Category: PM News

The Lagos State Government will on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, host the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference, a high-level gathering designed to reposition safety as a central pillar of the state’s economic and social transformation.

Themed ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a Catalyst for Nation Building,’ the landmark event, organised by the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), will take place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, and will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and development partners.

According to the organisers, the conference comes at a crucial time in Lagos’s development journey, as the state grapples with rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and rising population density.

These factors, they noted, have heightened risks ranging from building collapses and transport accidents to industrial hazards, large gatherings, and emergencies in informal sectors.

The summit will move beyond dialogue to concrete policy action, aligning safety governance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision of transforming Lagos into Africa’s model megacity and a global economic hub that is safe, secure, and resilient.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Director General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, underscored the strategic importance of the conference.

‘Occupational Safety and Health is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and driving Lagos’s growth story. At LASOSH 2025, we are going beyond rhetoric and building a Lagos where safety is a culture, innovation drives resilience, and every life is valued,’ he said.

The programme will feature an address by Governor Sanwo-Olu, a keynote speech on OSH as a cornerstone of sustainable nation-building, and a special policy dialogue led by Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, on financing safety through public-private partnerships.

Global representatives from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States will also share lessons from international best practices.

Panel and discourse sessions will explore sector-specific safety standards, as well as the future of work in balancing innovation, technology, and health. Companies such as Google, Ernst and Young, Lafarge, and BUA Group are expected to participate.

Expected outcomes from the conference include stronger legislation, safer workplaces, improved emergency preparedness, reduced accident rates, and greater economic productivity. By mainstreaming safety into urban planning, industrial operations, and social development, the state hopes to secure investor confidence while safeguarding the lives of its residents.

The LASOSH Conference 2025 is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The National Coordinator of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-To-Door Movement, Sunday Asuku, has praised President Tinubu for his efforts in promoting national unity and inspiring renewed hope in Nigeria’s future.

Speaking during a peace walk in Lagos organised to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Asuku emphasized the importance of sacrifice, vision, and leadership in shaping the nation’s path forward.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers sowed the seeds of freedom. Today, their legacy lives in us,’ he said. ‘Nigeria is more than just a country – it is the heartbeat of Africa. Our strength lies in our diversity, our unity, and the resilience of our people.’

Asuku commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a critical driver of national transformation and optimism for a better Nigeria. He also recognized the efforts of governors and local leaders across the country for pushing development at the grassroots level.

The PBAT Door-To-Door Movement, he said, is committed to taking the message of good governance, unity, and progress to every household, every street, and every community.

He added: ‘We believe the true strength of a nation is not only found in its leaders but in the will of its people to build, to endure, and to triumph. Today, we renew our faith in Nigeria – praying for peace, security, economic prosperity, and enduring unity.’

The event, which included youth groups and supporters, marked a symbolic reaffirmation of the collective will to build a Nigeria that stands tall among the nations of the world.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga says those who have condemned the Lagos-Calabar Highway currently being constructed will be ashamed of themselves when it is completed.

Onanuga implied that the highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is already transforming commuting in Lagos.

In a post shared on Facebook, Onanuga described his recent experience traveling from Ajah to Isaac John Street in Ikeja, a journey that typically takes upwards of two hours during peak periods.

He said though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has ‘greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.’

Onanuga wrote: ‘The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria. Those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves when the Tinubu administration completes the road. Though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.

‘On Friday morning, when I set out from Ajah to Isaac John in Ikeja, Google Maps first indicated the journey would last two and a half hours. But in a flash, it showed me an alternative route that will last just 70 minutes. I took the option and found myself on the Coastal Road. In less than 25 minutes, we arrived at the Ahmadu Bello end of the road. Except for the traffic snarl at the MRS fuel station caused by motorists queuing for Dangote petrol, the journey to Ikeja was smooth sailing.

