NES unveils roadmap for sustainable environment

The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has unveiled a roadmap for a sustainable environmental future, while committing to advanced environmental professionalism, policy development, and sustainable climate action in Nigeria.

The event marked the society’s 40th anniversary, as this conference makes it

35th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria contributes to global climate action, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s environmental challenges and those faced globally.

President and Chief Executive Officer Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, Sarah Mukherjee, who spoke virtually during the conference noted that waste management, pollution control, and energy efficiency are struggles that demand shared learning and solutions.

According to her, Nigeria Environmental Society NES is a beacon of what can be achieved when a group of people come together with a vision and complete the hard work involved.

‘She said: You should be rightly proud to celebrate 40 years of the society’s dedication to shaping national policies, from the National Policy on the Environment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. It is a landmark achievement.

‘Many NES members have served on inter-ministerial committees, offered technical advice, and represented Nigeria at international environmental negotiations. ‘The capacity of the Institute for Technology and professional collaboration has contributed significantly to the country’s environmental governance.

‘There is so much that we can learn from each others, things like flood adaptation work in Copenhagen where overflow areas were transformed into flood-proof cycling lanes. ‘These are the kinds of innovations that reflect what sustainable urban living can look like.’

Speaking, the NES President, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia described the milestone as a defining moment in NES’s journey. ‘We are celebrating our first to 40th anniversary. For the past 40 years, we have made giant strides with different partners across government and the private sector.

Okobia recounted how the society began with ten professionals, mainly from the oil and gas sector, and has since grown to 35 chapters across Nigeria and one in the United Kingdom. He also highlighted the passage of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria Act in May 2023 as a major breakthrough. That Act has given a voice to environmental practice as a foundation in Nigeria.

Dangote Refinery eyes $55b turnover on 1.4m bpd expansion

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has estimated it could surpass annual turnover of $55 billion as the company set to expand its capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd.

President, Dangote Industries Limited and Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote at a world press conference yesterday in Lagos, said the decision to expand the refinery capacity was driven by enabling environment created by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and emerging opportunities across Africa.

According to him, with growing regional demand for cleaner fuels and Nigeria’s evolving policy environment that encourages local refining, the $20 billion facility, already the largest single-train refinery in the world, will more than double its capacity within the next three years, making it a global leader in petroleum refining and a major driver of Africa’s industrial renaissance.

He said the refinery will also expand its polypropylene production capacity from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, further boosting the output of linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient in detergent manufacturing, along with additional production of base oils.

He said: ‘With this expansion, the refinery transitions from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks. We will also expand our power generation capacity to 1,000 megawatts, ensuring complete operational self-sufficiency. More than 85 per cent of our workforce will be Nigerians, with continuous investment in skills development and technology transfer. Our commitment to safety, sustainability and local participation remains unwavering throughout every phase of the expansion’.

He said the expansion reflected the group’s belief in Africa’s potential to achieve energy security and transform its economy from being an exporter of raw crude to a hub for refined petroleum products.

He estimated that the refinery’s revenue could exceed $55 billion annually, making it one of the most valuable industrial assets on the African continent.

‘This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world. It also is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.

‘It is the dream of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for Nigeria to emerge as one of the major suppliers of petroleum products in the world. And with his strong backing through his policies, we are taking on the challenge to make this happen,’ Dangote said.

He said the expansion would be executed over the next three years and would be financed through a mix of cash flow, public listing and strategic investors. When completed, the refinery will surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery, currently the world’s largest facility, cementing Nigeria’s position as a global refining hub.

Highlighting the economic impact of the project, Dangote said the expansion would further strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and save the country billions of dollars annually that would otherwise go into importing refined products.

Dangote reaffirmed plans to list a significant portion of the refinery’s shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) within the next year, describing it as part of efforts to democratise ownership and allow Nigerians to share in the value creation.

‘Our main listing will be here in Nigeria to give Nigerians value. We want the Dangote Refinery to be the golden stock of the Exchange. Listing outside Nigeria is secondary to us. We want this to be a national asset in every sense. This is a step towards broader ownership and market transparency. Therefore we call on all Nigerians to seize this window, to benefit from this golden opportunity. Our long-term goal remains clear: to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent,’ Dangote said.

