Business

Apapa Traffic Gridlock: Truckers Hail Navy’s Withdrawal

Published

7 years ago

May 27, 2019

The Federal Government’s withdrawal of the Nigerian Naval and other military formations from controlling traffic at the Apapa Port has been lauded by some truck owners.
The Lagos State Vice-President, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dry Cargo Sector, Mr Abdullahi Mohammad-Inunwa, gave the commendation, yesterday.
He said in a telephone interview that the directive was a welcome development to his members.
The Tide source reports that the Federal Government had last Wednesday mandated the Nigerian Navy and all other military formations to withdraw from traffic management duties in and around the Apapa axis.
It also said that all military and paramilitary checkpoints in front of the ports and environs should be dismantled.
The government said that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) should move into Apapa as the lead traffic management agency.
It also said that the NPA should commence the immediate use of the Lilypond Terminal and Trailer Park A as a truck transit park.
He said that the inclusion of the security agencies in the task force had compounded the gridlock in and around the port.
He said: “When President Muhammadu Buhari visited Lagos during his electioneering, the trucks were cleared off the roads within hours.
“The public then asked what magic was performed by us to achieve it.
“But, there was no other magic that we performed than synergising with the Nigeria Ports Authority’s Task Force Chairman, Commodore Eyo , and the Council of Maritime Transport Union Association (COMTUA).
“We had meetings with NPA where we jointly agreed on modalities to apply.
“The NPA team then promised to introduce truck manual call-up scheme, ” he said.
Inua also attributed the gridlock to the failure of some shipping companies to provide truck bays as stipulated in their agreement with the government.
“The shipping companies were not able to provide truck bays outside the port.
“With truck bays, they will be able to move their trucks in batches after receiving approval from the NPA to the terminals for either loading or dropping off, of empty containers,” he said.
The Head of Operations of COMTUA also said that this deficiency on the part of the shipping companies amounted to sabotaging Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing business at the port.
He called for an effective transport call-up system for entry of trucks to port which he said was successful in the first three weeks of its introduction.
He said that both the government and the truck owners were losing billions of naira as a result of the gridlock .
He commended the Federal Government for acting on the petitions by the truck owners and pleaded for the inclusion of COMTUA in a new task force that would be reconstituted for the port access road.

Business

Withdrawal, Deposit Fees Changes From May 1, 2026 Still Stands – CBN … Declares 5 Banking Services Free

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the announced changes in fees attached to several everyday banking services, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026 has commenced.

The changes are contained in the apex bank’s revised Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, which outlines consumer-focused reforms designed to improve transparency and reduce the burden of banking fees nationwide.

According to the document, which was signed by Dr. Rita Sike, the CBN’s Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the new changes affect account reactivation, ATM withdrawals on own bank networks, and virtual card issuance.

Following the changes made by CBN, the five key banking services affected by the CBN’s update are in account reactivation and closure, under which banks are no longer allowed to charge customers for reactivating dormant accounts, while account closure also remains free.

The second change is that banks will now be required to provide monthly statement of account to their customers at no cost, and also ensure better access to financial information.

However, requests for printed statements outside the agreed standard format attract a maximum fee of N20 per page.

Thirdly, the CBN has introduced small inter-bank electronic transfers to promote digital payments and micro-transactions.

The implication is that, henceforth, transfers from N0 to N5,000 are free, transfers between N5,000 and N50,000 will attract a maximum fee of N10, while transfers above N50,000 are capped at N50.

The fourth change in the CBN update is in the use of own bank’s ATM (On-Us Transactions).

Here, withdrawals made from your bank’s ATM (on-us transactions) are free. Non-cash transactions, such as intra-bank transfers carried out at these ATMs, also attract no charges.

The fifth change is in virtual cards and PIN management in which banks are now required to issue virtual cards at no cost. In addition, PIN-related services, including PIN re-issuance and resets, are free for all customers.

The document further said the new charges guide, which aims to boost financial inclusion and reduce banking costs, updates the 2020 version to better align with current market realities, particularly the growing reliance on digital payments and mobile banking.

Business

Binani Air Commences Flight Operations May 10 in Nigeria

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

Binani Air has announced the commencement of sales tickets on Monday, describing the development as a milestone that will improve the aviation sector and create jobs for the people in Nigeria, as head of its scheduled inaugural flight operations starts May 10, 2026,

In a statement issued by the head of corporate communications of the new airline, the move marks a significant milestone in the aviation sector.

She said this announces the transition from vision to operation as the airline moves closer to welcoming its first passengers on board.

Quoting the Chief Executive Officer of Binani Air, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, the Corporate communications officer said,”the commencement of ticket sales represents more than just access to flights. It reflects the airline’s readiness to deliver a new standard of air travel in Nigeria.

“Opening our ticket sales is a defining moment for us. It is the point at which our commitment becomes real for the travelling public. From this moment, we are not just preparing to fly—we are preparing to serve.

“Built on the principles of reliability, safety, and respect for passengers’ time, Binani Air enters the market with a clear focus on consistency and operational discipline.

“The airline is committed to delivering a travel experience that is both seamless and reassuring, particularly in a sector where trust remains critical.

“Passengers can expect a streamlined booking process, responsive customer engagement, and a service culture designed to prioritize comfort and professionalism from the very first interaction”.

Chiroma said as anticipation builds towards the inaugural flight, Binani Air invites travellers, corporate partners, and stakeholders to be part of this defining journey, one that seeks to reshape expectations and restore confidence in Nigerian aviation.

She said “bookings are available via the airline’s official website (www.binaniair.com) and authorised travel partners from 12 noon of 4th of May 2026.”

Business

DANGOTE Debunks Claims Of Rift With Tony

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from fellow businessman Tony Elumelu.

In a statement issued by the company, the Group said it never made such claims and described the report as baseless and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

The statement was signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited Anthony Chiejina.

The company also refuted assertions that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends.

It maintained that such claims are entirely inaccurate, stressing that Dangote does not fund projects through informal personal lending arrangements.

Addressing speculation about a fallout between Dangote and Elumelu, the Group clarified that both men maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.

The statement further expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, image, and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content, warning that such actions could amount to fraud and reputational damage.

The company warned individuals and platforms involved in spreading false information to desist immediately, noting that it would take appropriate legal action where necessary.

The Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while continuing to promote industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos