Transport Archives — Page 5 of 6 — Business Bells

Business Bells

Category: Transport

  • NIWA To Move 1,000 Containers From Lagos To Onitsha Port In 4 Days

    NIWA To Move 1,000 Containers From Lagos To Onitsha Port In 4 Days

     

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says it will begin the movement of containers from Lagos ports to Onitsha River Port.

     

    The agency, in a statement released on Thursday by Jibril Darda’u, its general manager of corporate affairs, said the move is an attempt to decongest Lagos ports and make Onitsha River Port functional.

     

    Darda’u quoted George Muoghalu, managing director of NIWA, as saying the agency is targeting about 1,000 containers to be hauled per trip from Lagos ports to Onitsha River Port within the maximum duration of 4 days.

     

    Moghalu added that NIWA is engaging the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the cargo haulage.

     

    NIWA said it would engage the services of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL), to effectively move containers using barges via Burutu Port in Delta state.

     

    “The idea of hauling containers via Burutu Ports to Onitsha River Port is to deliberately avoid the two small bridges of Gbarekolo and Bumandi,” the statement added.

     

    “Because the two bridges are too tiny and shallow for sea moving badges or vessels to ply through, that is why the company (ACTL) is considering the route from Lagos ports to Burutu Port then to Onitsha River Port as final destination.”

     

    On his part, Kenneth Donye, chairman of ACTL, expressed the readiness of his company to partner with NIWA in carrying out this “noble and historic transshipment”.

     

    To solve the Apapa gridlock problem, the NPA recently commenced an electronic call-up system to control entry and exit of trucks at Lagos ports.

  • Finally, Govt Reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    Finally, Govt Reopens Third Mainland Bridge

    As the rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge have been completed, in line with the Minister of Works earlier announcement, the Lagos State Government on Saturday announced that  the bridge is  now fully open to vehicular movement on both lanes.

     

    In a statement released by the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde thanked Lagosians for their understanding and cooperation during the course of the construction works, adding that removal of the equipment off the bridge was done swiftly and completed earlier than the proposed period.

     

    Recall, the rehabilitation of the bridge which was mainly to allow repair works on the worn out expansion joints on the structure of the bridge, commenced on the 24th of July, 2020 with the 1st Phase (3 months) of Lagos Island bound direction, from Lagos Island to Oworonshoki Section and the 2nd Phase (3 months), Oworonshoki bound direction, from Oworonshoki to Lagos Island Section.

     

    To adequately manage traffic on all the diversion routes during the construction period, 650 Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, (LASTMA) Officers were deployed, and 250 Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were equally deployed for the same purpose.

     

    While commending the site engineers, traffic management officials, and safety respondents who participated in the successful completion of the project, Oladeinde assured that both the Oworonshoki and Adeniji bound lanes of the bridge are now safe for motorists’ usage.

     

    The Commissioner, therefore, advised motorists to drive with caution and regard for the stipulated traffic laws of the State. He further assured that Traffic Management Personnel would continue to execute their duties at their various zones and stations.

     

    The Transport Commissioner maintained that the State Government will not relent in the actualization of its Smart City vision.

     

    He appealed to the citizenry to continue to embrace safety as it is the focal point of the various constructions and rehabilitation of road infrastructure still ongoing in the State.

  • Lagos Govt To Shutdown Third Mainland Bridge For 24 Hours

    Lagos Govt To Shutdown Third Mainland Bridge For 24 Hours

    The Lagos State Government has announced that there would be total closure of the third mainland bridge from midnight Friday to midnight Saturday.

     

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde who made this known in a statement made available to BUSINESS BELLS in Lagos on Wednesday, said the bridge would be closed for 24 hours.

     

    Oladeinde said the closure would enable contractors move the equipment used during the rehabilitation process of the bridge completely to allow both the Oworonshoki and Adeniji bound lanes open fully to traffic.

     

    He said the closure was necessary, having completed the replacement of the 12 expansion joints and to demobilise the superstructure of the bridge.

