Urhobo News

CSOs Statement of Solidarity with SERAP 

We, the undersigned civil society organizations urge the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari to put an end to the intimidation and harassment of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an independent anti-corruption watchdog, and end escalating intimidation and aggression towards human rights defenders and journalists.

Following SERAP’s public interest cases brought against the Government, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu issued a statement warning the organization to “desist from putting out its divisive, irresponsible, and bare-faced publicity stunts”. According to Mr Shehu, “SERAP should stop the publicity stunt and end the repeated ridiculous claims that it is bringing legal action against the Government and/or President of Nigeria.”

We are seriously concerned that this intimidatory tactic by the government against SERAP solely for peacefully carrying out its mandates illustrates the growing repression of civil society, attacks on journalists, and restriction of civic space in Nigeria.

Continuous and increasing attacks and intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights and journalists in the country is antithetical to Nigeria’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which the country has ratified.

We are concerned that the attack on SERAP is clearly aimed at creating a climate of intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and journalists in the country. The targeting of civil society organizations and human rights defenders will have a chilling effect on the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law in the country.

The Government must strongly condemn the threats, harassment, and intimidation of SERAP and other groups, human rights defenders and journalists and ensure a conducive environment for them to carry out their work and operate freely without any fear of reprisals.

Signed by

1. Amnesty International Nigeria
2. Human Rights Watch
3. Adopt A Goal Initiative
4. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
5. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
6. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
7. Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria)
8. Femi Falana SAN
9. Access to Justice
10. Sterling Centre for Law & Development
11. Justice Support Network
12. Paradigm Initiative
13. Connected Development (CODE)
14. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
15. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative
16. M.H.O.G Foundation
17. TechHerNG
18. Sesor
19. Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD)
20. Baobab for Women’s Human Rights
21. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
22. Global Rights
23. NOPRIN
24. Alliances for Africa (AfA)
25. Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF)
26. Centre for Impact Advocacy
27. Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE)
28. Premium Times Centre For Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ)

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

Press Release

Thursday, December 9th, 2021 

EXPECT COMPLETION, DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI 

… As FG Commissions Kano – Maiduguri Road, Section III 

… SUKUK funding aiding progress of our Road projects – Fashola

…State Government, residents , commuters commend FG, Minister 

As the progressive train of the season of completion and impact arrived in the North East on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to expect more completion and delivery of road projects across the nation.

The President spoke in Azare, Bauchi State during the commissioning and handing over of the 106.341 Kilometers Kano -Maiduguri Road, Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi and Yobe States.

The President was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Katagum.

President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to Infrastructural development and gave the assurance that Nigerians would be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

The President who emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic growth through infrastructural development, appealed to road users to desist from acts that could damage the road.

According to him, activities such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to permanent parking places damages the road and reduces its life span.

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, he said.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed commended President Muhammad Buhari for approving the dualization and extension of two major highways that connect the state’s metropolis.

The highways are the dualization and extension of Kano Road, from Giwa Academy, Abubakar Tafawa University Main Campus, Nigerian Air Force Base- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport with a distance of 17.7kms and the expansion of Maiduguri-Awala- Bauchi State University.

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, noted that the roads were near completion and expressed optimism that the state government would be reimbursed by the Federal Government as soon as the state of the economy improves in the country.

He further applauded the collaborative effort between the Federal and Bauchi State government to restore the Bauchi-Ningi Road and Bogoro- Bauchi -Dawaki Road damaged by flood during the last rainy season.

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.

In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, represented by the Director, North East, Engr. Celestine Shausu, stated that the SUKUK funding option which the Federal Government adopted is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

“The SUKUK is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold,” he said

Fashola commended all the stakeholders both in private and public institutions who have contributed to the actualization of the project.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Babangida Hussaini who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Salihu Ahmed said that the Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare -Potiskum) connects four Local Government Areas in Bauchi (Azare and Dambam) and Yobe  (Nangere and Potiskum) States respectively.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouq II, commended the Federal Government for completing the road which was abandoned for more than 20 years by previous administrations.

He said that the road was important to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.

He applauded the administration of President Muhammad Buhari, for completing the projects he met on ground when he came on board, adding that governance should be a continuous process.

