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Tag: Infrastructure improvement

  • Lagos Govt Announces Traffic Diversion On Adekunle Ramp For Construction Works

    Lagos Govt Announces Traffic Diversion On Adekunle Ramp For Construction Works

    The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has declared a temporary closure of the Adekunle Ramp, both inward and outward, effective from Sunday, 19th November to 8th December 2023.

    This closure aims to facilitate ongoing construction works with a projected completion period of five weeks.

    In a press release signed by Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, alternative routes have been outlined to ease traffic flow during this period.

    The routes are: Lagos Island to Ebute Meta: Motorists are advised to utilize Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge), subsequently linking Iddo and accessing the Otto/Oyingbo axis. From there, they can proceed along Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their intended destinations;

    Concerning Victoria Island Traffic Diversion, commuters were asked to navigate through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, then proceed through Apongbon to access Eko Bridge. Continuing via Costain through Apapa Road and Railway Compound to Alagomeji, they can use Glover Road to reach Apena Junction, eventually accessing Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey.

    If one is traveling from Lagos-Ibadan through Adekunle to Ebute-Meta: they are advised to utilize the Ikorodu Road via Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, and Fadeyi. From Fadeyi, they can proceed through Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way for onward movement.

    Similarly, motorists from Gbagada are encouraged to pass through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road towards Jibowu. From Jibowu, they can access Herbert Macaulay Way to connect to their intended destinations.

    For those traveling from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Ebute-Meta, they were recommended to take the Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way. From there, they can access Ikorodu Road to reach their respective destinations.

    The press release emphasized the presence of traffic and security personnel deployed to manage the construction zones and alternative routes.

    Motorists were also urged to cooperate with officials, exercise patience, and observe safety measures during the ongoing construction works.

    According to the statement, the closure applies solely to the Adekunle Ramp, with the entirety of the 3rd Mainland Bridge remaining accessible to motorists during this period.

    See the full statement below:

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

    PRESS RELEASE

    DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC ON ADEKUNLE RAMP, INWARD AND OUTWARD

    Following the level of the construction works ongoing on Adekunle Ramp and in order to complete it in record time of Five Weeks, the entire traffic inward and outward of the ramp will close to traffic from Sunday, 19th November till 8th December, 2023, (the completion period of 5 weeks earmarked for the project).

    Consequently, alternative routes presently in use still subsist as follows;

    1. Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Meta will make use of Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota Bridge) to link Iddo inwards Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link their desired destinations.

    2. Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to link Eko Bridge, Costain via Apapa Road, Railway Compound to link Alagomeji, Glover Road to access Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to connect their desired destinations.

    3. In the same vein, Motorists wishing to travel through Adekunle to Ebute- Meta from Lagos- Ibadan are advised to make use of Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journeys.

    4. Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations. 5. Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Meta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road to access their various destinations

    Adequate traffic and security personnel are still on ground at the construction zones and the various alternative routes/critical points, Motorists are encouraged to cooperate with them, exercise patience and observe safety measures during the palliative works.

    It should be noted that the entire stretch of 3rd Mainland Bridge inward and outward is still open to Motorists during this period as only the Adekunle ramp is affected.

    E-signed;

    Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi,

    Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.

    16th November, 2023.

  • FCTA Demolishes 11,705 Shanty Colonies, Generates N2.5bn Revenue

    The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11,705 shanty colonies across the city, Abuja, from January to October, according to an official.

    The department also generated N2.5 billion and created 13,873 direct and indirect jobs within the period.

    Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, FCTA, disclosed this during a media briefing on the activities of the department in Abuja on Sunday.

    Galadima explained that the shanties and illegal developments were demolished in conjunction with the Ministerial Enforcement Task Force Team.

    He identified the affected areas as Kabusa, Kasuwan dare, Galadimawa junction, Mabushi scavenger colony and Gudu District along Oladipo Diya way.

    He equally said that the department also removed obstructing structures on waterways at Lugbe, Jahi and Lokogoma.

    This, according to him, has curtailed the flooding being experienced within the city in recent years.

    He also said that the encroachment on rights of way and security black spots were equally dismantled in collaboration with security agencies in the FCT.

