Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan road as gas leakage causes panic – Newstrends
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Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan road as gas leakage causes panic

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A gas pipeline exploded on Wednesday near the PUNCH head office in the Arepo-Magboro of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing panic among residents and motorists in the area.

As the gas continued to erupt with a huge sound heard many kilometres away, people scampered for safety, causing gridlock on the highway.

The Punch reported that the gas pipeline ruptured during construction work by men of Julius Berger company on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

People said the loud sound was heard around 9.30am, forcing many to rush out of their apartments.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps asked motorists to find alternatives routes.

It said, “An incident of gas leakage, through a damaged pipeline by Julius Berger, the construction company, working on the Berger-Interchange stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has resulted in an explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro, has been reported with traffic gridlock on both inbound and outbound sections of the expressway.”

TRACE’s statement added, “Road users around the axis are implored not to be jittery as safety officials from TRACE, FRSC, police, and the fire service are on top of the situation.”

The FRSC Corridor Commander, Lagos-Ibadan-Egbeda Corridor, Kehinde Hamzat, also said, “We have a case of gas pipeline explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro. The pipeline got busted while men of Julius Berger, the construction company working on Lagos-Ibadan expressway were excavating a surface for worksite.

“This has led to a standstill traffic situation on both sections of the expressway.

“Motorists are advised not to panic as professionals are being contacted to take care of the situation.

“For people who have time-bound activities may explore alternative routes and for those who can postpone their trips, let us endeavour to do so while the situation gets controlled.”

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Sanwo-Olu targets 24-hour power supply, signs Lagos Electricity Bill 2024

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu targets 24-hour power supply, signs Lagos Electricity Bill 2024

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 into law, a step considered as pivotal towards ensuring 24-hour electricity supply across the state.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the governor on media and publicity said Sanwo-Olu assented to the bill on Tuesday.

He disclosed this via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Akosile’s tweet noted that this signing followed the Federal Government’s approval in 2023, which granted states the authority to generate and distribute electricity, paving the way for Lagos to take control of its power supply and distribution.

The bill is expected to significantly enhance the state’s energy infrastructure, providing uninterrupted power that will benefit households, businesses, and industries alike.

“Lagos State Governor @jidesanwoolu today signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024. The bill is a major step by the State Government, to ensure 24 hours electricity supply to every nook and cranny of the State, following the FG’s nod for States to generate and distribute energy in 2023,” the tweet read.

Also featured in Akosile’s post was a short video showing Governor Sanwo-Olu, flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and a few other top members of his cabinet, as he officially signed the bill into law.

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The signing marks a new chapter in the state’s energy reform agenda, promising to tackle long-standing electricity supply issues and strengthen Lagos’s economic and infrastructural development.

The Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marks a major step towards energy independence for Lagos State.

It replaces the Lagos State Power Sector Reform Law of 2018 and aligns with the Federal Government’s 2023 approval allowing states to generate and distribute electricity.

The Bill establishes the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee the electricity market, regulate power generation, and set tariffs. It also creates the Lagos State Electrification Agency to promote off-grid solutions and enhance electricity access in underserved areas.

A key feature of the Bill is the creation of the Lagos Electrification Fund, aimed at financing the state’s grid expansion and off-grid projects.

The bill also introduces an Integrated Electricity Policy focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. It outlines a roadmap for a sustainable power supply, with private-sector involvement encouraged.

Additionally, the Bill establishes an Independent System Operator to manage grid operations and a Power Enforcement Unit to tackle electricity theft.

With these measures, Lagos aims to improve power reliability, attract investment, and become a leader in Nigeria’s energy transition, providing consistent and sustainable electricity for its residents.

 

Sanwo-Olu targets 24-hour power supply, signs Lagos Electricity Bill 2024

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BREAKING: Unfreeze NSIPA accounts to pay 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries, Reps tell FG

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House of Representatives

BREAKING: Unfreeze NSIPA accounts to pay 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries, Reps tell FG

The House of Representatives has issued a directive to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to mandate the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to unfreeze all accounts belonging to the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) within a 72-hour timeframe.

The resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion sponsored by the deputy speaker and 20 other lawmakers on Tuesday.

Lawmakers voiced their displeasure, arguing that despite the programmes of NSIPA being vital for poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and economic inclusivity in Nigeria, the agency’s functionality has been hindered due to administrative bottlenecks, insufficient funding, and frozen accounts.

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The president had ordered a halt of the programmes of NSIPA following allegations of financial mismanagement by overseers of the programmes.

The suspension also led to the freezing of the agency’s accounts.

BREAKING: Unfreeze NSIPA accounts to pay 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries, Reps tell FG

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JUST IN: House of Reps opposes CBN’s plan to retire 1,000 workers

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House of Representatives

JUST IN: House of Reps opposes CBN’s plan to retire 1,000 workers

The House of Representatives has kicked against the plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) to retire over 1,000 of its workers

The House asked the suspension of the exercise and initiated an investigation into the associated N50 billion payoff scheme.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), the House asked the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure that the rights of the affected staff are protected under Nigerian labour laws.

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Lawmakers raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the retirement criteria and the potential misuse of public funds.

The House said an ad hoc committee will be set up to scrutinize the impacts on the financial sector and ensure compliance with labour laws.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has also been tasked to safeguard the rights of affected staff, highlighting the socio-economic implications of the decision.

JUST IN: House of Reps opposes CBN’s plan to retire 1,000 workers

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