Lagos increases BRT fares over rising diesel, other costs – Newstrends
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Lagos increases BRT fares over rising diesel, other costs

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved an increase of N100 for fares of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses for all routes with effect from July 13.

Assistant Director, Corporate Communication of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the decision to hike the fares was reached after a consideration of the rising cost of diesel and the high number of buses out of operation due to the lack of spare parts.

He added that Sanwo-Olu has also approved a proposal of a bail-out for the bus operating companies in a bid to minimise the effects of the harsh operating environment.

“To sustain the operations of regulated bus services in Lagos State, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a flat rate increase by N100 in bus fares for all Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes,” Ojelabi said.

“The increase, which will come into effect on Wednesday, 13 July 2022, is aimed at ensuring sustainability of the BRT and standard route schemes.

“Operations of the transport scheme, of late, had been hampered due to rising cost of inputs required for sustainable service offering and the attendant high number of buses out of operation as a result of lack of spare parts.

“For instance, the exponential increase in the pump price of diesel from N187 to N830/litre between August 2020 and June 2022, had greatly affected optimal performance of the bus operating companies leading to the withdrawal of buses from operation and longer waiting time at bus stations.

“The governor in consenting to the fare increase also approved a proposal for a bail out for the bus operating companies in other to cushion the effect of the harsh operating environment and safeguard private partnership investment and forestall the demise of formalized bus operations in the state.

“With the increase, a bus ride from Ikorodu – TBS will now cost N600 from N500 while Berger to Ajah is now N700, up from N600. Oshodi to Abule Egba will cost N450 from N350 and Abule-Egba-CMS-Obalende will attract a fare of N600.”

The governor also approved the conversion of diesel buses in operation to the use of compressed natural gas (CNG).

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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.

The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.

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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.

The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.

“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.

 

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

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Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

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Nigerian military troops

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

 

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

(NAN)

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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

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