    The director also disclosed that a total of 1,764 building plan applications were received within the period, out of which 1,422 were granted approvals, including backlogs of previous years.

    On revenue generation, Galadima said that the N2.5 billion was generated from building plan approval and land use contraventions from January to October.

    He said that amount represents 68.5 per cent of the N3.7 billion target for the year, adding that of the N2.5 billion, N1.7 billion was generated from building plan approval alone.

    The director also explained that the 13,873 direct and indirect jobs were created at different stages of construction at various sites as approved by the department.

    Another achievement according to Galadima included the inauguration of One-Stop Vetting Team to treat backlog of files and fast -track of building plan approval for Plots within areas serviced with infrastructure.

    He added that the department also established Regional Offices to decentralise monitoring and enforcement activities in the Area Councils and Satellite Towns.

    “We equally inaugurated a Committee on the Prevention of Building Collapse in the FCT to proffer modalities and institutional framework to avert building collapse in the territory.

    “The department also inaugurated a Post-Development Audit which commenced at Dawaki as a pilot scheme.

    “The staff of the department equally carried out routine monitoring of physical development activities within the territory where contravening developments are served either with stop work, quit notice or demolition notice,” he said.

    On staff welfare, Galadima said that the department has institutionalised end of year activities where it appraises itself, enhances staff bonding as well as presents awards to deserving staff to boost morale.

    “There is also a monthly medical fitness check for all staff and monthly sporting activities to boost physical fitness of staff,” he added.

    He identified increasing cases of land grabbing and harassment of the department staff by security agencies as some of the challenges recorded within the period under review.

    “There is also the problem of non-resettlement of indigenous communities which created pockets of expanding slums throughout the city.

    “Another challenge is the inadequate and obsolete utility vehicles for monitoring and heavy-duty equipment for enforcement to cover the ever-growing territory.

    “Others are inadequate office accommodation, slow adoption information and communication technology, and non-0utilisation of land after removal of squatter settlements.

    “There is also the challenge of slow pace of infrastructural development especially in the satellite towns and abandoned buildings serving as criminal hideouts among others,” he said. 

  • Wike Sets To Launch Comprehensive Roads Rehabilitation In Abuja

    In a bid to enhance the state of road infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, is gearing up to kickstart an extensive road rehabilitation and bridge repair project. The official launch is scheduled for Monday.

    Anthony Ogunleye, the Ministry’s Director of Press, made the announcement in a statement released on Saturday, emphasizing the significance of this initiative in improving the FCT’s road network.

    The comprehensive resurfacing project will target 135 roads across prominent districts such as Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa, and Maitama. This endeavor is poised to breathe new life into these roads, ensuring their durability and improved functionality.

    The official flag-off ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. along Ladoke Akintola Boulevard in Garki II, Abuja. This marks a pivotal moment as it signifies Minister Wike’s commitment to driving rapid infrastructure development within the nation’s capital.

    With this initiative, Nyesom Wike aims to set a promising precedent for significant infrastructure improvements and a brighter future for the FCT’s transportation network.

  • FG sets to enhance rail sector for improved services -Alkali

    The Federal Government has underscored its commitment to overhauling the rail transportation sector to ensure superior service delivery, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating a secure, accessible, and affordable railway network accessible to all Nigerians.

    During an unannounced visit to the Idu Train Station in Abuja, Senator Sai’du Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, affirmed this dedication. Alkali outlined strategic steps to rejuvenate the railway system, including bolstering cooperation with the Military high command to enhance security measures along all railway routes.

    Addressing concerns about the subpar condition of train coaches, amenities, lifts, and escalators, the Minister assured that comprehensive repairs would be expedited, ensuring they become operational promptly.

    Furthermore, the Minister extended commendation to security personnel for their role in maintaining safety. He assured the personnel that any outstanding allowances would be settled without delay, and going forward, remuneration would be provided punctually.

    Alkali reiterated that rail transportation remains the optimal means of travel, encouraging Nigerians to continue embracing it. He emphasized ongoing endeavors to align rail services with international standards and best practices.

  • FG to redesign Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi has vowed to redesign the Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road in Kogi State.