Various members of the community and road users on the project spoken to expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, for ensuring the completion of the road, stating that the work has brought a lot of relief to them and improved their socio-economic activities in many ways.

While delivering the vote of thanks, General Manager, Messrs Mothercat, Engr. Raffi Kevorkian thanked the Federal Government for finding the company worthy of carrying out the construction work and also appreciated the community for their cooperation during the construction work.

He pledged the company’s cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the delivering of quality and durable roads for her citizens.

The commissioning and hand over of Azare- Potiskum Section III (Azare – Potiskum) is the fourth in the series after the Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera Road in Sokoto and Kebbi states,  Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch Road in Benue and Cross River states, and Nnewe-Oduma Road Section in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

Boade Akinola 

Director Press and Public Relations

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU’S PRESS STATEMENT:

LET’S PIVOT TO WORK FOR PEACE

Since my last address to you, the good people of Lagos State on Tuesday 30, November 2021, during which I expressed a desire to lead a Walk for Peace, following the outcome of the work of the Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters, I have been inundated with deep expressions of solidarity from various groups and people declaring their readiness to join me on the symbolic walk.

Indeed, I owe a special debt of gratitude to our youths and students, who reached out to either members of my team or directly to me, expressing their readiness to join me on the planned Walk for Peace. They include many of our Civil Society Leaders, business leaders within and outside of Corporate Lagos, religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Community, entertainers, Market Associations, Trade Associations and Women Groups who have committed time and resources to preparing for the Peace Walk. I thank you all.

When the unseen enemy called Covid-19 began to ravage the world and indeed our nation, I assumed the role of the Incident Commander in our quest to protect the lives of our people. We subjected ourselves to the dictates of science. We chose to be guided not by our emotions, but expert opinions rooted in science. Between Tuesday 30, November 2021 that I made my address and now, we have seen a significant rise in cases associated with the Omicron variant of this pandemic.

Given this development, I am constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace. I will not endanger the life of any Lagosian in my sincere search for peace. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the initiative received from far and near. The deluge of support is, however, indicative of one thing: our people know the strategic place of peace to our quest for development.

I look forward to engaging with you as WE TOGETHER WORK FOR PEACE!

God bless Lagos State.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor, Lagos State.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS NEW POWER POLICY TO MEET LAGOS ELECTRICITY NEEDS

• Framework to be implemented with private energy investors

An electricity sustainability framework that will provide reliable power to residential and industrial areas in Lagos State has been unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Governor, on Wednesday, launched the State’s Electricity Policy at an energy stakeholders’ event organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

The framework forms one of the technical components of the proposed Lagos State Electricity Law currently being developed to drive interventions towards improving access to electricity.

Partnership with private players in the power sector is the main thrust of the policy, which requires sustained capital investment in raising the capacity of the existing power infrastructure, while also generating from off-grid network.

Sanwo-Olu said the electricity policy unveiled articulated constitutional, legal, engineering and commercial foundations for creating a viable sub-national electricity system that would cater for energy needs of the State, while enabling socio-economic growth for Lagos and the nation.

The Governor said the State moved to explore alternative energy supply channels in response to growing demand occasioned by population growth and emergence of new residential and industrial areas. Energy requirement that will keep Lagos economy on the path of growth, Sanwo-Olu noted, has far exceeded the current 1,000 megawatts being supplied from the national grid, necessitating the move to explore alternative sources.

He said: “Given Lagos State’s status as the commercial nerve-center and economic hub of Nigeria, it is our firm belief that the attainment of universal electricity access in the State would accelerate the same across other parts of the country. Increased electricity access is one of the priority mandates of this administration, given its significance in driving sustainable economic development.

“There will be no economic development without sustainable energy. The economy needs energy to run and our objective as a Government is to deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity to all Lagosians. The electricity policy being unveiled today does not only articulate the problems in the sector, it is also futuristic in the implementation of its provisions.”

Sanwo-Olu said the State would ramp up procurement of pre-paid meters for distribution to residents as part of the implementation of the electricity policy. This, he said, would promote transparency in the supply chain, while curbing electricity theft and discouraging estimated billing from the suppliers.

