Metro

Lagos Reopens Maryland/Ojota Bridge

Published

9 months ago

September 16, 2024

The Ojota/Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge have been reopened to vehicular movement.

The Lagos state government also declared zero tolerance for infrastructure abuse.

Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, at the reopening on Monday, September 16, lamented the incessant theft of manhole covers and other bridge apparatuses.

To curb the menace, Hamzat said the government resorted to using fibre to fabricate manhole covers instead of steel.

He added that anyone caught henceforth stealing the covers will be prosecuted.

Hamzat added: “Everybody keeps saying that maintenance of infrastructure is a challenge. But, in Lagos, we are saying it is not. This informed our decision to maintain this infrastructure and put it in good shape. The expansion joints which are necessary accessories for bridges were repaired and are now in good shape, and all the manholes that were stolen have been replaced.

“But it is important to say that these new manhole covers are fibres and not metals. So if you steal it, it is useless. But the manhole covers protect people. It is to protect human beings so they don’t fall off bridges. This is a safety issue. It is no longer steel. It is fibre and so difficult to remove. And even if you remove it, it’s useless to you, and if you are caught, you will be prosecuted.

“This administration is focused on road and bridge infrastructure to reduce travel time, save important man-hours that would have been otherwise lost to traffic; boost interconnectivity; provide better riding surface; eliminate traffic gridlocks and generally make life more meaningful to commuters.

“And because we place a high premium on the safety of lives, many pedestrian bridges have also been identified for routine maintenance.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the bridge was completed and re-opened ahead of scheduled time because the government was eager to alleviate the suffering of road users.

The commissioner for works, Hon. Oluwasegun Osiyemi, expressed delight over the early completion, emphasising the benefits it would bring to daily commuters.

“We are pleased to inform road users that the rehabilitation of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge has been completed earlier than expected. The bridge will reopen today, significantly ahead of schedule, with all work completed in under two months,” Osiyemi announced.

Recall that work started on the Ojota-bound side of the Bridge on July 22 and ended on August 23, while work began on the Maryland-bound section the same day and ended on September 13.

Metro

Sealing Spree: FCTA Sledge Hammer Hits FIRS Office, Bank, Fuel Station, Others

Published

5 days ago

May 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, on Monday, sealed an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station located in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, over non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.

The property occupied by Access Bank is officially allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not the bank directly, according to official documents.

A letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated: “The Minister of Federal Capital Territory has in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 2456 within Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja.”

The letter cited the continued default in ground rent payment as the reason for the revocation.

“The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for Thirty-Four (34) years,” it stated.

FCTA also shut down the Federal Inland Revenue Service office in Abuja for similar violations.

The closures are part of a larger enforcement campaign targeting defaulting property owners across the FCT.

According to officials, several notices and publications have been issued since 2023, warning all allottees to clear outstanding ground rent obligations.

Metro

Explosion Near Abuja Barracks Causes Panic, One Injured

Published

5 days ago

May 26, 2025

Editor

An explosion sound was heard on Monday near the Abacha Barracks located along the Nyanya-Maraba road in Abuja, causing panic among residents and passersby.

Sources told The PUNCH that one person sustained injuries in the aftermath of the explosion.

“There was an explosion around our area today. I can’t categorically say, it was a case of sucide bombing has been peddled. But what is sure is that there was an explosion, ” One of the sources said.

Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, for comments were unsuccessful.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed an explosion that occurred on along the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass in Abuja.

According to a statement by Adeh, the incident happened at about 2:50 PM and prompted an immediate response from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, which was deployed to the scene.

She said the area was quickly cordoned off for clearance and analysis to ensure the safety of commuters and residents.

“One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention,” Adeh said.

She added that a comprehensive investigation, including forensic analysis, has commenced to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion.

The police have urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm. They also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653.

Metro

VIDEO: FCTA Seals NAPTIP Headquarters In Abuja

Published

5 days ago

May 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, on Monday, sealed the headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in Abuja.

This action follows the FCTA’s announcement on Sunday, stating its intention to reclaim property affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years.

According to The PUNCH, officials from the FCTA similarly sealed the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, the Federal Inland Revenue Service office in Abuja, an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station located in Zone 6, Wuse, over non-payment of ground rent.

The closures are said to be part of a larger enforcement campaign targeting defaulting property owners across the FCT.

According to officials, several notices and publications have been issued since 2023, warning all allottees to clear outstanding ground rent obligations.

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