‘We arrived in Ikeja in a record 65 minutes on a usually traffic-busy Friday. Blessed be the visioner and dreamer, and blessed be the contractors for the quality work on the road.’

The 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be described as among the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria in recent years. When completed, it is expected to link Lagos with coastal cities in nine states, enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and easing congestion in key urban areas.

The Kogi Police Command and banks are in strong synergy to counter any emerging financial security threats in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the synergy followed a collaborative discussion the command had with the members of bankers forum on Friday in Lokoja.

The commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Miller Dantawaye said the move was meant to address security concerns and also in enhance preparation for high-risk periods like Christmas and Sallah.

He said that it also provided avenues for both parties to review and improve on existing security strategies to counter emerging security threats.

He emphasised the importance of installing and maintaining effective CCTV system in and around banking premises to provide continuous monitoring.

‘There’s need for preventive measures against potential threats and ensure safety during the yuletide period.

‘As a forum, you need to ensure adequate police escorts for cash -in- transit and a stronger police presence in banking areas.

‘Again, deployment of armed security guards to patrol the bank premises, creating a strong visual deterrent against criminal activities is vital, ‘ he said.

Dantawaye warned the forum against compromising the security in and around the banking sector.

According to him, there is need for improved collaboration between the Police and the bankers forum to create a more secured financial environment.

NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance, members of the command’s management team, and representative of bankers forum, who represented the collective interest of the banking industry in the state.

Beninese-French singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winning icon, Angélique Kidjo, has praised Nigerian Afrobeats star, Rema.

The singer lauded Rema for his global success, stating that he embodies the global takeover of the Afrobeats genre of music.

While speaking about the artist’s latest honor, the TIME 100 Next honors, Kidjo revealed her love for Rema’s song, stating that it reflects African originality.

‘I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down. It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop,’ Kidjo wrote. ‘It is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it. The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much. Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture,’ she wrote on Instagram.

Rema in turn, responded to the praises with a comment on the post.

Gratitude Queen. I’m honored,’ he wrote.

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has been recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) for its dedication to consumer rights and service excellence.

The company received the Consumer-Friendly Business Award at the maiden edition of the Consumer Service Week Awards 2025, held on Tuesday, September 30, at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

The event, themed ‘Fairness, Transparency, and Trust: Strengthening Consumer Confidence in the Marketplace,’ celebrated organisations that promote ethical business practices and safeguard consumer confidence.

Jumia was honoured for its seamless shopping experience, transparent return and refund policies, and responsive customer support.

Marilyn Oruwari, COO of Jumia Nigeria, described the recognition as a validation of the company’s customer-first approach:

‘Everything begins with the customer, from building digital tools that make shopping safer to resolving issues swiftly and fairly. This award reflects our team’s passion for innovation and integrity.’

LASCOPA said the award was designed to encourage consumer-friendly practices while spotlighting companies that uphold fairness, trust, and accountability.

Over the years, Jumia has strengthened consumer protection through educational campaigns, efficient dispute resolution, and after-sales support-efforts that not only safeguard shoppers but also advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

Oruwari added that Jumia remains committed to leveraging technology and transparency to make everyday life easier for Nigerians.

The Nigerian currency, naira maintained a lean difference on Thursday October 2nd trading between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the parallel market as participants balanced improved dollar inflows against persistent demand pressures. Parallel market: ?1,490 per US$1

The official NFEM rate a volume-weighted figure derived from interbank trading and published by the authorities closed at about ?1,483 to the dollar, a slight shift from the previous session.

Traders noted that the official window remains sensitive to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) liquidity operations and order flows through the electronic matching system.

In the parallel market, the naira traded around ?1,490 to the dollar, leaving a spread of roughly ?7. This narrow gap contrasts with the wider double-digit spreads witnessed during periods of heightened market stress, suggesting partial convergence between the two segments. However, the parallel market continues to serve individuals and businesses unable to access dollars through official channels.

