The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal across the state by partnering with transport unions to strengthen environmental enforcement.

The initiative brings members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) into the state’s sanitation monitoring framework to help curb illegal dumping of refuse on roadsides and medians.

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The move was announced on Saturday during a joint briefing held at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa, Ikeja, where government officials outlined new measures aimed at improving environmental compliance.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the partnership would empower selected transport workers to assist in identifying and reporting individuals who dispose of waste illegally on highways and public spaces.

He said the rising trend of roadside dumping had become a serious environmental and public health concern, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate such practices.

According to him, members of parks and garages across Lagos would now serve as additional eyes for enforcement agencies in monitoring offenders.

“We have observed the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roadside, and that is why we invited the transport union workers because they have branches across roads in Lagos State,” Osiyemi said.

“We want members of parks and garages across the state to serve as our eyes in monitoring those who dump refuse on the expressway indiscriminately and arrest them.”

He warned that anyone caught violating environmental regulations would be prosecuted according to existing laws.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, also condemned the growing level of waste dumping on public roads, describing it as unacceptable.

He urged transport operators to discourage offenders within their parks and garages, adding that cooperation was crucial to achieving a cleaner Lagos.

“We must read a riot act to ourselves and, from today, there must be no waste dumped on any road,” he said.

“We want you to send anyone carrying waste back home and not allow them to dump refuse close to your garages.”

Gbadegesin further assured residents that LAWMA would intensify waste collection and evacuation efforts across the state.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said routine inspections would be carried out in motor parks, with sanctions imposed on facilities found violating sanitation rules.

Also speaking, Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, urged transport unions to act as whistleblowers in support of the government’s renewed sanitation drive.

The initiative follows Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive ordering the immediate evacuation of refuse across Lagos amid growing public concern over waste accumulation in several areas.

Authorities say the renewed campaign is aimed at improving sanitation, preventing flooding, and safeguarding public health in Africa’s most populous city.

A call has gone to the stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to reduce their ex-depot and retail pump prices in line with the current global realities.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), hinged the call on dousing of war flames between the United States and Iran.

According to the National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, the drop in global crude oil prices offers an opportunity for operators in the downstream petroleum sector to pass on the benefits of lower crude costs to consumers.

This was detailed in a statement issued under the signature of the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele, on Friday, in which Gillis-Harry expressed desire to see market realities reflected in both ex-depot and retail pump prices.

“The recent decline in global crude oil prices presents an opportunity for stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector to pass the benefits of lower crude oil costs to Nigerian consumers. Market realities should be reflected in both ex-depot and retail pump prices in the interest of fairness and economic relief for the public,” Gillis-Harry said.

According to the association, recent developments in the global oil market indicate that crude oil prices are on a downward trend, with Brent crude falling to about $77–$78 per barrel following the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and expectations that oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz will gradually normalise.

The PETROAN noted that market analysts believe crude oil prices are currently under downward pressure, although geopolitical risks remain. The association said current projections suggest that Brent crude may trade within the range of $75–$82 per barrel next week, while West Texas Intermediate crude is expected to trade between $72 and $79 per barrel.

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It identified the continued implementation of the US-Iran peace agreement, increased crude oil exports from the Middle East and concerns over weaker global oil demand as factors contributing to the decline in crude prices.

Showing concern over pricing trends in the domestic market, Gillis-Harry said, “In some instances, the landing cost of imported petroleum products appears to be lower than the prices offered by domestic refiners. This development is surprising and underscores the need for a more competitive downstream petroleum market that guarantees consumers access to the most affordable products available.”

The PETROAN president called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (MNDPRA) to continue issuing import licences to qualified marketers, saying increased competition would help moderate prices and ensure adequate supply.

“Increased competition among suppliers would help moderate prices, discourage monopolistic tendencies, and ensure a steady supply of petroleum products across the country,” the statement read.

Gillis-Harry maintained that competition remained one of the most effective ways of driving efficiency and reducing costs. “Competition remains one of the most effective mechanisms for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and protecting consumers,” he stated.

He added that a competitive market environment would encourage operators to reduce prices in line with prevailing market conditions. PETROAN also called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to facilitate discussions with two Chinese firms interested in operating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Gillis-Harry said, “If these refineries are successfully revived and operated as private-sector-driven facilities, petroleum product prices are expected to decline further due to improved efficiency and increased domestic refining capacity.

“The resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries under competent private management would enhance supply stability, promote healthy competition, and ultimately lead to more affordable petroleum products for Nigerians.”

The association stated that sustained moderation in crude oil prices, combined with stable exchange rates and refining costs, should support lower petrol prices and provide relief for consumers and businesses.

Gillis-Harry reiterated PETROAN’s commitment to a competitive downstream petroleum sector, saying the association would continue advocating “for a transparent, competitive, and consumer-friendly downstream petroleum sector that delivers fair pricing, energy security, and sustainable economic growth for all Nigerians”.

The Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties in all public and private schools across the state, citing concerns over the financial burden such events place on parents and guardians.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Director of Education (Private Schools), A.A. Bisiriyu.

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According to the ministry, the decision followed reports that some school administrators were allegedly exploiting parents through charges imposed for graduation and end-of-session celebrations.

“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners,” the circular stated.

The government said it would no longer tolerate such practices, stressing that schools must immediately halt the organisation of graduation and end-of-session events.

“Therefore, it is pertinent to state that, the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith,” the ministry added.

School owners and administrators were directed to ensure that the new policy is communicated to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to guarantee strict compliance.

The state government also warned that any school found violating the directive would face sanctions in line with existing regulations.

The move comes amid growing efforts by state governments to curb excessive spending associated with school graduation ceremonies. Recently, the Kogi State Government reaffirmed its ban on extravagant graduation events in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools, warning that erring institutions risk closure.

Similar restrictions have also been introduced in states including Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo as part of measures aimed at reducing financial pressure on parents and regulating school-related celebrations.

The Ogun State Government maintained that the directive takes immediate effect and urged all schools to comply fully to avoid penalties.