News

Residents in Enugu Lament Soaring Transportation Costs, Urge Government Intervention

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2023

Enugu residents are grappling with the escalating transportation expenses within the metropolis, leading to widespread hardship and a surge in pedestrian commuters. The removal of fuel subsidies and the absence of palliative measures in the past five months have compounded the challenges faced by the people.

A recent observation by a correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that many residents are now resorting to daily treks covering considerable distances due to the prohibitive cost of transportation. The removal of fuel subsidies and a recent slight increase in petrol prices have exacerbated the already burdensome situation.

Commuters voiced their concerns about the hardship brought about by the surging transportation costs. They noted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly known as petrol has risen from the official price of N650 per litre to N665 and N670 in most fuel stations across Enugu. In the Nsukka and Oji River areas, petrol prices range from N670 to N680 per litre.

Transporters like Mr. Obinna Ezinwa, who plies the Gariki–Holy Ghost axis of Enugu, expressed sympathy for the people but cited the high cost of fuel and daily government levies, which have reached N400 per day, as reasons for the elevated transport charges. He emphasized the inability of transporters to influence the situation due to the prevailing high fuel costs.

Tricycle operators, including Mr. Jude Okoli, highlighted that the cost of transportation had surged by over 100 percent, leading to a shift in fare rates. Commercial tricycles, which previously charged N50 for even short distances, now demand a minimum of N100 per passenger.

The dire situation extends to school children, with pupils trekking several kilometers to and from school due to the inability to afford transportation costs. Residents criticized the lack of government intervention, especially considering the removal of fuel subsidies five months ago. They called for transport palliatives, especially for civil servants, who are among the least paid in the country.

Despite the approval of palliatives by the federal government for all states, Enugu residents claim they are yet to experience the positive impact of these measures. The prevailing difficulties underscore the urgency for the state government to address the transportation challenges and explore avenues for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to alleviate the burden on its citizens.

News

Midnight Fire Ravages Jos Terminus Market

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

A fierce fire swept through the iconic Jos Terminus Market overnight, reducing several sections to rubble and destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The blaze, which erupted shortly after 11 pm on Tuesday, raged for hours before firefighters were able to contain it in the early hours of Wednesday.

Traders arrived to scenes of devastation, with rows of shops gutted and livelihoods in ruins.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic night as flames leapt through the market, intensified by tightly packed stalls and flammable goods.

Panic gripped the area as security and emergency responders battled the inferno.

Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the fire, but investigations are expected to begin immediately. Many affected business owners are calling for urgent government support and tighter safety measures.

The Jos Terminus Market is one of Plateau State’s busiest trading centres, making the incident a major economic setback for the region.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Destroys 601 Bikes to Enforce Ban

Published

13 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Njoku Chijioke

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has crushed 601 motorcycles impounded for violating traffic rules and operating in restricted areas of Abuja.

The action, led by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, is part of ongoing efforts to curb traffic lawlessness and eliminate the use of motorcycles for criminal activities in the capital.

Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Elechi Chinedum, said the crushing was backed by legal provisions empowering the government to seize and destroy offending motorcycles.

He stressed that enforcement would remain strict to protect public safety.

Director of the DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, explained that the ban on commercial motorcycles in key parts of Abuja has been in place since 2006 due to their frequent involvement in crime and road abuse.

“This is a routine measure. We will continue to impound and crush motorcycles used in defiance of the law,” Bello said.

The FCTA has warned operators to stay out of prohibited zones or face the same consequences.

News

AbdulRazaq Rallies Royals for Safer Kwara

Published

16 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

In a push for stronger security and grassroots governance, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with the state’s top traditional rulers, calling for united action against rising threats.

Behind closed doors, the Governor and royal fathers discussed strategies to protect communities from the spillover of armed groups reportedly displaced by military operations near Kainji Park and other conflict zones.

Governor AbdulRazaq announced plans to involve traditional institutions more deeply in the state’s security structure.

He praised the rulers for their vigilance and urged them to mobilize their people for peace.

“We count on your leadership to help detect and prevent threats. Your influence is vital in keeping our communities safe,” the Governor said.

Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi the Second, speaking for the Council of Chiefs, pledged continued royal support for the administration’s development and security drive.

This engagement underscores the Governor’s vision to merge traditional wisdom with modern governance in building a peaceful and prosperous Kwara.