Business News
FG to complete Marine beach bridge repairs ahead of due date
The project which began in May had recorded 30% completion.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Wednesday, revealed that the ongoing replacement of bearings and expansion joints on the Marine Beach Bridge in Apapa would be completed before the scheduled delivery date.
This was disclosed while Popoola supervised the lifting up of the beams of some sections of the bridge. He pointed out that the project, which began in May, had recorded 30% completion so as to deliver it ahead of schedule.
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Popoola said, “They (contractors) are supposed to have changed 36 bearings but as at today, they have changed about 60. So we are ahead of time because they were supposed to achieve that target by end of August.
“So, by that August, they will be laying asphalt on top of the bridge, so we are ahead of the scheduled time. We are working on the Apapa bound lane now and after completion we will now change to another lane, we are working section by section.”
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He also explained that the repair work on the first section, which is about 200 metres, would be completed by August. After the completion, ongoing repair work will then move to another section, which is expected to be completed in March 2021.
The Controller explained that the bearings and expansion joints were worn out and had become dangerous for use, hence, the need to lift up the bridge to repair the base and some components. Hence, he appealed for the understanding and cooperation of motorists to ensure speedy completion of the project.
He raised alarm over removal of crash barriers used to barricade damaged Alaka Bridge linking Eko Bridge by unknown persons to allow traffic, thereby risking lives of road users.
He also expressed displeasure over the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles on bridges causing damage to the bridges and appealed for a change of attitude.
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Going further he said, “Government is trying to do its best to make sure that all these structures get the proper maintenance to sustain the serviceability of these bridges in Lagos.’’
He disclosed that ongoing work on the Alaka linking Eko Bridge would be completed in three months and the bridge would be reopened to traffic. He said that the Federal Government carried out periodic repairs of bridges and reminded road users of the planned partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for such maintenance work on Friday.
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He listed various alternative routes that had been fixed to avert gridlock and reduce hardship to road users.
Nairametrics had in May, reported the closure of the Apapa Marine Beach Bridge so as to allow the Federal Ministry of Works carry out emergency repairs on the bridge. This was to ensure the safety of the users of that bridge, given the number of motorist that make use of it.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Update in Nigeria
On the 23rd of October 2020, 77 new confirmed cases and 2 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
The spread of novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria continues to record significant increases as the latest statistics provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reveal Nigeria now has 61,882 confirmed cases.
On the 23rd of October 2020, 77 new confirmed cases and 2 deaths were recorded in Nigeria, having carried out a total daily test of 9,956 samples across the country.
To date, 61,882 cases have been confirmed, 57,190 cases have been discharged and 1,129 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. A total of 602,239 tests have been carried out as of October 23rd, 2020 compared to 595,283 tests a day earlier.
COVID-19 Case Updates- 23rd October 2020,
- Total Number of Cases – 61,882
- Total Number Discharged – 57,190
- Total Deaths – 1,1129
- Total Tests Carried out – 602,239
According to the NCDC, The 77 new cases were reported from 11 states – Lagos (41), Kaduna (20), Rivers (19), FCT (4), Osun (3), Ondo (2), Sokoto (2), Kwara (2), Benue (2), Imo (1), Ogun (1).
Meanwhile, the latest numbers bring Lagos state total confirmed cases to 20,789, followed by Abuja (5,948), Plateau (3,594), Oyo (3,423), Rivers (2,765), Edo (2,648), Kaduna (2,605), Ogun (1,990), Delta (1,812), Kano (1,741), Ondo (1,661), Enugu (1,314), Kwara (1,067), Ebonyi (1,049), Katsina (948), Osun (922), Abia (898), Gombe (883). Borno (745), and Bauchi (710).
Imo State has recorded 614 cases, Benue (486), Nasarawa (478), Bayelsa (403), Ekiti (329), Jigawa (325), Akwa Ibom (295), Anambra (277), Niger (274), Adamawa (257), Sokoto (164), Taraba (122), Kebbi (93), Cross River (87), Yobe (82), Zamfara (79), while Kogi state has recorded 5 cases only.