The Governor stressed that the set objectives of the electricity policy would only be realisable if the private partners showed equal commitment as the Government to boost capacity in off-grid generation and distribution network.

“As a Government, we believe one person cannot do it all. We need ideas and knowledge from each other, and form real partnership for coordination in the implementation of this framework,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Lere Odusote, said the electricity policy, apart from clearing out constitutional and legal framework for investors’ assurance, also provided for the establishment of an autonomous regulatory body and independent system operator.

Odusote said Lagos Government would hinge its partnership with the industry players on well-funded and well-managed generation, transmission and distribution.

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said the framework was the first step to bringing Lagos out from constitutional obstruction that restricted the State from exploring electricity supply options.

The tone for the Government’s partnership with the private energy investors was set by a panel of discussion moderated by Soji Awogbade, an energy lawyer and founding partner of Aelex.

The panelists included chairman of Ikeja Electric Plc and Egbon Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adeshina; co-founder of Falcon Corporation, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Mr. Chinua Azubuike; Deputy Chief of Party, Power Africa, Mr. Tunde Gbajumo and Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

The stakeholders praised the Lagos Government for its commitment to boost power supply through the electricity framework; they argued that the implementation must focus more on supply for industrial consumption and productive activities rather than residential for sustainability of the plan.

Stakeholders also urged the Government to explore the options of clean and renewable energy infrastructure in order not to worsen environmental challenges facing the State.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 8, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

RAPE: SANWO-OLU’S WIFE VOWS TO SPEAK FOR THE VOICELESS

…Takes SGBV Advocacy To Judiciary, Police, NGOs

Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday vowed to continue to be a voice to the voiceless towards stamping out all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), especially rape of women and girls and defilement of minors.

She spoke during the continuation of her SGBV advocacy visit to the Lagos State Judiciary, the State Police Command, and various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) providing shelter for rape victims in the state.

The advocacy visit was in furtherance of the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV designed to eliminate violence against women and girls.

At the State High Court, Ikeja where she was received by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, the First Lady commended the judiciary for supporting the fight against SGBV, especially the conviction of perpetrators to send a clear message against the menace.

According to her, “It is important we come here to appreciate the Hon Judges and principal officers of the High Court of Lagos. We would like to say a big thank you to the judiciary for all you are doing in Lagos State.

“We have realized that we have to visit the special offenses and domestic violence courts and family courts to understand how the judiciary dispenses their cases.

“Therefore, we will encourage victims to use these family courts and not jettison their matters and opt for juicy offers by the perpetrators.”

She added that her office, in line with efforts of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) would continue to work towards eliminating violence of all sorts against women and girls, and also men and boys.

“I am a voice to the voiceless and I will use my position to achieve that to the best of my ability. If someone is being raped somewhere, they should have hope and know that I am their voice.

“We cannot achieve this alone, it is a collective effort by all stakeholders, like the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Justice, Judiciary, among others, and that is why we are here,” she said.

She said it was gratifying that the Sex Offenders Register was now operational in the state to name and shame perpetrators, while the state government has also established Rape Fund for victims and increased the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to three.

“On our part, a lot has been put in place to raise awareness on SGBV. We have sensitized community and religious leaders. Also, we have started our school advocacy by ensuring that we catch them young and sow seed from a tender age. Our plan is to inaugurate a Students’ Council, where students are made to be advocates in their homes, schools, and communities at large. Quite a number of them were alarmed at the consequences of rape and attempted rape,” she said.

At the Police Command, the First Lady emphasized the need for training and retraining of police officers so that knowledge is not terminated due to postings of officers nationwide.

She also harped on the issue of preserving evidence such that victims do not tamper with evidence such as used condoms, torn clothes, pants, body discharges, among others.

The First Lady equally visited some NGOs – CeceYara Foundation which is a child advocacy center for abused children and God’s Home for Women Foundation where she donated cash gifts and information materials on SGBV including books and stickers.

At the High Court, she donated books and other gift items, while the police Command got a photocopying machine and Desktop Computer from the First Lady in support of the fight against SGBV.

