The Lagos State Government has sealed Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island, for discharging untreated wastewater into public drains.

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) enforced the closure after monitoring the property at night and obtaining photographic evidence of violations.

In a statement published on the official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the government revealed that the facility used a pumping machine at night to discharge untreated wastewater into public drains, polluting the environment and exposing citizens to communicable diseases.

“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has continued to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring credible and sustainable wastewater management in the State by once again clamping down on the Mega Plaza on Breadfruit Street, Lagos Island for discharging untreated wastewater into the public drains, through the use of a pumping machine,” the statement read in part.

The statement further noted that the General Manager of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, reiterated the State’s zero tolerance for environmental pollution and degradation.

Afolabi stressed that the agency remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the benefit of public health.

He emphasized that properties and facilities violating environmental laws would face strict sanctions by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

Reiterates Commitment to Waterways Safety and Swift Rescue Operations
 
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, deeply commiserates with the Government and people of Kogi State, particularly the families affected by the boat tragedy on the 29th of November, 2024.

The mishap, which occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involved over 160 passengers, with 24 rescued and others still unaccounted for.
 
In response to this tragic incident, the IGP has directed the Force Marine Officer to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mishap.

The aim is to identify contributing factors and develop actionable strategies to prevent similar occurrences on the nation’s waterways.

This investigation will also provide insights into improving the overall safety and emergency response systems for water transport across the country.
 
The IGP further assures the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large of the unwavering commitment of the Police Force in coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the swift rescue of missing passengers. Resources and operational modalities have been activated to intensify search and rescue efforts.
 
Additionally, the IGP calls on waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to work closely with the Force Marine Department in adopting and enforcing critical safety measures to protect passengers and operators alike.
 
The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in enhancing safety on waterways, ensuring justice for victims, and mitigating future risks through strengthened collaborations and proactive measures.
 
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
 
30TH NOVEMBER 2024

The National Population Commission (NPC) says there is no plan to conduct the next census in 2025.

Nasir Kwarra, NPC chairman, reportedly announced 2025 as the next date for the upcoming census.

Kwarra spoke at the 2024 anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development held in Abuja.

“A major setback that we face is the delay in conducting a population and housing census. A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making,” Kwarra was quoted as saying.

“But the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year.”

In a statement on Friday by Erelu Oloruntoba, NPC acting director of public affairs, he said the commission has not made any official announcement on the issue.

Oloruntoba explained that only the president has the power to make such proclamation, as NPC is only constitutionally mandated to conduct census.

He added that Kwarra’s remarks was “taken out of context by individuals seeking to mislead the public and drive traffic to their sites”.

Oloruntoba said the commission is in talks with the presidency to determine a new date, noting that preparations are underway regarding the timeline of the next census.

“The attention of National Population Commission (NPC) has been drawn to misleading reports circulating online, which falsely suggest that the Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that the next Population and Housing Census in Nigeria will take place in 2025,” the statement reads.

“We wish to clarify that no official announcement regarding the date of the upcoming census has been made. The Chairman’s remarks have been taken out of context by individuals seeking to mislead the public and drive traffic to their sites rather than provide accurate information.

“To put the record straight, during a media interaction at the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja, the NPC Chairman addressed the pressing issue of significant data gaps in Nigeria that impede the tailoring of reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups.

“We urge the public to seek verified information from official NPC channels rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims.”