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Lock Down and Curfew
In a move to combat the spread of the pandemic disease, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days, which took effect from 11 pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.
The movement restriction, which was extended by another two-weeks period, has been partially put on hold with some businesses commencing operations from May 4. On April 27th, 2020, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari declared an overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am across the country, as part of new measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19. This comes along with the phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos, and Ogun States, which took effect from Saturday, 2nd May 2020, at 9 am.
On Monday, 29th June 2020 the federal government extended the second phase of the eased lockdown by 4 weeks and approved interstate movement outside curfew hours with effect from July 1, 2020. Also, on Monday 27th July 2020, the federal government extended the second phase of eased lockdown by an additional one week.
On Thursday, 6th August 2020 the federal government through the secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 announced the extension of the second phase of eased lockdown by another four (4) weeks.
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Business
Update: Suspected hoodlums looting Palms Mall, Shoprite in Ilorin
Hoodlums have invaded Palms Mall and Shoprite in Ilorin, looting stores and carting away items.
Some suspected hoodlums are allegedly looting the Palms Mall on Fate road, Ilorin, Kwara State capital. The mall hosts stores of Shoprite, and Lifemate Furniture among other stores including Mobile phones retailers.
This was revealed by findings conducted by a Nairametrics analyst who is presently in Ilorin.
He said, “They allegedly stole iPhone 11 mobile sets, other mobile sets brands, Refrigerators, and households items among others.”
According to the analyst, the suspected hoodlums forced their way into the Mall after they have stormed and allegedly looted Kwara Agro Hall, an agro resettlement centre, where they carted away Aluminium roofing sheets, mattresses, bags of cement and bags of flour among others.
Back story: Similarly, similar incidents had occured in Lagos when suspected hoodlums looted at Shoprite Malls across Surulere, Sangotedo.
According to reports, suspected thugs from Orile have invaded the mall and the neighbourhoods.
The alleged looters were seen with a cartload of goods on the streets along Ajah Road.
An eyewitness account also submitted that the hoodlums were looting shops around Bode Thomas and Adeniran Ogunsanya.
ENDSARS
#EndSARS: Coca-Cola donates N20 million to cover medical bills of victims
Coca-Cola Nigeria has made a donation of N20 million to cover the medical bills of victims of #EndSARS protests.
Coca-Cola Nigeria says it has made a donation of N20 million to cover the medical costs of victims of the #EndSARS protests in hospitals.
The Company announced this in a statement on Friday evening saying, “Every human life matters and as a company, our goal is to continue to work with our communities towards the wellbeing of the people.”
Every human life matters and as a company, our goal is to continue to work with our communities towards the wellbeing of the people. This is why, in partnership with @whitefieldfdnng we are providing support to the injured and those in critical condition pic.twitter.com/kiumbHarUd
— Coca-Cola Nigeria (@CocaCola_NG) October 23, 2020
The Lekki tollgate shootings has gathered international attention after videos of alleged Nigerian soldiers shooting into a crowd of unarmed protesters went viral on Tuesday.
Amnesty International reported that the Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 peaceful protesters on Tuesday at two locations in Lagos.
Coca-Cola Nigeria said the donation would be supplied in partnership with Whitefield Foundation, its NGO partner “providing support for the injured and those in critical condition. The events of the past few days have scarred us all. We are deeply saddened by the needless loss of lives during the #EndSARS protests . Our heart goes out to the families of the fallen and injured, as a result of the recent violence that ensued during the peaceful #ENDSARS protests. While we strive towards a greater tomorrow for this Nation.”
COVID-19 Update in Nigeria
Update: Suspected hoodlums looting Palms Mall, Shoprite in Ilorin
#EndSARS: Coca-Cola donates N20 million to cover medical bills of victims
Lagos to support owners of looted, vandalised stores
NB Plc to raise additional N20 billion from its N100 billion Commercial Paper
COVID-19 Update in Nigeria
Daily Parallel Market Exchange Rate – ₦461/$1
Covid-19: US FDA grants full approval to remdesivir as first vaccine to treat coronavirus
CBN reviews appointment requirements for CCOs in Banks
#ENDSARS: Insurance firms brace up for claims
