Niger Delta

2, 000 Tipper Drivers Embark On Strike

Published

10 years ago

February 15, 2016

No fewer than 2, 000 tipper
drivers across the 18 local government areas of Cross River, have embarked on indefinite strike over what they termed ‘multiple levies’ introduced by the state government.
The drivers complain that they pay not less than N5, 700 for every trip of sand they deliver to customers.
Vice Chairman, Calabar Municipal Tippers Drivers’ Association, Mr Daniel Obong, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said that the multiple levies were having adverse effect on their operations.
He said that aside from the levies, they were also compelled to pay N54, 000 per annum as registration levy to the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency.
He added that they were also mandated to pay N18, 000 to the Ministry of Works, among other multiple permits.
Obong said the strike would linger for a long time as their pleas to the state Ministry of Transportation and its subsidiaries had not yielded result.
He said that their pleas to the government to streamline the levies to a reasonable level had failed, adding that the association might resort to seeking legal action if all efforts failed.
“We are tired of paying so many levies daily. Over 2,000 of us are embarking on strike because we cannot continue this way again.
“We have engaged the government in various discussions and we cannot continue to pay again because after each payment we hardly have anything to take home, let alone repair our tippers.
“A trip of sand is N23, 000 and we pay not less that N5, 700 as levy. This levy is entirely different from others that we pay annually.
“The government should come to our aid; the tax is heavy on us. If they refuse to listen to us, we will approach the court’’, he said.
He said that maintaining their tippers was a challenge to them due to the bad state of roads in the state.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Saviour Nyong, said that a task force had been set up to harmonise the various levies.
“The ministry of Transport is trying to harmonise the levies. We have constituted a task force headed by me to harmonise the levies.
“We have held two meetings and we will soon round up with the discussions and come up with a position,” he said.
Nyong said that the Ministry would seek for downward review of the levies.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

4 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

4 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

4 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.