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Update: Lekki-Ikoyi toll gate: Sanwo-Olu intervenes, agrees on tolling concessions, sought for cooperation and understanding
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has conceded to make some concessions over the planned resumption of tolling to the Ikoyi Link Bridge, and Lekki-Epe Expressway areas of the state.
Sanwo-Olu, while agreeing on the concessions, however, sought for cooperation and understanding from residents and stakeholders in the meantime.
The governor spoke at a meeting with the stakeholders on the resumption of tolling at Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday evening.
Personalities at the meeting, included: leaders of the Lekki Residents Association, LERA, Lekki Residents and Stakeholders Association,LERSA.
While government representatives, besides Mr. Governor, were: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Lekki Concession Company, LCC Managing Director, Yomi Omomuwasan and LCC Board member Obafemi George.
Also at the meeting were: President of LERSA, Olorogun James Emadoye, Vice President of LERSA, Arc. O.P.A. Ladega, Financial Secretary, LERSA, Mr. Keji Olajide, Director of Stakeholders Engagements, LERSA, Mrs. Chika Allison-Idalah, Chairman of Infrastructure Committee, LERSA, Sulyman Bello, Chairman of Lekki Phase 1 Estate Residents Association, Mr. Yomi Idowu, Mr. Sony Irabor, Mr. Demola Folarin, Mr. Seni Adio,, Mrs. Eniola, and Mr. Paul Kogoro, all of LERA.
Meanwhile, during the session which lasted for several hours, the guests explained their position on the matter and demanded for some concessions.
The governor, having listened to each speaker, agreed to make some concessions after showing evidence of LCC’s financial situation and why tolling should resume at the plaza.
Omotoso, speaking on the development, added that the “LCC management would soon be announcing details of the concessions, following Mr Governor’s directive.”
Recall that the tolling was suspended in the wake of #EndSARS protest when soldiers in an attempt to disperse protesters at the Lekki-Epe Toll Gate, on October 20, 2020, shot live bullets into the crowd of protesters in which unspecified number of persons were allegedly killed and several others sustained injuries.
However, following months of engagement with key stakeholders within Eti-Osa /Lekki-Epe area, management of LCC had officially announced the formal return to tolling operations on Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza.
However, LCC affirmed that toll payment will not commence until April 16, 2022.
A statement by LCC Managing Director, Yomi Omomuwasan, read in part: “LCC has been a worthy part of the Eti-Osa/ Lekki-Epe ecosystem and has served the community relentlessly and to the best of its ability over the years.
“We are encouraged by the response and the cooperation received from the vast majority of residents and stakeholders who appreciate the value we bring to bear on their daily movement and continue to register for (or update ) their toll accounts in readiness for the commencement of cashless toll collection. All the points made at the engagements are well taken.
“Whilst LCC is aware of the concerns expressed by some stakeholders regarding the return to tolling, it is common knowledge that the government cannot, on its own, meet all the infrastructural needs of the ever-growing population.
“Given that the funding for the project was secured by the initial private sector sponsors and contracts were signed with various local and international financial institutions, in the spirit of respecting the sanctity of contracts, the Lagos State Government continues to meet these obligations when it bought over the shares of LCC, thereby taking over both the assets and liabilities.
“To ensure a smooth return, LCC has deployed new and more efficient technology at the Ikoyi Bridge Toll Plaza. Therefore, to test run the new system and ensure a seamless interface with road users, the first two weeks will be completely toll – free.
“LCC remains committed to providing a safer and better driving experience on the Ikoyi Link Bridge.”
Also, Earlier, Lekki residents, under the aegis of Lekki Peninsula Phase 1 Residents Association, had written the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to suspend the planned resumption of toll at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
In an open letter to the governor last Tuesday, signed by the Chairman of the association, Yomi Idowu, the residents raised socio-economic reasons and other critical issues that were yet to be addressed which made the decision to recommence tolling unjust, oppressive, and illegal.
The letter read in part: “We view with deep concern and trepidation the less than transparent attempt at recommencing tolling activities at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, even as matters relating to the #EndSARS protest, which led to the termination of tolling activities in the first place, remain largely unresolved. The issue is compounded by the myriad of issues bedeviling the rationale to toll at this location.
“It is against this backdrop that the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association (LERA) implores the Lagos State Government (LASG) to apply wisdom and shelve its plans to resume toll collection on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.”
LERA further argued that there were issues of pending court matter; ownership questions and lack of transparency; underdevelopment of the Lekki-Epe corridor; and justice for #ENDSARS victims, that were yet to be addressed by the government, making the recommencing of the toll illegal.
On the pending court matter, LERA argued that “the Lekki Concession Company Limited, LCC and Lagos Goverment have continued to use the instrumentality of the law courts to foist hardship on our community.
“We recall that the Federal High Court in Lagos had in the recent past effectively declared the tolling of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge as illegal and unconstitutional. Lagos State Government characteristically secured an order of stay of execution on the ground that it had appealed the court’s decision but has so far failed to prosecute the subject appeal.
