…Inspects Dangote Industrial Jetty, Other Projects In Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Ojota
…Ongoing Projects In Lekki Free Trade Zone Largest Worldwide, Says Dangote
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday inspected the ongoing projects in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, saying the massive investments being jointly made in the axis by government and the private sector was targeted at making Lagos emerge as the next destination for business in Africa.
Governor Ambode, who inspected the progress of work alongside cabinet members, billionaire businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, among other businessmen, said the investments and the infrastructural renewal in the Lekki-Epe axis simultaneously ongoing were geared towards preparing the State for industrial revolution taking place in Nigeria and by extension the West African region.
He said it was gratifying that remarkable progress had been made since the last time a major inspection tour of the projects was carried out, saying the investment activities at the zone would positively impact on the economy of the State.
He said: “We have just inspected the ongoing jetty project being done by Alhaji Aliko Dangote. You are all well aware that we flagged off the construction of Lekki Deep Sea Port some few weeks ago but more importantly this jetty is being done by the Dangote Group to more or less facilitate the movement of their heavy duty machinery to the petrochemical plant and other projects they are doing in this Lekki Free Trade Zone.”
While reiterating the commitment of the State Government to continue to encourage and support investors to continue to do what is right for the economy, Governor Ambode said no efforts would be spared in providing the conducive atmosphere for investments to thrive in the State.
“What we are doing more importantly, as a government, is to continue to encourage the Dangote Group to do what is right for this country and for us to join hands together and collaborate to really show that Lagos is the next destination for the industrial revolution that is taking place in Nigeria and we are very happy to be doing this with him because we know that with the kind of infrastructure that we are providing around Lagos and the kind of infrastructure he is also providing, this place should be the next destination for anybody that is interested in investing in Nigeria.
“That is what this Lekki Free Trade Zone area is all about; that is why a whole lot of what we are doing in the Epe and Lekki axis in pieces more or less when they come to fruition will really show that Lagos is the next destination for investment in Africa,” he said.
Earlier, Dangote said the combined projects under construction at the Lekki Free Trade Zone was the largest anywhere in the world, and that it was important for the right message about the axis to be communicated to the people to appreciate its impact on the economy.
He said: “What is happening here is the largest project anywhere in the world today and this visit is just to show the Governor the industrial jetty that we have built including the water breaker which is 900meters which is almost like about a mile.
“This is to show what we have done in terms of bringing in our cargo to build the refinery. We have done quite a lot in terms of water protection and also it is environmentally friendly and this is what we have shown the Governor.
“This is just showing that this place is going to really open for business and we are looking for a lot of infrastructure to be built and this place will be the next destination for any investment in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the jetty when operational next month would facilitate the shipment of equipment to rev up the projects within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“This is a jetty that is being done by Dangote and by the end of this month, it will be ready for use. Some of the vessel and equipment that cannot come through the land will be coming in through the jetty and that is why this jetty has been built.
“I can assure the people that once the jetty becomes functional, most of the items needed for the fertilizer plant, petrochemicals, refinery and others will be put in place and this is very contingent to what is happening here. As a government, whatever they need in terms of support in all ramifications will be done,” Oladunjoye said.
Besides, the Governor also inspected the new Ojota Inter-state Bus Terminal under construction, ongoing road projects linking Lagos to Ogun State from Epe axis, among others in the Ibeju-Lekki zone.
It is indeed very crucial to note that of all the
Government Security Agencies (GSAs) the Nigerian Navy is statutorily vested with the responsibility of enforcing government policies in the maritime domain. In furtherance of this task, the Navy is saddled with the responsibilty of checkmating against the introduction of off-spec products into the Nigerian oil and gas value chain.
This service is achieved by liaising with regulatory agencies such as NNPCL, NUPRC , NMDPRA, NIMASA and other stakeholders to ensure that valid documents are presented for verification by the Directorate of Marine Services under the Training and Operations Branch of the Nigerian Navy. Also, the NN ensures strict monitoring of petroleum products movement within Nigeria’s maritime environment. In this regard, relevant documents from midstream and downstream including import, Form M, Haulage & marine transportation permits, offtake permits from those agencies including certification of vessel registry from NIMASA amongst others are usually submitted to the Marine before approval can be granted .
. Once these papers are validated, a clearance is granted by Naval Headquarters via signal for the Company’s vessel to proceed with its operations. The Headquarters Task Force South South Operation DELTA SAFE (HQ OPDS) and all Nigerian Navy Operational Commands as well as Bases within the vessel’s Area of Operation are therefore aware of the operation for seamless operations. Notably, laboratory test of the product is usually carried out prior to discharge into vessels at jetties if the product is not AGO or PMS.
This is because such products like Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO ) have similarities with crude oil hence this test. Besides, prior to issuance of any approval, the source of product is usually verified to avoid sourcing illegally refined products. With all of these stringent measures put in place by the NN, it can not then be said that the Nigerian Navy is against anti – crude oil fight. Apart from ensuring that due process is followed in the supply chain of petroleum products, movements in Nigeria Maritime Environment, the NN always interfaces with relevant regulatory Agencies to confirm permits granted by the regulatory agencies. One wonders why the Nigerian Navy could be accused of sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts towards improving crude oil output with the current efforts of the JTF SS OPDS which is being headed by a Naval Rear Admiral. It is on record this Taskforce has been performing credibly well. Since the inception of the Taskforce never has the outfit performed the way it is doing now. Such organizations like NNPCL, SPDC, Chevron, SEEPCO, etc can attest to this fact.