Market Drivers

Analysts linked the relative calm to moderate foreign currency inflows from diaspora remittances and import receipts, combined with CBN interventions that helped curb sharp intraday fluctuations.

Global factors also played a role, with the US dollar holding broadly steady in international markets following recent volatility.

Traders’ Perspective

Dealers observed that demand from importers, students, and travellers remains the major driver of parallel market volumes, while banks and authorised dealers handle most corporate flows through NFEM.

Analysts cautioned that the present convergence remains fragile, requiring sustained inflows, deeper FX liquidity, and consistent policy signals to stabilise the naira more permanently.

Outlook

Short-term forecasts suggest the dollar will likely trade within ?1,480-?1,495 in the official market and ?1,485-?1,500 in the parallel market over the coming days, provided dollar supply remains steady and demand does not surge unexpectedly.

Policymakers’ ability to manage measured interventions and improve liquidity will be central to maintaining exchange rate stability.

$25bn Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project Gets New Company

The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project has taken a big step forward with the creation of a special company to handle it.

This new company means the project is moving from the planning stage to putting in place the systems and money needed for actual construction. International financiers like the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are already showing interest in supporting the project.

When completed, the pipeline will carry up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas every year. It will stretch more than 6,000 kilometers, passing through about 12 West African countries, linking Nigeria’s gas to Morocco, and then to Europe. Nigeria, which has Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, wants to reduce dependence on its local market by selling more gas abroad.

For Morocco and other countries along the route, the pipeline will increase energy supply and boost their roles in the global gas market.

The creation of a project company is important because it puts all the responsibilities, financing, and management of the pipeline in one place.

This makes it easier for investors and financial institutions to trust the process.

The final investment decision, expected by the end of 2025, will determine if the project has enough funding to move fully into construction.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa Command, has confirmed the drowning of a 15-year-old boy, Sunusi Abubakar in a pond.

The Jigawa Police Command’s spokesperson, Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement in Dutse, on Wednesday.

Tijjina said that Abubakar, a resident of Gabari village in Chamo district, drowned on Tuesday while swimming in a pond in the area.

He said that the deceased was discovered lifeless inside a pond locally referred to as ‘Mahayin gidan Toro’, located about 1.5 kilometers to the north of Gabari village.

‘Prior to the discovery, the shoes and trousers of the deceased were seen abandoned by the river bank.

‘And according to his father, the deceased went to swim in the pond at about 5p:m., but failed to return home.

‘A search was immediately initiated by the community until the body was eventually discovered this morning,’ he said.

The Jigawa NSCDC image maker added that the body of the deceased, which showed no trace of injury, was handed over to his parents for burial.

He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to warn children and youths against unsafe swimming practices in open water bodies in order to avert future occurrences.

He assured that corps remained committed to its mandate of safeguarding lives and property across the state.

A major fire broke out at the popular Bariga Market in Lagos on Tuesday, leaving traders in shock and despair after goods worth millions of naira were lost.

The blaze, which started in the early hours of the day, quickly spread through several stalls before emergency officials could arrive.

According to preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have started from one shop and then spread rapidly to others, largely because many of the stalls were built with wooden partitions that fueled the flames. Responding swiftly, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), supported by other first responders, battled hard to contain the fire.

Their prompt intervention prevented the inferno from reaching adjoining sections of the market, which could have made the situation far worse. Officials also ensured that there were no secondary outbreaks after the main fire was extinguished. Although no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, the damage was severe. At least 26 shops were completely destroyed, with goods and property valued at several millions of naira turned to ashes.

Many traders, who rely on the market for their daily livelihood, were seen weeping at the site, lamenting the loss of their hard-earned investments. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but an investigation is underway. LASEMA has urged traders to observe basic fire safety measures and called on market leaders to put stronger preventive structures in place, including fire extinguishers and better stall designs, to reduce risks in the future.

For now, many affected traders are left counting their losses, while residents of the area have praised the quick response of emergency workers for preventing what could have become a much larger disaster.