Responding, Justice Alogba said the special offenses cases were being given prompt attention in order to ensure the eradication of the menace of SGBV, just as he assured the First Lady that the judiciary would leave no stone unturned towards stamping out the menace.

On his part, CP Hakeem Odumosu commended the First Lady, and urged the citizens to support the fight against rape and other similar crimes.

The CP promised to use the donated equipment specifically for SGBV purposes to update data on the issue.

Obey court judgments or face contempt proceedings, SERAP tells Buhari govt

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to “immediately take meaningful steps to implement several judgments obtained by SERAP against the Federal Government to raise money to fund the budget, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and address the escalating rule of law crisis in the country.”

SERAP said, “Unless the judgments are immediately implemented, SERAP will consider pursuing contempt proceedings against the Federal Government in national courts, and international sanctions against the administration for its persistent disobedience of court judgments.”

According to the organization, “among the several judgments the Buhari administration has failed to obey is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, which awarded N30m as compensation for the ill-treatment of journalist Agba Jalingo, who faced trumped-up and politically motivated charges of treason.”

The statement, read in part: “Another judgment the Buhari administration is failing to implement is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court which found the government responsible for abuses by oil companies and directed it to hold to account the companies and other perpetrators of oil pollution in the Niger Delta.”

“We urge President Buhari to without further delay publicly instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami SAN to ensure the effective implementation of all of the judgments obtained by SERAP and other outstanding judgments.”

Femi Falana SAN, who presented SERAP Law Report to the public today at the Media Briefing organized by SERAP in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, USA, said: “We are surprised that the Buhari administration took a swipe at SERAP for going to court to challenge acts of corruption and official impunity. In any country that professes to practice rule of law, it is height of ‘primitivity’ for government to challenge the act of going to court by the citizens.”

“This was firmly rooted in the case of Ojukwu v Gov of Lagos State which was decided during the military era. The victory over the military junta came through protests and other acts challenging official impunity in court and other lawful fora.”

“It is quite ironical that those who have protested against misrule and impunity are the past are now in bed with those in government and clamps down on attempt protest by the citizens.”

The Media Briefing titled “Rule of Law Crisis: How failure of the Buhari government to enforce court judgements is contributing to grand corruption and impunity in Nigeria” was held at the Radisson Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Falana also said: “SERAP has embarked on public interest litigation in order to promote accountability and transparency in line with the tenets of the rule of law and constitutionalism. The publication of SERAP Law Report could not have come at a better time than now that anti-democratic forces are bent on imposing fascism on the country.”

“It is sad to note that many of the judgments delivered in favour of SERAP have been ignored by the Federal Government contrary to Section 287 of the Constitution which has imposed a binding obligation on all authorities and persons in Nigeria to comply with the verdicts of all courts. I enjoin SERAP to take advantage of the provisions of the law to enforce the judgments without any further delay.”

SERAP also said, “The failure and/or refusal to enforce and implement legally binding judgments of court is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

The statement, read further: “It is unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders.”

“The persistent and deliberate disobedience of judges’ decisions would, ultimately, shatter citizens’ confidence and trust in the ability of the justice system to render justice for victims of corruption and human rights violations.”

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a constitutional democracy like ours, this is meant to be the norm.”

“The implementation of these judgments will be a special moment for the government’s anti-corruption agenda and the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our legal system.”

“Implementing the judgments will provide the government the much-needed resources to fund national budgets, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and serve as effective deterrent to corrupt public officials and improve public confidence and trust in the administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption, respect human rights and observe the rule of law.”

“Implementing the judgments will also would be in keeping with Nigerians’ expectations, and entirely consistent with President Buhari’s oft-expressed commitment to ‘kill’ corruption–whether by public officials or private contractors—and help to build citizens’ trust and confidence in the ability of this government to take head-on the systemic corruption in Nigeria.”

“In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari stated that ‘insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns’.”

“Unfortunately, President Buhari’s government has made little to no progress in fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians to fight grand corruption, end impunity of perpetrators, respect the rule of law, and ensure access of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians to basic public goods and services.”

