News
Lagos inaugurates effluent treatment plant, air monitoring station, e-library
By Dada Jackson
The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a mini effluent treatment plant that will determine the toxicity of effluents and industrial/ hazardous wastewater before being released by industries into the atmosphere.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, MrTunji Bello, disclosed this at Alausa at the unveiling of an air monitoring station located at six different locations; a digital e-library and a hybrid vehicle.
According to him, the new additions would empower the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to be better positioned to perform its regulatory role.
He added that in times past when industrial concerns sought the help of LASEPA to assist in analyzing effluents, the agency could not respond as quickly as it should, adding that some industries even went beyond board of releasing such effluent into the atmosphere without seeking the advice of the agency.
His words: “This mini effluent plant came about because of the need to treat wastewater and leftover samples of industrial wastewater from LASEPA’s laboratory. It is regrettable that LASEPA, which has the responsibility for protecting the environment, lacked an acceptable means of treating wastewater until now.”
Bello noted that vigilant members of the public were also not unmindful that with such scenario, LASEPA would have compromised her status as the environmental policeman that ran afoul of the same law it sought to enforce.
He emphasised that now, things could only get better for residents of the state because there is also room for expansion of the capacity of the mini effluent plant in case request for usage increased geometrically, adding that the state would maintain its leading role in environmental management in Nigeria.
He reminded all that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Law 2017 under the relevant sections empowers LASEPA to survey and monitor surface, underground and portable air, land and soil environments in the state to determine pollution levels in them and collect baseline data.
The commissioner commended the World Bank for partnering with the Lagos State Government through LASEPA for the provision quality air monitoring stations located at six different locations in the state.
According to him, the air quality measurement stations are at the LASEPA headquarters, Alausa, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Lekki, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, University of Lagos, Akoka, Jankara, Lagos Island and Ikorodu will measure the air quality across its locations and aid better policy formulation on the environment in the state.
Bello reiterated that the air quality measuring station would ensure comprehensive knowledge of the air quality of the Lagos environment, while helping to identify pollution and their sources.
He said the e-library would fast-track the achievement of the goals and objectives of monitoring, controlling and regulating the environment to make it safe and healthy.
Bello commended the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, and her management team for driving the process that had seen renewed vibrancy in the agency in terms of the delivery of its core mandate.
“I feel proud of what LASEPA has become today due to the innovativeness and shrewd management of resources of the leadership and it is worthy of commendation now that the Agency is responding adequately to its job as the policeman of the atmosphere and the environment”, he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Fasawe said the maintenance of the environment is a collective responsibility especially on noise pollution and global warming, while urging residents to always ensure its sustainability.
She said the inaugurated projects were aimed at promoting environmental sustainability as the state is moving from a linear economy to a circular economy whereby before manufacturing, recycling would have to be put into consideration.
She commended the United Nations for its technical support always and the World Bank for material provisions to the agency at the event which also had in attendance the Special Adviser on Drainage Services and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Service, Mrs Belinda Odeneye, and her Office of Drainage Services counterpart, Olalekan Shodeinde, with representatives of the United Nations, UNIDO, Zenith Bank, partners agencies and associations.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
News
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
The Federal Government has defended its decision to borrow to address budget deficits, despite surpassing revenue targets in 2024.
Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu clarified this position during a session with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance, Budget, and National Planning. The meeting focused on the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
Last week, the National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion loan request to fund the N9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget partially.
During the session, key agency heads, including Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari, Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji, presented their revenue reports.
The agencies reported exceeding their 2024 targets.
- Customs Service: Generated ₦5.352 trillion by September 30, surpassing its ₦5.09 trillion target for the year. For 2025, the agency projects ₦6.3 trillion, with a 10% increase planned for 2026.
- NNPCL: Achieved ₦13.1 trillion in revenue, exceeding the ₦12.3 trillion projection for 2024. Kyari announced a ₦23.7 trillion revenue target for 2025.
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- FIRS: Surpassed multiple tax collection goals, including ₦5.7 trillion from company income tax against a ₦4 trillion target. Education tax collections also exceeded expectations, reaching ₦1.5 trillion compared to a ₦70 billion target.
Overall, ₦18.5 trillion of the ₦19.4 trillion 2024 revenue target had been achieved by September, indicating the goal will be exceeded by year-end.
Despite these surpluses, the government insists borrowing remains essential to cover budget gaps and support vulnerable populations.
Bagudu explained, “Even with agencies exceeding revenue targets, borrowing is necessary to address deficits and boost productivity, particularly for the poorest. This aligns with Agenda 2050, which aims for a GDP per capita of $33,000.”
Edun also reiterated that loans were critical for adequately funding the budget.
The committee, led by Senator Sani Musa, questioned the rationale behind the borrowing and demanded further transparency. The Immigration Service was specifically asked to provide documents regarding an “unacceptable PPP arrangement” before the end of the week.
The session underscored the government’s balancing act between increased revenues and fiscal challenges requiring external borrowing.
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
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