     

    The commissioner, therefore, advised motorists from Ogudu, Alapere and Gbagada to use Ikorodu Road, Jibowu and Yaba as alternative routes.

     

    “While Iyana Oworoshoki-bound traffic from Lagos-Island, Iddo, Oyingbo, Adekunle and Yaba are enjoined to use Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu and Ikorodu road as alternative routes,” he said.

     

    Oladeinde assured that Traffic Management Personnel would be deployed along the affected routes to minimise and address any traffic impediments during the closure.

     

    He commended the people of Lagos for their cooperation during the prolonged repair works of the bridge, assuring that it was now safe for use by all and sundry.

  • Firm Launches Auto Spare Parts Platform

    Firm Launches Auto Spare Parts Platform

    This is good news for Nigerians as an auto firm, 234Parts.com, has introduced online platform for the automobile sector to connect spare parts buyers and sellers, dealers, auto workshops and car owners.

     

    According to Mr Godson Madu, Managing Director 234Parts.com, “the website – 234parts.com boasts of over 370,000 car parts listings with 28,000 unique products from over 6,000 spare parts dealers across major spare part markets in Ladipo, Tin Can, Ojuelegba in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Port – Harcourt.

     

    In Mr Madu’s words, “234 Parts.com inventory ranges from auto parts, lubricants, batteries, tools, wheels and tyres”

     

    Mr Godson Madu  disclosed further that 234parts.com site is very  easy to navigate and has been designed to make the process of buying quality replacement of parts easy and convenient by providing multiple spare parts options and price comparism to owners, while also enhancing the product visibility of the spare part dealers” he stated.

     

    Corroborating him, Mrs Eniola Alli- Ayodele, Chief Marketing Officer added that  “234parts.com is the leading online platform for the automobile spare parts sector and has for almost two years, served as a connecting point for spare parts dealers, auto workshops and car owners.”

    Mr Godson Madu, Managing Director, 234Parts.com

    “From our research, with the influx of foreign used cars in Nigeria; usually over five years old at the time of their arrival, there is now a significant increase in maintenance visits from 4 times to 12 times annually. It has been recorded that each of those visits involves a parts replacement purchase. Consequently, the presence of substandard new spare parts increases as the manufacturers of these foreign used cars discontinue production of some of the car’s parts.

     

    “The need for genuine auto spare parts gave birth to 234Parts.com site” she said.

     

    According to Mrs Eniola Alli- Ayodele, “the current focus of 234parts.com platform is to hold the largest inventory of both used and new automotive spare parts in Nigeria, and increase access to the platform by using its rich data and insights to organize the fragmented spare parts industry.”

     

    In addition, “the business will in the coming months penetrate other major cities in the nation and onboard additional spare parts dealers after a rigorous verification process. This new development promises to create an opportunity for OEMs and genuine spare parts vendors to compete while also increasing the chances of car owners getting guaranteed parts.” she noted.

     

  • LASG Closes A Lane At Yaba Axis For Red Line Rail Soil Testing For 3 Weeks

    LASG Closes A Lane At Yaba Axis For Red Line Rail Soil Testing For 3 Weeks

    In line with the Lagos State Government Multimodal Master Plan transport system, with reference to the Red Line rail system, the Yaba Overpass will be closed temporarily from Tuesday 9th to Tuesday 23rd February, 2021, (3 weeks).

     

    According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the lane closure was necessary to commence soil testing along Muritala Mohammed Way, Ojuelegba Road (Tejuosho) as part of the Traffic Management Plan to actualize the LRMT Red line phase 1, Oyingbo to Agbado.

     

    Motorists are advised to utilize the main carriageway during the temporary closure.

     

    The Transport Commissioner assured that Traffic Management personnel will be on ground to direct traffic to minimize inconveniences.

     

    The Ministry implores residents of the State, especially motorists that ply these corridors to stay calm and cooperate with the interventions put in place to bring lasting solutions to transportation challenges in the State.