“The government’s promise to fight corruption and end impunity imposes a moral and legal responsibility to protect the rule of law, ensure sustainable development and full respect for Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, as well as to obey court judgments.”

“The promises also impose a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of government, and mean that government and public officials should timely and consistently respond to Freedom of Information requests from Nigerians.”

“Lack of progress in the fight against grand corruption and the promise to obey the rule of law is further buttressed by the fact that many high-ranking officials suspected of corruption rarely end up in jail, as suspects continue to exploit the flaws in the justice system to the point where individuals are profiting from their crimes.”

“The government’s disdain for the rule of law is also illustrated by the tendency to pick and choose which court orders it complies with. This selective application of the rule of law invariably undermines the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and is counter-productive to the government’s own fight against corruption.”

“Other high-profile judgments obtained by SERAP that the Federal Government is refusing and/or failing to obey include the following: The first of such judgments is the judgment by Honourable Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari delivered on 5 July, 2017 ordering the Federal Government to tell Nigerians about the stolen asset it allegedly recovered, with details of the amounts recovered.”

“The second judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris, on 26 February, 2016 ordered the Federal Government to publish details on the spending of stolen funds recovered by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999.”

“The third judgment, by Hon. Justice Oguntoyinbo on 26 November, 2019 ordered the Federal Government to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting former governors now serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly to collect such pensions, and to recover pensions already collected by them.”

“The fourth judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris on 28 May 2018, ordered the Federal Government to prosecute senior lawmakers suspected of padding and stealing N481 billion from the 2016 budget; and to widely publish the report of investigations into the alleged padding of the 2016 budget.”

“The fifth judgment, by Hon. by Justice Obiozor, on 4 July 2019 ordered the Federal Government to publish the names of companies and contractors who collected public funds since 1999 but failed to execute any electricity projects.”

“The sixth judgment, by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, delivered on 19 November, 2009 ordered the Nigerian authorities to provide free and quality education to all Nigerian children without discrimination.”

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

8/12/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

1. GOVERNOR’S CORONAVIRUS PRESS STATEMENT– DECEMBER 07, 2021

Fellow Lagosians,

Firstly, I would like to commiserate with all Lagos residents who lost their loved ones during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to you and the Incident Command System will continue to do everything that we can to mitigate the impact of this pandemic.

Secondly, most of the continents of the world – including Africa – are now experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Lagos State is not left out as we are also experiencing the beginnings of a fourth wave with current positivity rate at 6%. This is against the positivity rates of 0.1% as at the middle of November 2021.

Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity to, once again, plead with everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State.

Epidemiology Update

As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in community and 612 are being managed actively in community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.

Let me take this opportunity to, once again, urge all residents of Lagos State to take advantage of EKOTELEMED and our home-based care programme. Please, reach out to EKOTELEMED on our toll-free number 08000EKOMED (08000356633) if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus.

Travel Protocols

Based on the review of the current guidelines on travel protocols, the Presidential Steering Committee has released new rules which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria. These include:

1. A COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure.
2. Post-arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test
3. All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for 7 days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test.
4. All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19
5. Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

It is important to note that the review of the protocols was based on science, national experience and global developments. The Lagos State Government will do all within its power to enforce these new mandates and will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with them through our mobile courts.

Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International Flights

While it is a stringent requirement that all inbound passengers perform a Day 2 test within 48 hours of arrival into the country; and an additional Day 7 PCR test for all partially or unvaccinated inbound passengers, we cannot stress enough how important the strict adherence to these protocols are.

These tests are mandatory to assist the State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which we have identified as a veritable source of our waves and community spread.

Based on this, we will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for these mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for 1 year.

This would be carried out in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee. In addition, all foreigners that flout the rules would be subject to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and at when due.

Fake Covid Test Results And Vaccination Cards

It is also pertinent to mention at this point that we have received very disturbing information about intending outbound passengers procuring fake Covid test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes.  This is a very worrisome trend for us to note and we are currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.

We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates.