He said the refinery’s strong cash flow, profitability prospects and strategic positioning would make it attractive to both local and global investors.

He said: ‘This expansion will create additional jobs, support thousands of SMEs, and deepen our industrial base. Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people. It is a vote of confidence in Nigeria, in the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, and in the ability of Africans to build and manage world-class infrastructure’.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting industrialisation policies such as Nigeria’s First, Naira-for-Crude and the ‘One-Stop Shop’ initiatives, which he said have emboldened investors to take on transformative projects.

He also commended the government’s intervention in mediating recent disruptions at the refinery linked to union activity and sabotage attempts, calling it a demonstration of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Despite not yet recouping the initial investment in the 650,000 bpd phase, Dangote said the group is focused on long-term transformation rather than short-term returns.

He said: ‘Refining is a long-term project. We are expanding because we believe in Africa. Without this refinery, Nigeria would still be buying dollars at ridiculous rates and depleting our reserves to import fuel’.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s pump price remains among the lowest in the region despite the refinery’s production of higher-quality, cleaner fuels that have reduced toxic dumping in the country.

Dangote emphasised that the refinery has already made a difference by stabilising local fuel supply, helping to strengthen the naira, and preventing capital flight.

He said: ‘Nigerians today buy petrol at roughly half the price of what our neighbours pay and it is even cheaper than in Saudi Arabia. Our product is of higher quality, meeting Euro VI standards, and it has significantly reduced the dumping of toxic fuel into our market’.

As Nigeria approaches the festive season, Dangote assured the public that there would be no fuel scarcity or price hike during the ember months, despite recent global price increases.

‘In the last three days, we have witnessed an eight per cent spike in global oil prices. But I want to assure Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period. For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety,’ Dangote said.

He commended the Federal and Lagos State Governments for their continued support, along with the company’s host community in Lekki and its financial and technical partners.

He said: ‘This expansion is not just about capacity; it is about confidence – in our people, in our government and in our continent. Together, we are building a stronger Nigeria and redefining what is possible for Africa’.

He called on other investors holding refinery licences to emulate the example, urging collaboration in achieving President Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria the refining hub of Africa.

‘When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its own destiny,’ Dangote said.

Bellingham claims Madrid’s Clasico win over Barca

Jude Bellingham’s goal helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 to win a tense Clasico and move five points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Champions Barcelona won all four times the teams were pitted against each other last season but in his first Clasico as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso snapped that run.

Kylian Mbappe, who later missed a penalty, fired Madrid in front and although Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham netted a second for the hosts before half-time which proved decisive.

Barca playmaker Pedri was sent off in the final stages for a second yellow card as tensions spilled over in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s victory means they have won nine of their opening 10 league games and Alonso’s side proved against Barca they can triumph on the big occasion, following their derby humbling by Atletico Madrid in September.

‘Against Atletico we didn’t play how we wanted and today we had another chance to show what we can do, and we have to continue like this,’ said Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Alonso said his team ‘needed this feeling of being able to win a big game’ after last season’s struggles against Barca.

The Spaniard’s counterpart on the touchline was Hansi Flick’s assistant Marcus Sorg, as the German coach was suspended following a red card last weekend as they scraped a victory over relegation-battling Girona.

‘The season is long, we have 28 more games and we’re not scared about the situation now,’ said Sorg after the defeat.

Barcelona were without several regular starters, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo among others, while Lamine Yamal still does not appear fully fit after a groin injury but started.

The teenager wound up Madrid fans in the week by claiming Los Blancos ‘steal’ and ‘complain’ and his name was greeted with a chorus of jeers when read out before kick-off.

Barcelona had more of the ball in the first half but it was largely sterile possession and Madrid created the most dangerous opportunities.

The hosts were awarded an early penalty when Yamal clashed with Vinicius Junior, but it was cancelled after a VAR review.

Madrid fans’ ire at the officials grew when Mbappe blasted home from outside the area but the goal was ruled out for a millimetre offside against the French superstar.