“With this Sword of Damocles hanging over our community, one expected Lagos State Government to pursue the best interest of its citizenry rather than use the machinery of the state against law-abiding citizens.
“Rather than work to seek peace, the State is actively working through LCC to inflict more suffering and hardship on its citizens. It is within this context that we understand that protests are being planned under the banner #NoJusticeNoToll. If the
protests happen, the residents and businesses in Lekki will be the most affected,” LERA said.
“Your Excellency, we feel it is expedient to bring all the above to your attention and to particularly note that the general mood of the people suggests that LCC should refrain from collecting tolls at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway until these fundamental issues are addressed. To do otherwise will be to needlessly stoke the tension which pervades the nation.
“We urge Your Excellency to act to exercise maximum restraints at this point and to immediately suspend this planned resumption of tolling at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge in the overriding interest of peace and order in our community,” the letter concluded.
Also, ahead of April 1 planned reopening of tolling, the state government and LCC urged residents and stakeholders around Lekki and Ikoyi, to show understanding.
Omotosho and Oladeinde as well as Commissoner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Elegushi, made the appeal, during a stakeholders’ meeting, held at The Lekki Coliseum in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
They assured residents of the state government’s will to look into all the requests and recommendations made by the stakeholders and respond appropriately.
Responding to the key stakeholders who expressed their views about the LCC decision to reopen the Toll Plaza, Omotoso commended the speakers and implored them to show some understanding with the state government.
He said: “We are here to seek your understanding as a government about the matter at hand. We are also citizens of Nigeria. We are all Lagosians. I have listened to all of you talking about our rights, privileges and how government should be responsible for everything. I also feel that as citizens, we should have some responsibilities.
“Lagos is a city of about 25million people and out of the 25million people there are about six million taxpayers and among six million taxpayers, only 4.2million are active taxpayers.
“So, let us reflect on all these things. I know how people feel and I understand what has been said but I believe that the matter at hand is about seeking your understanding. It is a matter of showing some compassion for people who have one thing or another to do with this company.”
On the plea to halt the tolling, Omotoso appealed to the residents to consider the number of Lagosians, whose sources of livelihood also depend on the tollgate.
A popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Mr Debi Adedayo, popularly called, “Mr.Macaroni,” has raised the alarm over receipt of death threats for objecting to the resumption of tolling at the Lekki tollgate an shared one of such threats.
However, a number of Nigerians objected to it, with many pointing out that the shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate is still fresh in people’s memories and it would be insensitive to open the tollgate.
Mr Macaroni also objected to the resumption of tolling at the Lekki Tollgate.
He then returned to Twitter to share a death threat he got from a Twitter user, who threatened to kill him if he sees him protesting the reopening of the toll gate.
The user wrote: “I pray I get hold of him tomorrow at the Toll Gate. I will kill him on sight.”
Debo said: “This is one of the many threats I receive regularly.”
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Update : NRC Releases Preliminary Report on Warri-Itakpe Train Crash, Says Wheel Defect May Have Triggered Derailment
……NRC Suspects Wheel Defect, Rules Out Track Vandalism
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has released its preliminary report on the June 8, 2026 derailment involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS), revealing that a possible sudden bogie or wheel defect may have triggered the accident.
The incident occurred at about 4:17pm near the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor, Delta State.
According to the NRC, the train had departed Itakpe at 12 noon with 482 people on board, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel, when the derailment occurred.
Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected, with three coaches and the power car overturning.
The Corporation said emergency response operations were immediately activated with support from the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), local authorities and medical teams.
All passengers were evacuated within two hours of the incident.
However, the accident resulted in four confirmed deaths — three adults and one child — while 64 people sustained various injuries.
The NRC said 28 injured passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while another 36 were transferred to hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and Agbor.
Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours, while three people, including an NRC employee who required surgery, remained under specialist medical care. Two of the affected persons subsequently underwent surgical procedures.
The Corporation also clarified that its initial report of five fatalities was later revised to four following verification with the Delta State medical team responsible for the deceased.
Possible wheel defect identified
The NRC said its internal investigation involved site inspections, evidence gathering, examination of operational records and communication data, technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock, as well as interviews with train crew, operations and maintenance personnel, witnesses and emergency responders.
The investigation also examined the track infrastructure, turnout arrangements, communication systems and the effectiveness of the emergency response and evacuation operations.
Based on the preliminary findings, the NRC said investigators identified the possible sudden development of a bogie/wheel defect while the train was in motion as a potential primary factor in the derailment.
According to the Corporation, such a defect could have resulted in abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of running stability.
The investigators also identified the possible manner in which the train’s brakes were applied as a factor that may have contributed to the severity of the accident.
However, the NRC stressed that both issues remain working hypotheses and that the definitive cause of the derailment would only be established after further technical analysis.