     

     

  • Digital Ecosystem Will Create Value, Wealth For Nigeria –NITDA

    Digital Ecosystem Will Create Value, Wealth For Nigeria –NITDA

    The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Friday, Kasifu Inuwa, observed that creating a digitised ecosystem would guarantee value creation, wealth and prosperity, for a digital economy.

     

    Inuwa made the remark at the unveiling ceremony of the first Nigerian assembled Hyundai KONA Electric Vehicle, launched by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in Abuja.

     

    He said that creating an ecosystem was the only way to easily get value that would enable growth, wealth and prosperity, citing the introduction of electric vehicles into the country, as a welcome development that would enable the nation advance to a vibrant economy.

     

    Inuwa further said that the country needed to advance from assembling cars to building parts, adding that already NITDA was working with start-ups, young Nigerian entrepreneurs, to develop ground breaking ideas on automobiles, using Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, and other relevant emerging technologies.

     

    He recalled that the recent ground breaking National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC), established by the agency, was in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the Federal Government.

     

    He said that NDEPS, and other activities of government, was designed to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

     

    “The NDIE Centre is intended to provide facilities that would encourage inquisitive perspectives and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to transform their skills into products.

     

    “The centre will provide the opportunity for start-ups to accelerate their innovations, through design, thinking sessions and co-innovation workshops,” he added.

     

    He commended the Director-General of NADDC, Mr Jelani Aliyu, the council’s partners, Stallion Group, for their innovation and contributions to the technological advancement of Nigeria.

     

    Inuwa, in the company of other dignitaries, took a ride in the newly unveiled vehicle.

  • Sanwo-Olu Set To Phase Out ‘Danfo’ Buses in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu Set To Phase Out ‘Danfo’ Buses in Lagos

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos is planning to phase out the yellow-coloured commercial buses, otherwise known as danfo, in the state.

     

    The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde revealed this during a virtual meeting where he disclosed that the yellow buses will be replaced with blue buses.

     

    He explained that the move is in accordance with the state government’s transportation masterplan.

     

    “We are reforming the bus sector and over time, Lagos will phase out the yellow buses because the yellow buses are not conducive for a mega city like Lagos. That is why we are coming with blue buses you see around.

     

    “We are inviting the private sector to participate in the provision of public transport services. We are also deploying technology just to ensure that we can up our game in terms of efficiency.”

     

    Responding to questions raised regarding the Apapa gridlock, the commissioner said the government was committed to ending the traffic menace by committing hectares of land in Iganmu and Ogun as transit truck parks while relying on the Eto app which would be deployed on February 27.

     

    He said, “Lagos State in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority invited a concessionaire and that concessionaire developed an Eto app that will be deployed February 27.

     

    “Lagos State has committed 31 hectares of land in Iganmu called the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Truck Park to complement what is at Lilypond and we are talking to the Ogun State Government to secure a land in Ogere.”

     

    Similarly, Oladeinde said, the state had come up with a parking strategy named the Lagos State Parking Strategy. He disclosed that a parking authority had been set up with the mandate to regulate parking on the roads.

  • CCECC Completes Apapa Port Link To Lagos-Ibadan Railway

    CCECC Completes Apapa Port Link To Lagos-Ibadan Railway

    The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) says the Lagos-Ibadan rail line has been fully connected to the Apapa port in Lagos.

     

    The CCECC is the construction firm handling the over $1.6bn Lagos-Ibadan railway project currently on trial run and awaiting the official inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

    The Chinese firm said in a statement on Monday that the linking of the port to the rail track was completed on Monday, January 25, 2020.

     

    It said, “On the morning of January 25, 2021, with the successful pouring of the last 25-metre monolithic track-bed superstructure of Apapa port break bulk line, the Lagos-Ibadan railway was officially connected to the Apapa port in Lagos,” the statement said.

     

    “The Apapa port spur line of Lagos-Ibadan railway starts from the Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta and extends southward to Apapa port, with a total length of 8.72km.

     

    “As a crucial channel linking the main line of the Lagos-Ibadan railway to the port, it has become an important transportation passage for the import and export of goods and now serves as a significant guarantee with regard to the comprehensive operational efficiency of the railway.”