Mbappe did not have long to wait before he could celebrate in earnest, after fine movement and a perfect pass by Bellingham sent him through on goal.

The forward, the division’s top goalscorer, netted his 11th league goal of the campaign with a lethal low finish past Wojciech Szczesny.

The Polish goalkeeper made several more saves and it was against the run of play when Barcelona equalised.

Arda Guler gave away possession in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford, playing in his first Clasico, crossed for Lopez to blast the visitors level in the 38th minute.

Bellingham struck Madrid’s second five minutes later to give Los Blancos a deserved advantage at the interval.

The England international, who scored his first goal at the Bernabeu since April in midweek against Juventus, gleefully tapped home after Eder Militao nodded Vinicius’s cross back into his path.

Madrid should have extended their lead at the start of the second half but Szczesny made a fine save to push out Mbappe’s penalty, after Eric Garcia was penalised for handball.

Yamal, frustrated and struggling to make an impact on the game, sent a long-range shot high over the bar as Madrid closed ranks and kept the Catalans at a safe distance from their goal.

Sorg sent defender Ronald Araujo up front during nine minutes of stoppage time in desperation, but unlike last weekend it did not pay off.

Pedri was sent off in the final seconds for a second yellow card for a late foul on Tchouameni, sparking a brief side-line shoving match, while players from both sides rowed after the final whistle.

‘(Yamal) needs more rhythm, more games, on the highest level, it’s normal (after injury). He’s 18, we have to help him and we will do it all together,’ added Sorg, after the winger was nullified by Madrid.

‘They defended well, Real, we have to accept this.’

Drunk driver dies in lone crash near Alaka Bridge

A motorist lost his life late Saturday night after his vehicle somersaulted several times near the Alaka Bridge in Surulere, Lagos, in what authorities have described as a drunk-driving incident.

The tragic crash occurred around 11:45 p.m. on October 25, when the driver of a Navy Blue Toyota Camry marked EKY 311 GK reportedly lost control of the speeding vehicle while heading towards Iponri. The car veered off the road and overturned repeatedly, killing the driver instantly.

Officials of the newly inaugurated Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) 24-hour Night Operations Squad, stationed within the Surulere axis, responded swiftly to the scene. The team promptly secured and cordoned off the area to prevent secondary accidents and alerted officers from the Bode Thomas Police Division, who conducted a full investigation and documentation.

According to LASTMA’s preliminary findings, eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence indicated that the deceased had been driving under the influence of alcohol, which severely impaired his judgment and reaction time.

The police later released the body of the deceased to his wife and family members, who were contacted through his mobile phone retrieved from the wreckage.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, describing the crash as ‘a tragic yet sobering reminder of the fatal consequences of intoxicated driving.’

He urged motorists to remain vigilant and responsible, particularly during the Ember Months, a period often associated with increased vehicular movement and heightened crash risks.

Bakare-Oki emphasized that one of the key resolutions of the recently concluded ‘LASTMA Ember Months Stakeholders’ Forum’ was the intensified campaign against drunk driving – a menace he said continues to claim innocent lives across Lagos and beyond.

Ibom Air, Akwa United sign N200m sponsorship deal

Ibom Air has signed a N200 million strategic sponsorship agreement with Akwa United Football Club.

With the deal, the state airline has become the team’s official sponsor for the next two years.

Stakeholders have described it as a major boost for sports development and private sector involvement in Akwa Ibom State.

The deal, signed last Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, will see Ibom Air contribute both cash and in-kind support, with 50 percent of the sponsorship delivered through services and logistics.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, said the partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to community development through sports, health and education.

‘Akwa United is a team with a proud history currently in a rebuilding phase. We want to support their resurgence and help them return to the top of Nigerian football. This partnership reflects our belief in the power of sports to inspire young people and unite our state,’ Uriesi said.

Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr. Joseph Eno, described the sponsorship as timely and morale-boosting for the club’s players and technical crew.