No evidence of track vandalism
The Corporation said its inquiry team found that the railway points at the accident location were intact and that there was no evidence of track vandalism.
This finding distinguishes the June 8 incident from two previous accidents involving the same Warri–Itakpe service on November 1 and November 8, 2025, which the NRC said were attributed to track vandalism.
The independent Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also commenced its statutory investigation into the accident.
The NRC said it was cooperating fully with the NSIB and would be guided by the findings and recommendations contained in its final report.
NRC announces safety measures
Following the preliminary findings, the Corporation recommended comprehensive safety inspections and audits of rolling stock, railway tracks and infrastructure before equipment is returned to service.
It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring programmes, timely replacement of defective components and improved availability of critical spare parts.
The NRC further recommended a review of operational safety procedures, improved emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, enhanced staff training and competency assessments, as well as sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The Corporation also proposed improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate protection for passengers and staff in cases involving medical treatment, disability and fatalities.
WITS service yet to resume
The NRC said the affected track has been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives involved have also been recovered and are currently undergoing reconditioning.
However, the Corporation said the Warri–Itakpe service would not resume until a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.
The NRC expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and apologised for the delay in releasing the preliminary report, explaining that additional time was required to properly verify the casualties and notify the affected families.
The Corporation said it remained committed to implementing recommendations arising from both its internal accident inquiry and the independent NSIB investigation, with the aim of strengthening railway safety and restoring public confidence in train transportation.
I’m
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at 66.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his passing during an Instagram Live session on Sunday.
The news comes days after Kira and her sister, Lima Taiwo, made public appeals on Monday, August 17, 2026, for medical advice for their father, who was battling stage-four cancer.
Kira said doctors had stopped chemotherapy because of his condition, and the family was seeking alternative treatments, including specialised procedures and traditional remedies.
She clarified that the family was not asking for financial donations, but for information on possible treatment options.
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Nigeria’s ‘Fake’ Agency Exposed: Meet Director, 20 State Coordinators, China, US Representatives
The alleged fake National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office had a structure spanning several states and two foreign countries, with an acclaimed national coordinator, zonal directors, state coordinators and representatives in China and the United States,
A check by our correspondent on Saturday found that the office’s website listed Hon. Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator,” alongside a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives for the United States and China.
Recall that the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, disclosed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, identified by the commission as “the promoter” of the alleged fake office.
Tinubu also ordered the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — following the discovery of the office, which the ICPC said it had been allocated space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential authorisation.
The ICPC said the promoter was also found to have operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
Nwabueze and Zonal directors
The website listed Nwabueze as the “Executive Director, National Coordinator.”
It also listed Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as “Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF”; Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration; Mr Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors. Credit: website
The website also claimed that the project operated under the OSGF. Its framework page described the project as being overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the OSGF.
However, this claimed government connection is significant in light of the ICPC’s finding that the office was operating without presidential authorisation.
20 state coordinators
The website listed the following as state coordinators:
Katsina: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma
Kaduna: Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim
Delta: Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor
Kebbi: Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI
Osun: Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan
Anambra: Hon. Chiamaka Nnake
Nasarawa: Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD
Plateau: Mrs Salome Audu Bidda
Benue: Hon. Orduen Andrew Ikon
Ondo: Amb. Orioye G. Benedict
Ogun: Hon. Engr. Kehinde Akintonide, FNSE
Sokoto: Hon. Ibrahim Umar Aliyu
Abia: Hon. Mrs Nwosu Chinyere R.
Zamfara: Hon. Ibrahim Bello Marafa
Niger: Haj. Zainab Mohammed
Kano: Hon. Abubakar Ahmad Bichi (Khalifa)
Taraba: Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu
Oyo: Alhaji Bello Kolawole Ghaffar, FCA
Bauchi: Hon. Farouq Siyi
Kogi: Hon. Olorukooba Bidemi
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Newsthumb check also found indications that some of those listed had previously held public positions or had links to established political, governmental or community structures in their respective states.
Another fake agency! FG suspends three perm secs, orders arrest
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
In Taraba, Tyopuusu has been identified in recent reports as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy, while serving as the state coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Special Project.
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Their inclusion on the website does not, by itself, establish that they were aware that the organisation had allegedly lacked government authorisation.
Efforts made so far to reach the management of the acclaimed agency is abortive as of the time of filing the report as all three phone numbers on its website are switched off. Message sent to the acclaimed national cordinator by our correspondent has not been replied.
Reps in US, China
The website also listed Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.” and Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China.”
Made in Nigeria country reps. Credit: website
The claimed international structure was presented alongside the state and zonal network as part of the organisation’s purported nationwide and international operations.
The office’s website described its activities as including trade exhibitions, economic forums, promotion of Nigerian products and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, claim ICPC disputed.
The development is the latest in an investigation into purported fictitious government bodies.
The ICPC had previously identified the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and two other alleged fictitious bodies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
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