    Umahi, who spoke during a courtesy call on the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello at the Government House, Lokoja on Tuesday night, also revealed plans for long-lasting, low-maintenance concrete roads and assured of swift progress on all federal road projects in the state.

    The minister had earlier on Tuesday inspected a bridge reconstruction at Gada-biu, the Abaji section of Abuja-Lokoja road, Koto-Karfe bridge, Murtala bridge, Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road, Lokoja-Okene Road, and Lokoja-Kabba Road.

    He disclosed that the federal government was considering concrete road construction innovation which he said it has low-maintenance cost and can last for over 50 years without maintenance.

    The minister also disclosed that concrete roads are cheaper in terms of construction cost and the guarantee of construction materials. 

    He, however, commended Governor Yahaya Bello’s commitment to the people of Kogi State and his administration’s accomplishments across education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

    The Minister expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception upon his appointment as Minister of Works and for his dedication to the betterment of Kogi State.

    In a remark, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, expressed deep appreciation for the minister’s proactive approach in inspecting deteriorating federal roads within the state, which according to him, demonstrated a significant dedication to resolving pressing infrastructure issues.

    Bello also expressed optimism regarding the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road infrastructure, and commended Umahi for his visit to the state.

    The governor highlighted the concern surrounding the condition of federal roads in Kogi State, emphasizing its strategic position as the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

    He acknowledged the hardships faced by commuters, the negative impact on trade and the economy, and the strain on transportation systems. 

  • Allow us fix moribund refineries, female engineers beg Tinubu

    The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), at the weekend appealed to President Bola Tinubu to give female engineers an opportunity to fix the nation’s moribund refineries.

    Newly-elected APWEN Lagos Chapter Chairman, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, made the call during the association’s public lecture and Annual General Meeting in Ikeja.

    Owolabi assured that female engineers spread across the various arms of the profession could fix the refineries within a year.

    “All women engineers are ready to come together and see how we can proffer solutions, making sure that we revamp these refineries.

    “So, we call on our president to challenge female engineers to revamp and rehabilitate these refineries, and I want to assure you that, within a year, just challenge us, we will make sure that the refineries would be put to operation by the grace of God,” she said.

    She said any nation aspiring for development must empower its indigenous engineers and manpower.

    “It is imperative that our homegrown engineers are empowered and granted the right opportunity to showcase our competence,” she said.

    She said women had inbuilt natural qualities of being good managers and being excellent, adding that their talents should also be explored in building roads and other critical infrastructure.

    Owolabi said Nigeria should reduce reliance on foreign experts and give opportunity to local engineers who are equally or more competent than their imported counterparts.

    “I want to also implore our leaders, especially our president and governors, to empower indigenous engineers because we are very good.

    “A country without engineers cannot develop,” she said.

    Owolabi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, promised that her administration would focus on mentorship and skill development for young engineers.

    She also pledged collaboration with other NGOs while reeling out planned development programmes for three Lagos communities.

    “Together, we shall shatter barriers and triumph over challenges in reaffirmation of the fact that gender should never constrain one’s potential in any domain,” she said.

    The guest speaker, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, speaking on the theme, “The Role of Female Engineers in Building Sustainable Infrastructure”, said rising fuel prices required urgent measures for green alternatives.

    Abdul, a former APWEN President, said green buildings reduce wastes, conserve energy and ensure huge energy savings and enormous long-term benefits.

    She said Lagos was investing heavily in renewable energy while listing completed and ongoing interventions in various sectors, including health, education, housing and transportation.

    Abdul said the various options available were wasting because some Nigerians have a class mentality not allowing them embrace local researches.

    She cited examples of viable technologies, developed by “our forefathers”, being ignored because people want to move with trending foreign technologies.

    Abdul advised APWEN to adopt communities and train them on how to generate power from their wastes.

    She also enumerated measures female engineers could adopt against work place discrimination and how to receive mentorship from male counterparts without bruising their ego.

    Panelists at the event proffered solutions to the multifaceted problem of inadequate water supply in Lagos State.

    They enumerated ways mentorship and advocacy could grow capacity of female engineers.