‘This support comes at a crucial moment as we restructure and strive to regain our competitive strength. Wearing the Ibom Air brand reminds us that we represent excellence, and we must live up to it,’ he said.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, praised the collaboration as a fulfilment of the Umo Eno administration’s ARISE Agenda, which encourages private sector participation in sports.

‘This is a dream come true. Bringing Akwa United and Ibom Air together is a visionary step. Beyond supporting our club, we are setting a foundation for sports in Akwa Ibom to meet global standards,’ he added.

The event also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey bearing the Ibom Air logo and the inauguration of working committees to manage the partnership.

Our Correspondent reports that; Akwa United, winners of the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League and twice FA Cup champions, was founded in 1997 and remains one of the state’s flagship sporting institutions.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the club’s financial stability, improve player welfare and enhance its competitiveness on the national and continental stage.

Peace Warriors win maiden Tiger Street Football in Awka

Awka was abuzz with excitement on Saturday night as the maiden Tiger Street Football Tournament came to a fitting finale with blend of football, music and street culture to the delight of the teeming fans.

But it was Peace Warriors that emerged as the maiden champions after defeating Peace Ambassadors 3-1 on penalties in a tense final at the lively Newberries Lounge, Awka. The game ended goalless in regulation time, but the Warriors held their nerve during the shootout to clinch victory and the ?5 million top prize, along with gold medals and bragging rights as the first champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.

Peace Ambassadors, who pushed their opponents all the way, received ?3 million and silver medals as runners-up. The two losing semi-finalists – Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion – each earned ?1 million and bronze medals for their spirited performances.

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors, who scored three goals and was instrumental in his team’s journey to the title. His sharp attacking play and leadership earned him cheers from fans and recognition from the organisers.

Earlier in the day, the semi-finals served up plenty of drama. Peace Warriors battled to a 1-1 draw with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4-3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors produced a commanding 4-1 win over Peace Dominion to reach the final.

But beyond the football, the grand finale was a true street festival. The crowd was treated to pulsating music from DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay. Y, while live performances from Jerio and the duo Wanni and Handi kept the energy levels high. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added even more spark, turning the football arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community.

Fans also enjoyed an array of local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and fun side attractions. Lucky spectators went home with prizes from raffle draws, which added to the festive atmosphere.

Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the event as a celebration of Nigerian creativity and courage.

‘What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football – it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,’ Agah said. ‘Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people – their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine,’ she added that the success of the first edition is only the beginning.

Spectators also praised the organisers for combining sport with entertainment. Chinedu Eze, a fan at the event, said the night was one to remember. ‘It wasn’t just about football – it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,’ he said. ‘Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.’

For the champions, the victory was a dream come true. ‘We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,’ said the MVP winner, Onyebuchi ‘Kudos to the Tiger brand of beer because this is kind of opportunity many of us are looking for, and we are glad that it came to our doorsteps.

‘This platform was unique, and to win this in front of our people, and with Tiger supporting us, is something we’ll never forget,’ he remarked.

As fireworks lit up the Awka sky and Jerio closed the night with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to a new beginning for grassroots football in Nigeria.

The Tiger Street Football Tournament, organised by Tiger Beer, proved to be more than a sports event – it was a celebration of courage, culture, and community.

NCSP, firm meet on real estate projects

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has held a strategic meeting with Brains and Hammer Hengke Limited, a Joint Venture initiative between Brains and Hammers Ltd. and Hunan Hengke Group, a leading Chinese real estate and construction conglomerate.

The partnership is set to pioneer the development of two 25-floor Brains and Hammers Towers, a state-of-the-art mixed-use complex combining hotel and residential spaces, as well as the construction of 30,000 smart, solar-powered homes across Nigeria.

With a shared commitment to affordability, sustainability, and innovation, the projects are designed to create jobs, foster technology transfer, and strengthen local manufacturing capacity in critical components such as glass, roofing, and electrical systems.

These efforts are in line with the NCSP’s transformative agenda and its mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

The Director-General of the NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, in a statement which was made available to The Nation, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Partnership’s support for the projects.

He further emphasised the importance of aligning delivery with quality, while driving towards the vision of building the tallest, safest, smartest, and best-maintained structures in Abuja.

