News

Lagos Taskforce Uuncovers 2 Illegal Petroleum Storage Facilities

Published

12 months ago

July 24, 2024

The Lagos State Taskforce has uncovered two illegal petroleum storage facilities where over 2,000 litres of diesel were recovered during multiple sting operations of blackspots in Ikoyi and environs.

Also, a total of 114 suspects were arrested and five were released unconditionally after properly identifying themselves.

The operation was led by the State Taskforce Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, in a late night operation on Tuesday night.

Akele explained that the operation was based on the feedback mantra of “see something, say something” put in place by the agency and the directive and support of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, major blackspots at Mosley Street, Glover Road and Lateef Jakande Avenue in Ikoyi were raided by the agency after concerned residents highlighted the clustering numbers of unidentifiable individuals at those selected locations and the conversions of residential areas to safe havens for suspected criminals and miscreants.

He said, “After having carefully analyzing the complaints received, a discreet investigation was carried out in the vicinity which confirmed the intelligence to be credible, and resulting in a late night raid.

“We have come out here to address issues of environmental and safety concerns in Ikoyi where residents have complained about the increasing numbers of miscreants who have converted these inner streets to restaurants, drinking spots, gambling spots, and boutiques to mention but a few.

“It is an eyesore what we encountered here during our investigations and we will ensure that we restore sanity to these streets immediately.”

The Chairman further disclosed that an illegal petroleum storage facility was discovered during the operation where over 2000 litres of diesel was discovered in an unsafe location, posing a risk to both occupants of the uncompleted building and neighbours on the same street.

He stated that the occupants of the building risked safety concerns regarding storage of petroleum products which if not properly managed could result in a fire disaster.

“We have discovered over 2000 liters of diesel stylishly hidden in this abandoned building in an unsafe manner which could lead to a fire disaster.

“Diesel is highly flammable and also combustible if not properly stored. Therefore this miscreants are not just risking their lives through their ignorant actions but also the lives of their neighbors and passerby in the event of an explosion.”

Akerele also warned street traders who are still in the practice defacing the environment and disposing their waste into the gutters and drainage channels in any part of the state to move their trade to approved markets or risk being arrested.

He also warned miscreants who lay about and convert streets to religious grounds, social event centers and sports ground to desist forthwith or be prosecuted.

Akerele stated that such selfish actions hinder on the right of residents to live in peace and serenity as prescribed in the THEMES PLUS agenda of the State Government.

“I urge every well meaning Lagosian to notify us of any environmental infraction by any individual or groups of individuals in any part of the Metropolis to prevent an environmental mishap.

“Its our duty and responsibility to ensure that such infractions are nipped in the bud to maintain sanity and habitability across board.

“A total of 114 suspects were arrested and five were released unconditionally after properly identifying themselves and stating their business.

“The remaining suspects will be charged to court and all items confiscated will be forfeited to the state government through the court,” Akele affirmed.

News

Bill To Establish Federal Oil And Gas Hospital In Delta Scales Second Reading In Senate

Published

57 minutes ago

July 8, 2025

Editor

A Bill seeking to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State, has passed second reading in the Senate.

The proposed hospital is aimed at providing comprehensive medical services for workers in the oil and gas industry, as well as for communities affected by oil and gas operations.

Presiding over the session, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative work. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks.

The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital, Benikrukru, Delta State (SB. 847), was sponsored by Senator Onwakpo Thomas Joel (APC, Delta South). It was first read on June 24, 2025.

Leading the debate, Senator Joel explained that the bill aims to provide specialized medical services to oil and gas workers and their host communities, who are frequently exposed to occupational hazards resulting in illnesses and injuries.

“The bill seeks to establish a hospital that will ensure access to quality healthcare for workers in the oil and gas sector, as well as residents of communities affected by exploration activities,” he said.

He noted that the hospital would offer emergency care, occupational health services, and treatment for oil and gas-related conditions, helping to reduce downtime and increase productivity in the industry.

“The siting of this hospital is strategic. It will help address long-standing agitations and restiveness in the Niger Delta by offering tangible health benefits to affected communities,” Joel added.

He highlighted that Delta South Senatorial District has the highest offshore crude oil production in Delta State and ranks second nationally. The proposed location for the hospital lies at the heart of offshore oil exploration, serving communities and companies such as Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

Senator Joel also emphasized that the hospital’s funding structure has been designed to avoid additional financial burden on the federal treasury.

“The hospital will be funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which derives revenue from 1% of every contract awarded within the oil and gas sector,” he explained.

“Since the NCDMB is not directly funded by the federal government, the hospital’s funding will come from this independent revenue source.”

The bill’s passage is seen as a significant step toward improving healthcare access in oil-producing communities and addressing environmental and occupational health concerns in the Niger Delta.

News

FG Launches Passport Front Office For Senior Public Officials

Published

2 hours ago

July 8, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja launched a new passport front office specifically for senior public officials

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the office has a specialised facility designated to facilitate a timely and seamless passport process.

He stated that the facility was established in response to the persistent challenges faced by senior government officials in accessing passports.

“Before now, many top-level public servants had to abandon their official duties and endure long queues at standard passport offices.

“It will became clear that for us to serve the nation more effectively, we must also serve those tasked with its leadership more efficiently,” he said.

He further said that the initiative was part of a broader reform effort championed by the ministry.

“When we came in, it was shocking that the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service had no dedicated passport facility for public officials.

“Today marks a turning point as we begin to bridge that gap and set a new course for service delivery in our nation,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo also commended the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for its professionalism and implementation expertise.

“This facility sets a new benchmark for excellence and will significantly improve access, reduce waiting time and thereby elevate the overall passport service delivery standard,” the minister stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration was attended by the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, heads of all Services under the ministry alongside stakeholders.

News

JAMB Sets Cut-off Mark For University Admissions

Published

5 hours ago

July 8, 2025

Editor

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The decision was reached on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, with stakeholders from various tertiary institutions in attendance.

According to JAMB, 140 was approved as the minimum score for colleges of nursing sciences, while polytechnics, colleges of education, and colleges of agriculture will admit candidates with a minimum score of 100.

“The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB announced via its official X account.