Invariably, the Nigerian Navy is not in any way involved in commercial transactions with oil marketers; how much more blocking or aiding oil theft. Presently, there is an ongoing massive destruction of several illegal refinery camps by the OPDS – all these are geared towards curbing crude oil theft and related crimes. On the incident at Bonny Channel regarding MT LADY MARTINA, information has it that the vessel was duly authorized to engage in that operation. It was gathered that MT LADY MARTINA was ladden with HPFO and not crude oil as alleged by TANTITA and was with relevant valid documents issued by approved Federal Government Agencies such as NNPCL, amongst others as well Naval Headquarters Approval. More so, it was revealed that the product was sourced from Aradel Refinery at Ahoada in Rivers State and was conveyed to FOT Onne using trucks for the the product to be discharged into MT LADY MARTINA. This becomes necessary as Aradel Refinery does not has water front and thus no jetty where vessels can berth to load its products hence the use of trucks to convey their products to FOT Onne (Relevant documents to attached) Pertinently, the Nigerian Navy has not aided any illegality and thus the call from some quarters for the removal of the indefatigable CNS is mischievous and the handiwork of evil minded blackmailers whose business of crude oil theft/illegal bunkering activities have been stagnated. Invariably, such individuals & their cohorts are being driven by their criminal desires bouyed by pecuniary interests and as such they never meant well for our dear Nation. It is against this backdrop that His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR – the C- In – C of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his usual characteristic as our amiable Father is requested to graciously consider commending the efforts of the CNS in the war against oil theft.
NASRE Champions Journalistic Welfare And Professionalism At Lagos Television Visit
By Miracle Oyewale
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has reiterated its strong commitment to raising the standards of journalism and prioritizing the welfare of media practitioners across the country.
This dedication was highlighted during a recent courtesy visit to Lagos Television, where NASRE representatives shared their vision, achievements, and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and supporting journalists nationwide.
Speaking during the visit, Adeyemi Obadimu, NASRE’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the association’s role in providing crucial support to vulnerable journalists. He highlighted the foundation’s efforts to assist journalists facing significant challenges, including illness or bereavement.
“This year alone, we’ve conducted two outreach programs, directly assisting 31 journalists,” Obadimu stated. “Our foundation is particularly focused on supporting the families of deceased journalists, ensuring their children’s education continues uninterrupted despite their loss.”
Building on this, Zakhar Ali, NASRE’s Finance Director, outlined the association’s welfare programs aimed at improving the personal and professional lives of journalists.
“Our mission is to stand by our colleagues in every possible way—be it financial assistance, healthcare, or family support,” Ali remarked. “Journalism is more than a profession; it is a lifelong service to society. Those who dedicate their lives to this noble calling deserve unwavering support.”
The Lagos Television (LTV) General Manager, Adesola Ibironke Kosoko, commended NASRE’s initiatives and expressed readiness to support the association’s programs.
“As journalists, we understand the uncertainties of life. Knowing NASRE is there to support our colleagues during difficult times is both reassuring and inspiring,” Kosoko stated.
NASRE continues to call on individuals, corporations, and government bodies to support its mission. By supporting NASRE’s efforts, these stakeholders can help ensure that those devoted to journalism are adequately cared for in their times of need.
Dr. Abigail Adesina Olagbaye, CEO Desigo Tourism Development and Facility Management Company Ltd and founder, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, a seasoned tourism practitioner with 23 years of experience (out of which 21 years have been in Tourism), has announced her candidacy for President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), the oldest and premier tourism trade Association in Nigeria.
With a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainable growth, Dr. Olagbaye is poised to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
” Her vision is to re-position ATPN as the leading voice for Nigeria’s tourism development,” Dr. Olagbaye stated. “I’m committed to empowering our members with the training, resources, and networking opportunities they need to excel in their careers and elevate industry standards.”
Dr. Olagbaye’s campaign focuses on five key objectives:
– Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaborations and alliances that drive growth and development.
– Capacity Building: Providing training, resources and opportunities to enhance professionalism.
– Advocacy: Amplifying the voice of tourism practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.
– Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems both domestically and internationally.
– Improved Member Benefits: Enhancing the overall experience for ATPN members.
Additional initiatives to consider include:
– Faith-based International Conference Tourism: Tapping into the MICE potential of faith-based tourism.
– Medical Tourism: Promoting Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence.
– Sports Tourism: Leveraging sports to drive tourism growth.
– Language Training: Enhancing language skills to improve tourist experiences.
– Youth Tourism: creating opportunities for youths to be actively engaged in Tourism leveraging their potentials, talents and energies and enabling them to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities that tourism offers.
– Agro Tourism: Develop agro-tourism as a sub-sector of Tourism through partnerships and collaboration with the ministry of agriculture to ensure regulatory support, international organisations for cross pollination of ideas and knowledge transfer and capacity building, encourage our members to organise more farm stays, rural tours, food tourism events for more authentic experiences. Advocate for infrastructural development for rural roads and other amenities. Collaborate with locals for sustainability and inclusion.
To further enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry, Dr. Olagbaye plans to create robust social media platforms for the association. This will enable people at home and abroad to access tourism companies in Nigeria with international standard websites and social media focusing on major sites.Social media being an essential tool for promoting tourism.
As the pioneer of initiatives like Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and Africa Tourism Day, a nouveaux initiative in Africa which she started in 2020 in collaboration with the African Tourism Board, now in its 5th edition, Dr. Olagbaye has demonstrated her passion for sustainable tourism practices and her ability to drive meaningful change. “I invite fellow tourism practitioners to join me in transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” she concluded.
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