Headlines

Sanwoolu flags off distribution of subsidy palliatives to 500,000 vulnerable families in Lagos

The Eyewitness Reporter

As part of the measures to cushion the biting effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, the Lagos state government has flagged off the distribution of various food items to vulnerable households in the state.

At the flag-off ceremony in Lagos Sunday, the Governor of the State, Mr Babajide Sanwolu, declared that the gesture was meant to reach and impact 500, 000 vulnerable households in the state.

Amidst the heavy downpour, representatives of various interest groups such as the media, non-government organizations ( NGO), market women, artisans, Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) and religious groups gathered on the open group at the governor’s office at Alawusa, Ikeja to witness the ceremonial hand over of food items in jute boxes.

Addressing the gathering, Gov. Sanwolu said the distribution of the raw food items was a direct intervention of the government to ameliorate the sufferings of the people occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to him, the food items consist of rice, beans and garri and their distribution is in two categories.

The 50kg of rice, 50kg of beans and 50k garri will be distributed to groups while the second category consists of 10kg of rice, 5kg of beans and 5 kg of garri neatly packaged in jute boxes shall be distributed to vulnerable individuals.

Sanwolu stated that the items would be distributed through different groups and institutions such as NGOs, CDC, CDA, PLWD, religious groups and people under the Lagos state social protection list which is a register of vulnerable people in the state.

The governor also disclosed that the state government has set up a monitoring group consisting of representatives of trade unions, youths, CDC, CDA, PLWD and religious organizations that will drive and monitor the distribution process to ensure transparency and equitable distribution of these items.

He appealed to the committee to ensure that the items trickle down to the people they are meant for.

He warned the members of the committee, especially the religious leaders, not to hoard nor divert the items, so that their prayers could be answered by God.

“The distribution of the items will be done in phases to avoid congestion in the process.

”About 500,000 vulnerable households would benefit, 2500 micro, small and medium enterprises will be impacted by this gesture ” the governor declared.

He revealed that all the items were sourced from local sellers from public markets at Ojuwoye, Oshodi, Ikorodu and Epe to stimulate the local economy.

Sanwolu also stated that all the government warehouses in the State have been stockpiled with these items.

He, therefore, appealed to people for support and patience in the face of this hardship but promised that government would continue to initiate programmes that would mitigate the challenges.

It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the disbursement of N5 billion to each of the 36 stayes and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as part of measures to ameliorate the crushing effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Some of the states, including Lagos state, have commenced the distribution of food items as palliatives to vulnerable citizens.

Related Topics:featured Subsidy palliatives

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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.