Testing Protocols

Up until today and into the future, the Lagos State Government is still offering free COVID-19 testing at all our public facilities for those that fit our case definition for COVID-19 infections. If anyone has any symptoms indicating a possible infection, please proceed to any of our public laboratories to get tested. We are also still operating our 10 sample collection sites at the level of our LGAs and encourage residents to proceed to these centres to get their samples taken if they feel ill or have been exposed to anyone who has an infection. It is also important to reiterate that our private laboratories are still available for those who want to test outside of the public health response.

Booster Doses

I am also very happy to announce that the Presidential Steering Committee, in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health, has approved the administration of booster doses for anyone with the criteria below:

1. Any persons 18 years and above;
2. Time interval of 6 months or more after receiving the second dose of Astra Zeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech; or
3. Time interval of 2 months or more after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Consequently, all Lagos residents should proceed to any of our public health facilities to receive these vaccines for free and at any of our 30 private priority health facilities to access them for an administrative fee of N4,500 per dose.

Mitigating the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic include the following:

• Increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6% to 30% within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer 8 million doses to 4 million residents by the 25^thof December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign. We have deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please visit the registration portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government will release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity.

Guidelines for Social Events and Gatherings During the Festive Period

All Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website: www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to.

o   Where possible events should be held outdoors.

o   Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

o   Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

o   In unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.

o   Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission).

o   Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies.

o   Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

o   All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry.

o   All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out.

o   Hand sanitisers to be positioned at the entry point and different spots within the venue.

In Conclusion

Despite the huge financial obligation and constraints associated with managing this pandemic, our administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State. As always, I would like to thank all members of our Emergency Operations Centre and our Incident Command System, in addition to all our health workers in the public and private sectors, without leaving out our colleagues in the federal institutions for their dedication and commitment in the management of this response. Once again, I implore all residents of Lagos to comply with all guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of this pandemic.

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Governor of Lagos State

December 7, 2021

• PRESS RELEASE

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS FIRST LADY SENSITIZES 1,000 TRANSPORT WORKERS ON RAPE, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

…Hooliganism, Sale Of Alcoholic Drinks Now History In Our Parks, Says MC Oluomo  

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Thursday urged members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to key into the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and become ambassadors of the advocacy to stamp the menace out of the society.

She spoke at the State Headquarters of NURTW located in the Oko-Oba area of Agege during a sensitization visit organized by her office for over 1,000 transport union workers in line with the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV.

“We have been moving across the state with this advocacy. This time around we decided that we are coming to meet our brothers and sisters of the NURTW here. This is the first time I am coming here and I am happy to be with you. We are reminding everyone that we should not be involved in domestic violence and sexual violence.

“These are things that are wrong and we should not take them lightly. We must kick these crimes out of Lagos State. When a woman says no, her no should mean no and it must be respected. When you see something, you must say something and do something. You all must be our ambassadors against the menace,” she said.

The First Lady said like all other professions, it was unlikely to have one or two bad eggs among transport workers, adding that others must work to expose and shame such members so that they do not continue to soil the collective image of the transport union.

She said the State Government had enacted a law that supports the Sex Offenders Register to name and shame perpetrators of sexual crimes, just as she spoke against encouraging intake of all sorts of sachet alcoholic beverages and mixtures which could trigger mental health and SGBV issues.

She said in addition to the earlier unveiling of signposts against SGBV in some Local Government Areas, efforts would soon be made to declare car parks and bus parks as Rape Free Zones, among other initiatives to stamp out the menace.

Also speaking, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat urged parents to wake up and be vigilant in protecting their children against sexual predators, saying it had been observed that abuse of minors was now rampant.

In his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo commended the First Lady for the advocacy against SGBV, saying members of the union were happy to receive her.

He said it was gratifying to note that hooliganism and the sale of alcohol have now become history in the bus parks controlled by the NURTW, adding that no efforts would be spared to sustain peaceful conduct by members of the union.

“Personally, I have never tasted alcohol in my life. I have never smoked cigarettes as well. I will never be in a position to encourage drug abuse and sexual abuse by our members.

“It is also worthy to note that the issue of hooliganism especially during the change of leadership in the parks is now a thing of the past in our Union. We also have children who we are praying to God to be successful in life. Therefore, we will continue to speak out against acts of violence in any form,” Akinsanya said.

