Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Government Clarifies NURTW Role, Says LAGESC Still in Charge of Sanitation Enforcement
Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab insists transport unions will only support, not replace, state sanitation corps
Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab insists transport unions will only support, not replace, state sanitation corps
The Lagos State Government has clarified that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) will not take over the role of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) in enforcing environmental laws. This clarification came on Sunday, 23 June 2026, following public backlash and confusion about a new initiative to deputise transport union members as ‘waste police’ across major bus stops and garages.
The controversy began after the Ministry of Transportation inaugurated a Special Task Force last week, assigning transport union representatives to monitor indiscriminate waste dumping at bus stops, lay-bys, and garages. Many Lagosians expressed concern that this move would strip LAGESC—the statutory enforcement body—of its authority over environmental compliance. The announcement led to widespread debate about who would have the final say on sanitation enforcement in the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the issue in a written statement, describing reports of NURTW replacing LAGESC as ‘misinformation being circulated by some bloggers and commentators.’ Wahab said, ‘LAGESC, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, remains the duly empowered environmental enforcement arm of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.’ He emphasised that transport union involvement is only meant to complement existing efforts by encouraging shared responsibility among stakeholders.
The initial announcement was made by Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi during the task force’s inauguration ceremony. Osiyemi told union leaders that their own garages must meet sanitation standards before they could help enforce rules elsewhere. This dual messaging from two government ministries led to further confusion among residents about who would be held accountable for keeping public spaces clean.
While government says the partnership with unions is intended to strengthen environmental compliance amid ongoing challenges like illegal trading and refuse disposal on road medians, some residents remain sceptical. Critics point out that many garages operated by transport unions already struggle with poor waste management and unauthorised activities. The coming weeks will reveal whether this new arrangement will deliver cleaner streets or deepen uncertainty about who is truly responsible for sanitation enforcement in Lagos.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-clarifies-waste-police-plan-lagesc-2026062410335404948
Nigeria News (Standard)
Airline Operators of Nigeria Calls for Review of Aviation Taxes, Urges Economic Boycott of South Africa
Aviation body says high levies hinder growth, seeks government intervention after strained Nigeria–South Africa trade ties
Aviation body says high levies hinder growth, seeks government intervention after strained Nigeria–South Africa trade ties
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called on the federal government to urgently review multiple aviation taxes and charges that it says are stifling the sector’s growth, while also advocating an economic boycott of South African businesses in response to perceived unfair treatment. The AON made this appeal in Lagos on Wednesday, highlighting concerns over rising costs and what it described as unfavourable bilateral relations with South Africa.
According to the AON, domestic airlines are grappling with numerous levies, taxes and statutory fees imposed by regulatory agencies, which they argue are driving up operational costs and making air travel less affordable for Nigerians. The group said these charges have become a major obstacle for indigenous carriers trying to compete both locally and internationally.
The call for a boycott of South African interests follows recent tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over trade and diplomatic issues. The AON warned that continued patronage of South African businesses by Nigerians undermines local industry, especially given what it described as South Africa’s restrictive policies towards Nigerian airlines and investments.
In a statement made available after its meeting, the association urged the federal government to initiate policy reforms that would harmonise aviation taxes and ensure a more conducive environment for operators. The group also appealed for reciprocal actions in Nigeria’s dealings with countries that impose barriers on Nigerian businesses. “We can no longer fold our hands while Nigerian airlines suffer under the weight of excessive charges and lack of reciprocity,” the AON said.
It is expected that the Ministry of Aviation will engage stakeholders on possible tax reforms in coming weeks. Industry observers say a review of levies could lower fares for travellers and boost competitiveness among Nigerian airlines. The government has not issued an official response as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court to Decide on Sowore’s Bail Restoration Request After Detention
Hearing set for Wednesday as activist seeks reinstatement of bail, with legal teams presenting arguments before Federal High Court
Hearing set for Wednesday as activist seeks reinstatement of bail, with legal teams presenting arguments before Federal High Court
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will deliver its ruling on a request for bail restoration filed by detained activist Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Sowore, a prominent rights campaigner and former presidential candidate, is seeking the reinstatement of his bail after being held in custody over alleged breaches of previous court conditions.
The legal proceedings resumed this week with both Sowore’s defence counsel and representatives of the federal government presenting their arguments before the presiding judge. The activist’s lawyers maintained that his continued detention contravenes existing court orders, while the prosecution insisted that Sowore had violated terms of his earlier bail, necessitating further judicial review.
Sowore’s case has drawn significant attention within Nigeria’s political and civil society circles, especially given his history as a vocal critic of government policies and organiser of protests. Many observers view the outcome as a test for the independence of the judiciary and the extent to which fundamental rights are protected under current legal frameworks.
Court officials have not made public statements regarding the specifics of the bail application. However, sources within the judiciary indicated that both sides were given opportunity to submit additional documents ahead of Wednesday’s ruling. Civil rights groups have urged authorities to respect due process regardless of the outcome.
If granted, restoration of bail would allow Sowore temporary freedom pending further hearings on the substantive charges against him. The ruling could also set a precedent for future cases involving activists and opposition figures facing detention under similar circumstances.
Nigeria News (Standard)
SEC Warns Nigerians in Lagos Against Fake Dangote Refinery IPO Offers
Regulator cautions public as reports of fraudulent share sales in Dangote Refinery circulate online
Regulator cautions public as reports of fraudulent share sales in Dangote Refinery circulate online
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a strong warning to investors in Lagos and across Nigeria against falling for alleged Initial Public Offering (IPO) schemes linked to Dangote Refinery. The alert was released on Wednesday following increasing reports of fraudsters claiming to sell shares in the refinery to unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the SEC, these offers, often advertised on social media and via unofficial channels, have not been approved or sanctioned by regulatory authorities. The commission emphasised that Dangote Refinery has not floated any IPO or invited the public to subscribe for its shares as at the time of this advisory.
The development comes amid rising investor interest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, especially after the official commissioning of the multi-billion naira Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos State. Many Nigerians seeking quick returns have reportedly been targeted by scammers promising high profits from purported refinery share purchases.
In a statement, SEC management urged Nigerians to always verify any investment offer with the commission before committing funds. “Investors are advised to exercise utmost caution and avoid falling victim to fraudulent investment schemes promising shares in companies that are not listed or offering public subscription,” the commission said. The regulatory body further warned that engaging with unregistered operators exposes investors to significant financial risks.
The SEC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s capital market and advised anyone with information on such illegal offers to report directly through its official channels. No official response has been received from Dangote Group regarding these fraudulent claims. Investors are encouraged to remain vigilant as enforcement actions against perpetrators are ongoing.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Throws Shade as Cristiano Ronaldo Declares ‘I Am Back’
Airline Operators of Nigeria Calls for Review of Aviation Taxes, Urges Economic Boycott of South Africa
Jude Bellingham Says Ghana Star Deserved Man of the Match, Not Him — Fans React
Abuja Court to Decide on Sowore’s Bail Restoration Request After Detention
Ghana Coach Slams VAR After Controversial Penalty Decision in Draw Against England
SEC Warns Nigerians in Lagos Against Fake Dangote Refinery IPO Offers
Ronaldo Hits Back at Messi Fans, Says Hard Work Is the Real Secret to Success
‘I’m Back’ — Ronaldo Sends Message to Messi Fans After Record-Breaking World Cup Brace
Oba of Benin Sets July 2 Ritual to Place Curses on Kidnappers Amid Rising Edo Insecurity
Lagos Households Favour Viva Plus Dishwashing Liquid for Tough Grease After Sunday Meals
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