Tegbe said the NCSP remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing partnerships that align with Nigeria’s national development priorities, ensuring that every collaboration drives real impact, sustainable growth, and mutual prosperity.

FCCPC refocuses on improving efficiency resilient institution

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refocused on improving efficiency and building a stronger, more resilient institution, with emphasis on taking a chance to take stock of the Commission’s progress, identify existing gaps, and chart a clear path towards better performance and service delivery.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello stated this during the 2025 management retreat in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Building Resilience for Sustainable Institutional Capacity’ and stating that, even though the commission is relatively young and evolving, it has gained national and international recognition for its enforcement and advocacy work

He said, ‘Lasting impact depends on continuous investment in staff capacity, modern tools, and a well-aligned structure, acknowledging that he took over the mantle of leadership of the FCCPC in July 2024, and inherited a thriving agency, which by all standards had created for itself an enviable image and a pride of place among the regulatory agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

‘The strength of the FCCPC lies with a critical mass among the Commission’s staff, we must keep investing in knowledge, systems, and work environments that support productivity and professionalism. This retreat is not a formality, it is a deliberate effort to reposition the Commission for long-term success.

‘The challenges facing the organisation go beyond technical competence. They also involve maintaining discipline, respecting communication channels and living up to the service values that define public institutions. We have to build a results-driven culture based on fairness, teamwork, and accountability,’ he said.

This retreat brings together senior officers and management staff to review ongoing operations, improve coordination across departments, and align priorities with the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Bello introduced Hajiya Ummusalma Isiyaku Rabiu and Mr. Louis Odion as the newly appointed Executive Commissioners for Corporate Services and Operations. Both officials, he noted, will soon attend the mandatory induction course at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, in line with Federal Government policy.

He encouraged participants to make the discussions practical and forward-looking, assuring them that the retreat’s resolutions will guide upcoming reforms aimed at strengthening FCCPC’s operations in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NECO opens UK exam centre for Nigerians in diaspora

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the establishment of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom (UK).

The examination body said the new centre is a part of its global expansion drive to provide credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Its Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, unveiled the centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025.

He said the initiative was developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Limited.

In a statement yesterday by NECO’s acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the registrar said: ‘The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

‘Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement.’

The NECO chief described the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a strategic step towards extending NECO’s global footprint.

He added that the council now administers examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

Wushishi explained that the London centre would empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and strengthen the global recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several UK universities, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards ensuring that ‘no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind’.

Alausa said the move aligned with the Federal Ministry of Education’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a vital educational resource.

The statement added that the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Ibanga said: ‘Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression.

‘This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement.’

The statement said during a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre.

The registrar stated that the UK remained a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, lauded NECO’s move as a ‘timely and commendable effort’ consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

Abu-Obe added: ‘The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom.’

Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road ready soon, says commissioner

Ogun State Government has appealed to motorists and residents plying Abeokuta-Sango Ota to remain calm and exercise patience, as construction continues on the busy corridor.

In a statement, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences being experienced by road users, noting that some sections of the road had become slippery due to ongoing earthworks and the rainy season.

He advised motorists to drive carefully and comply with traffic directives, to prevent avoidable accidents, explaining that concrete pavement casting ongoing along parts of the Ewekoro axis had necessitated temporary closure of certain sections and introduction of traffic diversions.

Akinsanya, an engineer, assured the public that the government was working to rehabilitate and restore the road’s full functionality.

Admitting that persistent rainfall in recent weeks had slowed down the pace of work, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the project within record time.

‘Key sections such as Obada Oko, Ilese Awo, Onijanganjangan and Ewekoro are receiving attention from the contractor. Efforts are being intensified to improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility across the entire stretch,’ he said.

The commissioner said Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway was a federal road, adding that Ogun State Government, in its magnanimity and in line with its people-oriented governance philosophy, had taken over its reconstruction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

He said the state’s intervention aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time and prevent the loss of lives and productive hours associated with poor road conditions along the corridor.

Expressing optimism about progress on the project, Akinsanya reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering durable, safe and quality road infrastructure across the state.