NEWS
Clash Between LASTMA, Protesters Leaves Several Injured In Lagos
A violent confrontation between officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and angry youths erupted on Tuesday in the Super area of Abule-Egba, Lagos, following the death of a motorist who was struck by another vehicle while fleeing arrest.
The incident began when LASTMA officers and police, who were conducting an enforcement operation, stopped the driver of a Toyota Corolla for allegedly driving in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.
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According to witnesses, the driver, unaware that he had entered the restricted lane, pleaded with the officers, explaining that there were no signs indicating the BRT lane’s boundaries.
Tolupe, a witness at the scene, recounted the tense moments: “The government agencies insisted that the driver must grease their palms with N100,000, but the driver started begging that he had only N40,000 to part with. The government agencies threatened to tow the vehicle to their office and confiscate it.”
Tolupe further explained that the situation escalated when the driver and his younger brother tried to negotiate, offering N70,000 instead of the full amount.
However, the officers insisted on the N100,000 payment. “One of the officials told the driver to go to a nearby POS to withdraw the money and give it to them, and then he would get his vehicle back.”
While the negotiations were still ongoing, another vehicle, allegedly also fleeing from LASTMA enforcement for driving in the BRT lane, collided with the Corolla.
The impact killed the driver instantly, and his brother, who was badly injured, was rushed to the hospital.
The tragic event sparked outrage among passersby and local traders, who accused the authorities of exploiting motorists.
A trader who spoke to reporters said, “Look at the road, are there any signs to show that it is a BRT lane? If you are not familiar with the road, there’s no way you wouldn’t accidentally enter the BRT lane.”
The trader continued, “The Police and LASTMA have been using this means to rob unsuspecting motorists of their hard-earned money. Today, they’ve finally killed an about-to-wed man. If the greedy officials had accepted the N70,000 the deceased offered, the reckless driver wouldn’t have crashed into them.”
As the news of the death spread, angry protestors barricaded the BRT lane with the wrecked Corolla, demanding justice and an end to the alleged extortion by LASTMA and the police.
Protesters gathered in large numbers, chanting songs of protest and resisting attempts by the police to clear the area.
“We are calling on the state government to withdraw the police and LASTMA from this area,” one protestor said. “They are only here to make money for themselves, not to serve the people.”
Meanwhile, police patrol vehicles were on the scene, attempting to retrieve the vehicle used to block the BRT lane, but the protestors stood firm in their resistance.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating, “I am aware that a driver who broke the law by passing through the BRT lane hit a man, and the man died. I have not been properly briefed on the full details yet.”
International News
COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP29) nears its conclusion, tensions are rising over a newly published funding proposal aimed at assisting developing nations in addressing climate-induced crises.
The proposal, released by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Thursday, has sparked widespread debate among delegations, activists, and observers at the summit.
The document, spanning ten pages, outlines funding options to support developing countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
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However, it fails to specify how much wealthier nations are required to contribute annually—a key sticking point that has drawn criticism from the Global South and climate advocates.
Ambiguity in Funding Commitments
Critics argue that the absence of concrete figures undermines the credibility of the proposed framework.
Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, described the proposal as “a blank piece of paper,” highlighting the lack of clarity on financial commitments.
“This is the ‘finance COP.’ We came here to talk about money. The way you measure money is with numbers. We need a cheque, but all we have right now is a blank piece of paper,” Adow remarked during an interview.
The Global South, led by African delegations, is demanding at least $1.3 trillion annually by the end of the decade to adapt to climate change impacts and transition to sustainable energy systems.
Yet, developed nations have yet to commit to a specific annual figure, raising concerns over the summit’s ability to deliver tangible outcomes.
Key Provisions and Concerns
The new text acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations and the financial barriers they face, including high costs of capital and limited fiscal space.
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It proposes the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, suggesting a framework of “at least USD [X] trillion annually” from 2025 to 2035.
However, the absence of defined numbers has led to frustration among negotiators.
David Tong, Global Industry Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, emphasized the critical role of finance in achieving meaningful progress.
“Without finance, there is no phase-out [of fossil fuels], no energy transition, no adaptation. The ambitious options are simply missing,” Tong stated during a press briefing.
Rising Frustration from the Global South
Delegates from the Global South have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as weak commitments from developed nations.
Many fear that without concrete financial pledges, the summit’s outcomes may fall short of expectations.
“This summit is about delivering justice to those who suffer most from climate impacts. Wealthy nations must step up and provide the necessary funding,” said an African negotiator, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A Critical Juncture
With less than 48 hours remaining in the summit, the stakes are high. The COP29 negotiations in Baku, dubbed the “finance COP,” are expected to set a precedent for addressing the financial needs of vulnerable nations.
Delegates are calling on world leaders to finalize an ambitious NCQG target and bridge the growing divide between developed and developing nations.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on residents to report individuals reselling kiosks at the Christmas Village for prices above the government-approved rate of ₦100,000.
Speaking on Wednesday during the unveiling of new waste management equipment in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, the governor condemned the sharp practices and vowed to ensure fairness in the sales process.
“I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought shops at the Christmas Village and are now reselling them for as much as ₦300,000. If anybody tells you to pay ₦300,000, please report the person immediately,” Eno said.
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The governor directed kiosk buyers to pay only the official price of ₦100,000 and warned sellers against profiteering.
“Anybody who is selling the shop, just take the shop, pay the person ₦100,000. If they ask for a balance, tell them to meet Umo Eno,” he added.
