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on a thank-you visit.
The NURTW appreciated the Minister for securing the release of some of their members, who were arrested two weeks ago by government agents.
Speaking, the Minister assured Nigerian workers that the government will soon conclude the issue of wage award.
A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Labour and Employment, stated that, “He (Lalong) maintained that industrial harmony remains key to the socio-economic development of any nation, and urged the Union to work in synergy with the Federal Government in moving the country forward.
“Lalong noted that securing the release of the detained NURTW members was one of the demands of NLC at last week’s meeting between the Congress and the Ministers of Labour and Employment.
“He assured them that the processes leading to the fulfilment of the other requests of the NLC, especially wage award, were on course, and would be concluded soon.
“The Minister therefore called on the NLC not to embark on their planned strike, and allow government work to resolve all pending issues.”
The statement further added: “In the same vein, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, appealed to the NURTW factions to maintain peace, as the Ministry wades into their dispute for amicable resolution.”
By Esther Agbo
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirmed on Sunday that the rainy season would not impede the progress of ongoing critical road projects in the state.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that many road projects are nearing completion and will significantly alleviate traffic congestion upon their conclusion.
In a post on X, the governor mentioned that state officials conducted an inspection tour of various road projects, including the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge and connecting arterial roads. This bridge aims to address significant traffic issues and provide alternative routes for motorists traveling from Toyin, Allen, Opebi to Ojota, benefiting those commuting from Maryland to Ikeja and nearby areas.
The team also inspected additional vital ongoing projects including the construction of the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge, the Ikeja Urban Regeneration Project, the Arowojobe Link Bridge and Approach Road in Maryland, and the Agidi Demurin and Church Street Network in the Kosofe Local Government Area.
Despite challenges posed by the weather, contractors are diligently working to meet project deadlines. Progress reports indicate that completion rates for key projects are as follows: Arowojobe Link Bridge and Road at 70%, St Finbarrs Road at 70%, Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with Bridge at 80%, Ikeja GRA regeneration project at 89%, and Opebi-Mende Link Bridge and roads at 85%.
The Governor stated, “These projects reflect our commitment to delivering top-notch infrastructure and driving economic growth for the benefit of all residents.”
A 2023 study by the Danne Institute for Research revealed that Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, loses an astounding N4 trillion annually due to severe traffic congestion. The study, titled ‘Behavioural Causes of Traffic Congestion in Lagos,’ funded by the Bank of Industry and Africa Finance Corporation, highlighted the urgent need for action to mitigate the economic and social impacts.
By Esther Agbo
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to implement smart bins in residential and business areas to enhance waste management efficiency. This initiative was disclosed in a statement by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA’s Highway Sanitation Unit and Marine Waste and Vegetal Control Unit have been actively cleaning areas between the Ajah-Jubilee Bridge and Abraham Adesanya Roundabout. The ongoing deep cleaning efforts will extend to Sangotedo and Awoyaya along the newly reconstructed Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Gbadegesin stated via his X handle, emphasizing the state’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental offenses, warning against the dumping of waste on streets, highways, and drainage systems.
“This deep clean exercise will continue to Sangotedo and Awoyaya along the newly re-constructed Lekki-Epe Expressway.
“We are also introducing the new smart bins as the preferred waste bin for households and businesses because it enables us to monitor the efficiency of PSP operators.
“We are enforcing a #ZeroTolerance policy for environmental offences,” he wrote on X, adding that the state would not tolerate dumping of waste on the streets, highways, and drainage channels.
“We are introducing new smart bins as the preferred waste management solution for households and businesses, which will enable us to monitor PSP operators’ efficiency.”
In April, LAWMA addressed a significant waste accumulation in a drainage opposite Adebola Idowu Street in the Kosofe Local Government Area.
Director of Public Affairs, LAWMA, Sade Kadiri, urged residents to manage their waste responsibly, highlighting the risks of mismanaged waste, which can result into flooding and health issues.
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
One of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter has crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
According to ryewitness reports, the incident occurred at about 5:00am, causing significant alarm among villagers.
The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no live was lost.
“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a villager who witnessed the crash.
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