News
With 1,000 New Cars, Sanwo-Olu Launches Tech – Driven Lagos Taxi Scheme
The scheme, codenamed “LAG RIDE”, was launched at a well-attended ceremony held at the State House in Alausa.
A safe, comfortable and modernised taxi scheme has taken off in Lagos State, with the rollout of the first batch of 1,000 brand-new GAC-branded automobiles by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday.
The scheme, codenamed “LAG RIDE”, was launched at a well-attended ceremony held at the State House in Alausa.
The ride hailing taxi initiative, which is being operated on a lease-to-own basis, is a component of the State Government’s multimodal transportation blueprint being executed under the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of the THEMES agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The initiative is a partnership between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the objective to provide clean and reliable means of taxis movement across the metropolis at affordable cost, using brand-new vehicles.
Operators are required to pay about N1.9 million down payment, of which the sum covers the 20 per cent equity of cost of vehicle, registration and insurance. Each car being used in the scheme comes with technology-enabled security features that monitor every journey undertaken.
Sanwo-Olu, while launching the scheme, said the State had moved another step forward in its drive to develop an efficient transportation model in tune with modernity and comfort.
The Governor said the aim was not to run existing hailing ride operators out of the business, but to offer safer alternative and clear the roads of rickety cars being used for taxi business. The scheme, he said, will provide opportunities to the operators to become owners of the vehicles within three to four years period.
He said: “The need to provide better, dignifying and more rewarding means of transportation and livelihood for unemployed and underemployed population gave birth to the new ‘Lagos State Taxi Scheme’, which will be operated on a lease-to-own basis. Under this arrangement, a beneficiary will be provided a brand-new car which will become the driver’s property after completion of the payment of the vehicle’s subsidised cost.
“This taxi scheme will complement the various bus services which are making significant impact in the lives of our people; the water transport service, which is recording unprecedented patronage, as well as the Blue and Red Line Rail services which are on course to commence commercial operations between the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2023.”
To improve riders’ and passengers’ security, Sanwo-Olu said a full security gadget, including a 360 dashboard camera that will give 24-hour audio-visual feeds to the control centre, had been pre-installed on each car deployed for the scheme.
He added that each car came with a physical panic button that could be used by anyone on board in case of assault or emergency. The panic button, the Governor said, is also on the mobile application and is connected to the Control and Command Centre.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the automobile assembly plant being set up in Lagos – another component of the partnership between CIG Motors’ and the State Government – stood at 60 per cent completion, with anticipated launch and start of operations expected in September.
He said: “What we are witnessing today is that, Lagos is moving away from the era of rickety kabu kabu to brand-new, comfortable and safe transport system. The multiplier effect of this singular initiative on job creation, youth employment and economic growth and development in the State cannot be overstated.”
Commissioners for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the scheme as “another milestone achievement” by the State Government, noting that the initiative had joined an array of other innovative solutions initiated in the transport sector, which were targeted at redefining public transportation.
To make the rides affordable, the Commissioner said the technology on which the scheme is operated had made ride-sharing possible for passengers, who would agree to share ride and share transit costs.
Chairman of CIG Motors in Nigeria, Mrs. Diana Chang, said the roadmap for the urbanisation of the transportation system in Lagos started in November 2019 when the Governor and members of his cabinet visited the Republic of China for bilateral partnership. The launch, she said, is the glorious end of the partnership sealed with Chinese investors.
“We are using this partnership to promote a Greater Lagos where opportunities abound for citizens of the State, while creating a win-win model for all stakeholders,” she said.
Managing Director of IBILE Holding, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo, said over 5,700 drivers had downloaded the driver’s mobile apps as at last Tuesday, out of which 1,786 drivers submitted applications.
Registration and enrolment fee has been accepted from 359 drivers, while others were awaiting screening, Amokomowo said.
He said: “As part of the process each operator will go through for the safety and security of life and effective operations of the scheme, we will conduct full verification of applicants’ Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check and verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers.”
The launch of the taxi scheme was received with a warm embrace by ride hailing drivers, who described the initiative as “unique, better alternative”.
Sam Mfuk, who is the first successful driver to get onboard of the scheme, said: “When we first heard about LAGOS RIDE, we were skeptical. But, when we attended the stakeholders’ meetings, we changed our minds. LAGOS RIDE has become the answer to our prayers in ride hailing sector. The details and features they shared with us were clearly thought out and our input was well included in the final model.”
A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bogbon Godwell, have been arrested by operatives of the Delta CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) for alleged gun running in the state.
The couple was picked up from their home following a sting operation by police detective on March 9, 2025.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Edafe Bright, who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday, said that they were held following a credible intelligence on them at their residence in Okpe local government area of the state.
Mrs. Uche Joshua, the wife, was said to have admitted to helping her husband dispatch guns to clients in Warri and Sapele.
The police said it recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live ammunition, which was planned to be delivered to a client in Sapele from their residence.
During interrogation, Mrs. Joshua confessed to her involvement in the gun-running business, saying, “I helped my husband dispatch guns to clients in Warri and Sapele. I was the one who delivered the guns to the clients.”
Edale said that police are still investigating the couple and their associates, with efforts to recover more firearms and arrest other suspects.
Equally, on February 3, 2025, operatives arrested a suspected cultist and gun runner, Stephen Oma Odu, who has been on wanted list from Obagho community in Warri North LGA Delta State at Sapele town.