To address the issue, Eno instructed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Charles Udoh, to investigate and act swiftly.
Governor Eno also issued a stern warning against fetish performances during the Christmas season.
He directed local government leaders to ensure that celebrations reflect Akwa Ibom’s cultural values and traditions.
“When you are packaging, local government leaders and stakeholders must get involved. We want to see our foods and a decent display of our values. We will not tolerate diabolical masquerades or promote rituals during the period,” the governor said.
In a move to improve sanitation across the state, Governor Eno announced plans to reward the cleanest local government areas while warning against indiscriminate waste disposal.
He revealed that a new law would soon be enacted to prosecute offenders of poor sanitation practices.
“The Chairmen of local governments must collaborate closely with the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency to ensure efficient service delivery,” Eno said.
The event also marked the commissioning of newly acquired waste management equipment to enhance cleanliness and environmental protection efforts.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Management Agency, Prince Ikim, commended the governor’s commitment to equipping the agency for effective service delivery.
“With these tools, there will be no room for excuses. We are ready to hit the ground running,” Ikim said.
Ubong Nkut, Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the governor’s fulfillment of campaign promises, including the construction of the Nnung Ukot Itam–Ikot Ekwere road project.
The National Coordinator of Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Baba Owo, also praised the governor’s environmental initiatives, describing them as critical to sustainability and public health in the state.
The government of Osun State has shed more light on how the new minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants in the state was adopted and approved by the Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
This was detailed in a statement in Osogbo on Wednesday was the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who confirmed that the New Minimum Wage got the executive approval of the Governor after the receipt of the Public Service Negotiation Committee’s report.
Alimi, as one of the members of the Committee saddled with the responsibility of working out a good and acceptable template for the new minimum wage said the State Government team was led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye while that of the Labour team was led by the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo.
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It was further revealed that the implementation of the New Minimum Wage of 75,000 for Osun workers is in tandem with commitment to social justice, economic growth and an enhanced living standard for Osun teaming workers and citizens alike.
According to the statement, “Governor Ademola Adeleke led administration is deeply committed to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants, who, tirelessly provide efficient, effective and quality services to the state despite the limited resources accruing to it”
Osun State Governor, after the approval, according to Alimi, urged all civil servants in the state to up their service delivery more and more by endlessly seeking innovative solutions to improve public service in ensuring transparency and accountability for the growth and development of the 33 year old Osun State.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Akinleye who lauded the Governor for the executive approval of new national minimum wage for workers, further stated that the committee carried out its duties and responsibilities without any let or hindrance from the State Government that put it in place to work out the new wage template.
Ayanleye Aina, on his own part as the Head of Service assured that Osun workers will continue to live up to the desired billings.
In the same vein, on behalf of the Labour team side, Chairman, NLC, Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, who also thumbed up the Gov Adeleke led administration for the N75,000 new wage bill for an average worker in the state, maintained that it was carefully crafted and arrived at in line with Osun State’s current economic condition.
Arapasopo further expressed conviction that the new wage structure would be both durable and sustainable, as it would impact the financial stability of all civil servants in the State.
He then stated that Osun State workforce are solidly behind the administration of Gov Adeleke, promising that they will not relent in their support for the government.
Alimi finally reeled out names of the members of the Osun State Government team in the negotiation committee to include:
1.Alh.Kazeem Akinleye (Chief of Staff to the Governor) – Chairman
2.Mr Ayanleye Aina, (Head.Of Service)
3.Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Hon. Comm. for Information and Public Enlightenment
3.Hon Sola Ogungbile (Hon Commissioner for Finance)
4.Prof Maruf Ademola Adeleke, (Hon Commissioner for Budget and Economic planning)
- Mr Olugbenga Fadele (Permanent Secretary, Human Resources and Capacity Building)
4 Mr Adebayo Raji (Permanent Secretary, BPSB)
- Mrs Yetunde Esan (Permanent Secretary, Economic Planning, Budget and Development
- Mr A. A Bello (Permanent Secretary, Finance)
- Jimoda O. J (Ministry of Local Government and C.A)
- Yemi Esan (OPRS)
- Mr Atolagbe L. A (Director, Funds)
10 Mr Gabriel Oginni (SIFMIS Manager)
- Mr Akinjide Samuel (SIFMIS), and
12 Mr Albert O. Ajiboye (Director, L.I.R)
Alimi, mentioned in the statement that, on the part of Labour team, the following people were members of the negotiation team:
1.Comrade Christopher Arapasopo (NLC Chairman)
2 Comrade Fatai Bimbo Sanusi (TUC Chairman)
3 Comrade Akindele Lasun (Chairman, JNC)
4 Comrade Amusan Victor (Secretary, NLC)
5 Comrade Adeyemi Abdullateef (Secretary, TUC)
6 Comrade Akinjide Akinlami (JNC Secretary)
7 Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe (NULGE President)
8 Comrade Emmanuel Olawuyi (NUT)
9 Comrade Ojo Akintunde (Chairman, SSUCOEN)
10 Comrade Adekunle Adesina (Chairman, PASAN)
- Comrade Johnson Adegoke (Chairman, MHWUN)
- Comrade Ganiyu Salawu (Chairman, NUP)
- Comrade Waheed Opeyemi (Chairman, NANNM); and
- Comrade Adedokun Olalekan (Chairman, AUPCTRE)
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