At the advocacy visit, an expert on SGBV matters and a retired director in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ibudunni Alakija-Ladapo anchored a special lecture on SGBV, while various information materials were distributed to members of the NURTW who were drawn from across the state.

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

DECEMBER 9, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU DIRECTS FULL EXCISION ON UNTITLED LAND IN LAGOS TO CURB LAND GRABBING

• Governor: ‘Those sabotaging e-GIS system to be purged out of Govt’

• Monthly tenancy set to kick off in Lagos

The incessant issue of land grabbing may become a thing of the past anytime soon in Lagos State, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu orders complete excision on untitled land across the State.

The Governor’s directive represents a major turning point in land administration in Lagos, as the exercise would enable the State Government to carry out documented delineation on communal land and land owned by the families. At the end of the exercise, the issues of land grabbing by thugs working for land owners are expected to be curbed.

Sanwo-Olu gave the order at the Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibitions organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The two-day event with the theme: “Lagos: 21st Century Real Estate Investment Hub”, is the second edition to be held by the agency.

Land is a limited asset in Lagos, which is a coastal State. Activities of land-grabbers have created an unpredictable climate in land acquisition in Lagos, robbing private real estate investors and individuals of fortunes.

Sanwo-Olu said a technical committee will be set up to fine-tune the framework for the excision process on untitled land, with the objective to granting Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) to land owners for transparent sales of the asset.

The Governor condemned an effort by State officials to frustrate and sabotage the full take-off of the State’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS) project initiated to automate approval of land surveys and allocation titles in one talk shop. Sanwo-Olu issued a stern warning, saying he would be ruthless in purging out saboteurs in the ranks of Government.

He said: “One of the issues we are working on is the ownership of land. There is a large parcel of land across Lagos that doesn’t have the Government title.

“It is to announce to this gathering that I’ve made up my mind that we are going to do excision for untitled land. This process will kick off next year and we will set up a committee whose composition will represent all traditional divisions in Lagos. With equity and fairness, we will yield proper titles on all the land, so that the issue of land grabbing can be reduced to minimum.

“We will also be carrying out genuine reform in our Survey Department. We need to have our e-GIS platform up and running after 10 years that it was initiated. I’m expressing my disappointment in some Government officials sabotaging these efforts. I will look for the culprits and I will be ruthless in meting out punishment. I will ensure these saboteurs have no place in my Government.”

By next year, Sanwo-Olu said a new policy of monthly tenancy on property occupancy would kick off in Lagos. The concept, he said, is not to punish the landlord or reduce the expected revenue of the property owner.

He said monthly tenancy would ease off pressure of yearly rent on tenants, as the new policy is designed to make people pay their rents according to their monthly earnings. The policy, Sanwo-Olu said, emanated from an agreement reached by association of tenants, consortium of financiers and the Government.

Addressing the cause of high affordability of property in Lagos, the Governor said the State’s partnership with the private sector had raised the housing stock but added that non-availability of long-tenure mortgage bonds made it impossible for low-income earners to benefit.

The Government, he said, is thinking out of the box to design a financing model that would reduce burden on mortgage applicants, while also charging real estate developers to reduce the cost of developing property by engaging local competence for skills outsourced to foreigners.

He said: “We should not just build property only for consumers, we must also build skills and integrate them in our built environment to showcase great output. Technical and vocational skills are things we must deliberately harness and reflect in our work. At the end of the day, we must be able to design a housing development and ownership model that is fit for our purpose and peculiar to our local needs.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said real estate remained the most sought after investment, noting that the market, apart from creating sustainable jobs, also has the highest potential of growing the economy of any nation.

She said the State Government realised the need for investors and consumers to know policies put in place and how the knowledge of all the policies could assist stakeholders in making informed decisions in investing in the real estate market.

Benson-Awoyinka said: “As a Government, we have realised this fact and as such, have been making business friendly policies that can assist would-be investors and consumers to operate in a conducive business environment. LASRERA has strengthened its efforts to make this sector more vibrant by ensuring that practitioners operate within the ambit of the law.