His arrest also led to the arrest of another 42 years old suspected cultist, Abel Festus, aka “TOMPOLO.” of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA, at Oghara town.
Two pump action guns and 24 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from Festus’ apartment.
“Two other suspected cultists were also arrested during the raid including Godspower Moses m” aka power of Kokori community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State and Oloriode Owebe m” 24 years of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State”, Edafe added.
Police says preliminary investigations revealed that they were suspected members of the Vikings’ confraternity.
Additionally, CP-SAT arrested 26 years old Oboyo, a notorious cultist and suspected kidnapper from Igbopa community in Ethiope West LGA, and recovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge.
According to Edafe, an “FBI” impersonated enlargement carrying his picture was also recovered, which he used for internet fraud.
“Other members of his gang which include Favor omowo “m” 29yrs aka “Voltage” of Jesse town in Ethiope West LGA Delta State and Gift Omowo “26yrs of Jesse community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State were also arrested.
“Trailing of his other fleeing gang members is on course while investigation is ongoing”, the statement added.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed how illegal private charter operations plagued the country’s aviation sector for over five decades and cost the federal government an estimated ₦120 billion in lost revenue over the past 10 years.
The minister made the revelation during fourth edition of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Keyamo described the issue as a “hydra-headed monster,” revealing that 80% of private jet owners in Nigeria have the habit of obtaining Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) licenses but use their aircraft for commercial operations daily.
He said the PNCF license is intended for private use, such as transporting family members or attending social or business events and that it attracts a significantly lower fees compared to licenses for commercial charter operations, which require higher fees and stricter regulations. The minister explained that private jet owners exploit this loophole to avoid paying fees and taxes for commercial purposes. He said for instance, while a commercial charter operator might charge $10,000 for a flight from Lagos to Calabar and pay the required fees, private jet owners with PNCF licenses conduct similar operations without remitting the necessary revenue to the government.
Keymao said that in the past 10 years, Nigeria lost approximately ₦120 billion due to unremitted fees and taxes from illegal charter operations. “They go and obtain the PNCF license, the private one, but all of them are back every day for business. All of them. This is how the federal government has been losing revenue,” he said.
Keyamo said private jets which operate without proper documentation or passenger manifests, makes it difficult to track who or what is on board. He raised concerns that these jets could be used for illegal activities, including smuggling, money laundering, and even terrorism. “You don’t even have the manifest of those inside the aircraft. Sometimes, when there’s a near accident with a private jet, we struggle to find out who was inside. It’s totally unregulated.”
To address the issue, Keyamo established a task force last year headed by the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi to investigate illegal charter operations. The task force submitted its report last week, saying they uncovered “mind-boggling” findings. Among the recommendations the task force made is the total shutdown of the private charter wing at airports for a complete overhaul.
“The task force suggested shutting down the private charter wing for total reconfiguration in terms of security and the kind of machines we use to screen bags. We are still looking into how to implement these recommendations without disrupting passenger movement,” Keyamo said.
Daily Sun
News
Women’s coalition condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, writes Tinubu over perceived injustice
We Are All Natasha (WAAN), a coalition of Nigerian women against injustice in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and sent through the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has in strong term condemned what it describes as the “misogynistic behaviour,” alleged sexual harassment, and the subsequent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
WAAN in a letter, titled “Petition from Nigerian Women,” demanded that justice be upheld in the matter.
The letter was presented during a peaceful rally held Thursday in Abuja, where hundreds of supporters gathered to raise awareness about the ongoing injustices faced by women in the Nigerian Senate, particularly in light of the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan following her allegations of sexual harassment against President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio.
WAAN’s Coordinator, Ireti Bakare, conveyed the message through the coalition’s Secretary, Irene Anuwa-Ikyegh. Anuwa-Ikyegh pointed out that reports indicate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny.
However, instead of addressing these serious allegations with fairness and transparency, the Senate unexpectedly suspended her for six months on the grounds of an alleged breach of Senate rules and ethics.
“This action appears to be a blatant attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and dismiss her claims without due process,” Anuwa-Ikyegh stated. “We implore Your Excellency to consider our petition, demanding justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is imperative that an independent investigation is conducted into her allegations.”
Anuwa-Ikyegh further emphasized that sexual harassment and misogyny should never be tolerated, and individuals who come forward with such claims must be heard, protected, and not punished. She called the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity.
“We stand with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in demanding a swift, impartial investigation and an end to the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-blaming,” Anuwa-Ikyegh declared.
During the rally, founder of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze, addressed the crowd and condemned the silencing of women in politics. “If there’s any woman here who has campaigned during an election, do you know they ask for her vote? If they ask for her vote, that means they cannot enter office. No woman, no nation!” she exclaimed, urging for more female representation and respect for women in politics.
Another prominent voice at the rally, Gloria Odiahi, founder of Say No to Violence, expressed strong disapproval of the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, noting the that March is Women’s Month, a time to reflect on the need for justice and equality.
“We do not think, as women, that she should be suspended. All we want is a fair hearing. All we want is justice,” Odiahi declared.
Daily Sun
Couple arrested for gun running in Delta, wife confesses to helping hubby dispatch firearms
Nigeria lost ₦120 billion to Illegal charter operations –Keyamo
Women’s coalition condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, writes Tinubu over perceived injustice
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