News
Loggers Call for Improved Working Conditions in Lagos
Loggers in Lagos are appealing to the government for better working conditions to support their businesses. They highlighted several challenges, including poor road infrastructure, fluctuating weather, high government levies, and soaring fuel prices, all of which have raised production costs and cut into their profits.
Mr. Bogunbe Hussein, owner of Olabogunbe Ventures in the Orisunmibare Plank Market, Agege, shared that while his family business has traditionally thrived, recent difficulties have worsened due to the challenging business environment. He urged the government to improve road networks, reduce fuel prices, and lower excessive levies to help increase sales.
“The nature of my business requires sourcing strong woods like Iroko and Itara from states such as Ondo and Ekiti,” Hussein explained. “Bad roads, high levies, and fuel costs make it hard to turn a profit.”
Similarly, Mr. Iyanda Arufai Babatunde, a member of the Odo Eran Plank and Building Material Association, echoed these concerns, noting that the increase in fuel prices and levies from the forestry ministry have led to higher plank costs, making it difficult for customers to afford products.
Mr. Idowu Jiwa, owner of ID Interior Furniture Decoration, also lamented the impact of rising material costs on his business. He attributed the increased prices of his furniture to the naira’s devaluation and inflation, stating that many customers now find it hard to purchase furniture due to diminished purchasing power.
“Nigerians are hungry and need food; furniture is secondary,” Jiwa remarked, calling for government action to address fuel price hikes and economic challenges.
Loggers are urging officials to take decisive steps to improve infrastructure and create a more supportive environment for the industry.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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