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Fuel, Naira Scarcity: Sanwo-Olu Approves 50% Reduction On BRT, LAGRIDE, LAGFERRY Fare, To Set Up Food Banks For Vulnerable Lagosians

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Concerned by the severe impact of fuel and Naira scarcity, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approved a 50 percent reduction on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other state-owned transport modes, to cushion effects of the Federal Government policies.

The other transport medium approved by the governor were LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY).

The governor added that the reduction takes effect from Thursday and that more Cowrie Cards would be provided at bus terminals to aid more Lagosians get onboard and benefit from the service introduced in response to yearnings of the residents.

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that food banks would be set up across the state, to distribute and assist vulnerable Lagosians to have access to better meals across the state.

Announcing the developments on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the State House in Marina, Lagos Island, he explained that the 50 percent reduction on all state transport facilities would be in place for next seven days.

The governor stressed that the Naira and fuel scarcity currently being experienced by Lagosians were policies introduced by the Federal Government whose effects became severe on Lagosians especially those that rely on daily business transactions for survival.

According to him, we have taken these steps to cushion the effects of these measures that were announced at the Federal level which had crippled business operations in the state.

“A 50% cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY). This will take effect from tomorrow for the next seven days. We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians to get onboard our services.

“I have directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the State to cater for the vulnerable. We will distribute foodstuff to various communities”, the governor added.

He also disclosed that the government has started engaging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to end fuel scarcity in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu added that during discussions between the state representatives and NNPCL, the petroleum firm demanded that Ijegun Egba tank farm owners and operators be given unhindered access to the fuel depots.

The governor, who noted that about 40 percent of petroleum products used in Lagos come from the axis, disclosed that its officials have rearranged the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, a dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms.

According to him, the road is over 50 percent completed and was already aiding supply of petroleum products. Also, we have given approval for 24 hours work at petrol stations around the State.

Meanwhile, the governor warned mischief makers who may see this as an opportunity to incite violence that this is not the way to go.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Nigerian Lawmakers Propose Creation Of 31 Additional States [SEE FULL LIST]

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Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday proposed the creation of 31 new states in the country.

If the proposal is approved, Nigeria will have 67 sub-national governments, as the current number of states stands at 36, including the Federal Capital Territory.

The proposal for new states was presented in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of the Speaker, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas.

The letter read in part, “The committee proposes the creation of 31 new states. As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:

“1. New state and boundaries

“An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.

“The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area are received by the National Assembly.

“Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8 (3) of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfillment of state,” the proposal partly reads.

According to the proposal, the new states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence States from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa States from Benue; FCT State; Amana State from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi and Savannah States from Borno and Muri State from Taraba.

Others include New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba from the South East.

Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun State, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.

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El-Rufai Lacks Capacity To Unsettle Tinubu, He Can’t Even Win Senatorial Seat — Daniel Bwala

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Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the president on policy communication, asserts that Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, lacks the capacity to “unsettle” President Bola Tinubu.

Bwala made this statement on Thursday during an interview with TVC News. He emphasized that Tinubu is not losing sleep over el-Rufai’s continuous criticisms of his administration.

Background

El-Rufai has been targeting some members of the Tinubu administration.

The former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) recently criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for “straying away from its core values,” mentioning that he no longer recognizes his political party.

Bwala had questioned el-Rufai if his stance on the APC would have been different had he been a member of Tinubu’s cabinet.

In response to Bwala’s comments, el-Rufai stated that he would not hesitate to criticize the party, even if he were given a position in the Tinubu administration.

‘On His Own, El-Rufai Is Unelectable’

When asked if the presidency was anxious about el-Rufai’s remarks and the regrouping of opposition politicians, the spokesperson confirmed that Tinubu is not concerned with the opposition’s movements.

Bwala emphasized that the president’s approach has always been one of reconciliation.

“Who is jittery? The political opponents have no direction. There is no organized political party in Nigeria other than APC. Almost all opposition parties are trying to find their way,” Bwala stated.

“I don’t attack because I see that the position of Mr. President is that of reconciliation. In his 18 months in office, he has never reacted to anybody. He has never been seen being combative or aggressive against anybody.”

The presidential spokesperson acknowledged el-Rufai’s dilemma, adding that the former governor cannot accomplish his goals by joining the opposition.

According to Bwala, el-Rufai only becomes a significant political figure when he aligns with a “solid revolutionary” leader.

“El-Rufai, as he said, is still in APC. You treat him like a brother. I know his grandstanding. I know he is facing challenges finding a path,” he stated.

“If you leave a governing party, which you have influence over, and think that you can undertake a mission, you need to have a working platform to do that.”

“He does not have the capacity to make the president unsettled. No opposition party, even if combined, can make the president unsettled.”

“Let me tell you something about my elder brother, el-Rufai, and whether we should be worried.”

“There is a dynamic around el-Rufai. El-Rufai needed a solid revolutionary person to thrive. On his own, el-Rufai may not win the senate.”

“He won governorship because of the Buhari factor and got re-elected because of the Buhari factor. If you leave him now to go and run for senate in Kaduna, he would not win.”

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Importers To Pay More As Customs Introduces 4% FOB Levy

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will enforce a 4 percent charge on the “free-on-board” (FOB) value of imports.

“FOB” refers to the arrangement where the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of departure, clearing them for export, and loading the goods onto the vessel. Once the goods are on the vessel, the risk transfers from the seller to the buyer, who then assumes responsibility for all subsequent costs.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS national public relations officer, confirmed that the directive is in line with the provisions of the “Nigeria Customs Service Act” (NCSA) 2023.

“In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is implementing a 4 percent charge on the “Free On-Board” (FOB) value of imports,” Maiwada stated.

“The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including the cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential for driving the effective operation of the service.”

“Furthermore, the NCS acknowledges concerns raised by stakeholders over the continued collection of the 1 percent “Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme” (CISS) fee.”

“It is a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection Scheme alongside the 4 percent FOB charge.”

“As a responsive government agency, the service wishes to assure the general public that extensive consultation is ongoing with the federal ministry of finance to address all agitations raised by our esteemed stakeholders.”

Maiwada urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive, which was conceived after thorough consultation with relevant stakeholders and organizations.

“All stakeholders are urged to support this legally binding initiative,” he emphasized.

“As the measures introduced in alignment with the NCSA 2023 reflect a balanced approach born out of extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies.”

He also acknowledged the valuable contribution of stakeholders in shaping and actualizing the NCSA 2023.

“Their insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation, and strengthens transparency in customs operations,” he added.

The customs official reiterated that under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, the comptroller-general, the service remains dedicated to transparency, fair trade practices, and efficient revenue management.

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