     

    The idea of extending the new standard gauge rail line to the Apapa port was an addendum to the project. It is meant to ease the Apapa gridlock by taking containers in and out of the port using the rail.

     

    A terminal operator, APTM had initially had issues with the contractor, CCEECC, preventing the latter from penetrating the port on the account that the work was impeding port activities.

     

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had to lead a high-powered government delegation to the spot and ordered the terminal operator to cooperate with the Chinese contractor to enable it to deliver the project in January for the inauguration.

     

    He had said, “I have a meeting with Mr. President on Monday and it is at that meeting that we would fix any day in January for Mr. President to commission this project. That is not debatable and that is why we must ensure that this work is delivered before then.”

     

    The message was echoed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, as she told the APTM, “Why the minister is here is to enforce the presidential directive to get the rail tracks into Apapa. It is you that must build your operation round the construction work plan to ensure that your operations are not hindered and hampered by the construction of the standard gauge.

     

    “The construction is of top priority to the government and all operators must ensure that we cooperate to get it done.”

  • BREAKING: Third Mainland Bridge To Be Opened Midnight

    BREAKING: Third Mainland Bridge To Be Opened Midnight

    Against the earlier projected Tuesday 2nd February opening for the Third Mainland Bridge as a result of the casting of the expansion joints, the work has now been completed and would therefore be open a day earlier to vehicular movement, which is by 12 Midnight today, Sunday 31st January, 2021.

     

    The earlier movement arrangements of 12.00 AM for Lagos Island bound motorists and 12.00 Noon for Mainland bound motorist subsist.

     

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde expressed his gratitude to Lagosians, especially those affected by the closure for their understanding, assuring that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration will continue to drive infrastructural growth in the State.

     

    The State Government hereby appeals to residents to cooperate with the State Government as all other ongoing rehabilitation projects will come to an end in a very short while, adding that the benefits, including safety, is for all and sundry.

  • FRSC Decries Rampant Use of Phone While Driving, Issues Stern Warning To Drivers

    FRSC Decries Rampant Use of Phone While Driving, Issues Stern Warning To Drivers

    The Federal Road Safety Commission. (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command on Sunday said it has observed with dismay the rampant use of phone by motorists while driving on the road.

     

    The Sector Commander of FRSC, CC Olusegun Ogungbemide in a statement signed by Lagos Sector Command, Public Education Officer, Route Commander Olabisi Sonusi, said the corps had noticed a rising disregard of traffic and safety regulations which forbid use of phone behind wheels.

     

    According to Ogungbemide, traffic laws are for the safety of all road users and efforts should be made be all motorists to only do those things that can make them stay alive.

     

    Ogungbemide said: “We have noticed rising rate of infractions in phoning or use of phone while driving, non-use of seatbelt, rickety vehicles that are not road worthy, lane shunting and general irresponsible driving culture.

     

    According to the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 section 166 (1) on Use of Communication devices while driving states that- “No driver of a vehicle shall whilst the vehicle is in motion receive or make a telephone call in any form”.

     

    It also states that “An instructor shall not make or receive telephone call in any form while supervising a learner undertaking driving lessons”

     

    The Regulations further states that a telephone call shall include:

    * Sending or receiving oral or written messages.

    * Sending or receiving facsimile documents.

    * Sending or receiving still or moving images.

    * Accessing, surfing or browsing the internet”

     

    The above traffic regulations are for our good.  We have lost so many drivers and other innocent people due to distraction the use of phone caused them while on the road”

     

    “Peace loving, responsible Lagosians and road users are also passing through a lot of pains due to the actions of these few who will not obey simple regulations to keep themselves alive.

     

    “The Command cannot watch and allow these illegality to strive in a descent environment like ours, especially as we enter the peak period of the year.

     

    “All Lagos State Commands of the Corps have been given the mandate to nip these recklessness in the bud by getting all forms of road misconduct apprehended.”