“The agency has registered over 100 individuals and organisations that approached the Government to regularise their operations with us. We have seen positive results from this undertaking, as the State, through the LASRERA, has resolved several reported cases of fraudulent practices brought to the attention of the agency in a very professional manner.”

As regulator, the Special Adviser urged investors and consumers to make LASRERA their first point of contact before investing in real estate in any part of Lagos.

There was a panel discussion with the theme: “How the real estate sector can drive social implications and opportunities in Lagos”, moderated by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube.

Audience at the conference comprised stakeholders in the built industry, including property developers, landlords, market facilitators and potential property buyers.

The stakeholders agreed that the Government’s primary business in the real estate sector must be maintenance of rule of law and effective regulations to protect investors and consumers.

Stakeholders also called for improvement in housing finance and introduction of affordable insurance policy in the sector.

They said LASRERA, as the regulator, should be an enabler that must make the market happen and not be a police in the sector. They urged the Government to resolve issues around titling of property to bring back confidence in the real estate market.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU, GBAJABIAMILA TASK FARMERS TO REDUCE FISH IMPORTATION

• As NIFFR holds three-day training on code of conduct for responsible fisheries in Lagos

To reduce the importation of fish in Nigeria, governments and farmers have been tasked to work toward attaining self-sufficiency in fish production for the sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks in Nigeria.

The advice was given on Tuesday by the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the leadership of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) at the opening ceremony of a three-day training on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in Lagos State organised by Ata Global Services Ltd in conjunction with NIFFR.

The training, which was facilitated by Gbajabiamila took place at Watercress Event Centre in Ikeja with the aim of training fish farmers on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Fuad Laguda, said the programme was organised by the Speaker for continuous empowerment of the people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

He charged the participants to make good use of what they learnt during the three-day training so that they will be able to give back to society to improve Nigeria’s economy by reducing foreign importation of fish into the country.

In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the training programme aligned perfectly with his administration’s efforts toward development of aquaculture to meet the fish demand of Lagosians.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, commended the management of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research on its efforts at sustaining the legacy of past leadership in the implementation of the mandate, which is strategic to achieving food security with regards to fish production.

He said the training programme by the institute is a step in the right direction to expose youths to opportunities in fish farming.

“It is a thing of concern that given our natural endowment in terms of water resources, a lot of our hard-earned foreign exchange is being expended on the importation of fish as a result of our inability to meet our local demand. It is however heartwarming that as a result of strong commitment from the Federal Government to resuscitate and develop the agriculture sector, a lot of progress is being achieved as evident in the drastic reduction of many food imports, including fish and fish products.

“I am happy to note that this training programme aligns perfectly with the efforts of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in the areas of development of aquaculture, to meet the fish demand of our population,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Chief Mutiu Are urged farmers to echo the need for policy consistency on the part of the government, as well as sustained engagement by development partners in order to transform the latent potentials in Nigeria’s freshwater fisheries sector into tangible results.

Are, who was represented by the Acting Executive Director, NIFFR, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Ovie, said the three-day training is a top-level, high-impact and strategic intervention platform to re-orientate, re-invigorate and propel to international standards the fisheries industry in Lagos State.

He said Lagos State has a real capacity to positively impact and promote the domestication of responsible practices in the nation’s fishery sector in line with the well-publicised vision and policy focus of the Federal and Lagos State governments.

“This particular training programme on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State is especially dear to us for several reasons. Firstly, Lagos State as the acclaimed ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Nigeria is in a prime position to influence the dissemination of fisheries industry best practices across the country.

“Secondly, in line with the policy focus of the Lagos and Federal governments to promote the Lagos mega-city project, it is expected that an economic sector as vast and impactful as that of Lagos State needs to be shaped and upgraded to world standard,” he said.

Speaking in her capacity as Acting Executive Director of NIFFR, Dr. Ovie said the goal of the institute is to attain self-sufficiency in fish and fisheries production for sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks through aquaculture and rational exploitation of inland aquatic resources in Nigeria.

She said the training facilitated by Gbajabiamila in empowering Lagos youths, is very critical in transforming the unemployed citizens, not only to successful entrepreneurship but also employers of labour in their own right.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021