₦airaland Forum

In Nigeria, Lagos state is the commercial hub that easily attract investments owing to huge population, security, stability and progressive development of people and available social amenities and infrastructures. The densly movement of people on Lagos roads usually via vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles contribute immensely to the economic growth of the state but not without costs. LASTMA, the state's agency responsible for directing and regulating traffic situation on roads within Lagos, draw the attention of the public to restriction of motorcycles and tricycles on major roads as over thousands of new prohibition signages can be seen installed.

No doubt, opinion are divided on this restriction as some see it as a positive development while others feel otherwise. The section of road transport workers are not exempted as it favour some NURTW against their counterparts operating bikes/Keke. Likewise, car owners will support while public commuters will surely frown ar this. As the jingle sound often played on radio that " Okada and keke are not part of Lagos masterplan of being a megacity", traffic rules of engagement are tailored towards controlling and regulating vehicular movement and realization of the state's vision.

Considering the social benefits of this policy to the social cost, there are questions begging for answers. How did Lagos state government came about this policy? Is the policy a solution towards realizing the vision of the state? Who are the beneficiary, individuals, corporate entities or state government? Is the policy progressive or regressive? Does the policy increase the state's IGR? Will implementation of this policy reduce road congestion on Lagos roads? How does this policy increase purchasing power of people in that sector? How did motorcycle and tricycle became means of transportation in the state? How effective are these transport mode to stakeholders as ways of alleviating and reducing poverty through job creation e.g Gokada, Opay, etc? Will the policy reduce traffic to the bearest minimum on Lagos roads?

The state government can show the direction for citizenry to follow provided the state has set every machinery in place for people to survive and sustain the path provided by the state. Due to inequality and uneven distribution of wealth, some people are better off than others, irregardless of the latter are majority low income earners. How good and worthy are the major roads affected by this policy? Eradicating bikes and tricycles on these roads will bring little or nothing to traffic situation we are experiencing in Lagos. Rather, I expect state government, in anticipation of daily migration of people into the state, to began constructing new wider road networks with separation model to accomodate bikes and tricycles on different lanes, removal of unnecessary buildings, walkways or roundabouts for easy vehicular movements, eradicate roadside trading by building more modern markets to move the traders, improve on standard of road construction to last decades without duplication of projects, reduce enforcement officers on the roads and adopt and improve on digital tracking of traffic offenders, adequate collection of data of residents inhabiting or working in the state to project and improve on the housing scheme and social amenities, annexing untapped areas and resources for human and housing development as well as exporting human capital and providing food sufficiency by improving on research in the state.

It is no longer a news that government has failed in its primary responsibilty of securing lives and properties, creating amiable environment for business to succeed, creating jobs for the unemployed teeming youths, improving health care facilities and education system at affordable rates. However, it is never too late to rebuild and restore, gradually, confidence in masses by encouraging policies that will bring about even development irrespective of class. Political will to implement policies without fear or favour towards genuine improvement of lives. Avoid corruption and self enrichment through public offices for true service to the electorates.

It is sad and disheartening to know some police officers are not fit to be called human in police uniforms. This matter must be investigated!

JUSTICE...

JUSTICE...

JUSTICE...

I like to celebrate Xmas with family at home and yesterday was not different except for a time my little boy was disturbing me because he want to step out of the house. Ok! ... I said in agreement. Picked the car key and drove out with him and the elder sister to buy ice cream at Justrite few bus stops away. I was astonished to see crowd especially children in the premise, playing and pushing carts around with little purchased items. Some were busy taking selfie, while some were admiring electronic gadgets.

Obviously, its xmas and most of the children were catching fun, doing little or no shopping at the location. Ideally, places for children during this festive season to have fun are homes, amusement parks, cinemas and game resorts. Unfortunately, there are little or inadequate facilities for children especially on the mainland. I know there are more of such facilities in Victoria Island- Lekki- Ajah axis compared to the mainland and where this facilities are available, majority of the low income families cannot afford it.

To reduce or avoid crowded shopping malls, there is need for more of these amusement and recreational centres for children on the mainland and across the states in Nigeria. I read on this platform, mall at Enugu was overcrowded. Government and private organisations as well as well to do individuals can look into this, to bring happiness on faces at affordable rates. Also, it further enhance social harmony among people in the community, job creation and development to the environ every season.

Compliment of the season!

The business of buying and selling of commodities on the highway especially in traffic is common to developing nations. It is surprising to know this act is increasing at an alarming rate in Nigeria across major cities with women and children more involved now than before. In a bid to survive, people engage in roadside hawking and just as for every business, there are gains and risk associated with trading on busy roads even when government at state level frowns at it, pronounce the act illegal and punishable under the law for both buyers and sellers e.g Lagos . There are diversified opinion amongst people on this as some see it as a better way of making a living compared to engaging in social vices and crimes while satisfying the urge of commuters. Another view is that it constitute nuisance of the roads, dehumizing and life endagering with little or no gains.

Series of failure on the part of parents, government and society is aiding traffic hawking as almost everyone at one point or the other had patronized business of this form including self. The business thrives when there is slow or stagnant vehicular movement. Commuters are compelled to patronize hawkers owing to stress, hunger, bad roads, traffic and circumstance. Bottle water, soft drinks, sausage rolls, plantain chips, musical CDs, sweets and chewing gums are some of the commodities often sold in the traffic. However, uncommon items like assorted small chops, puppies, mobile phones and wrist watches have joined the list.

Risk involve is quite high to mention few. It must be emphasized that quality is often traded for quality during business due to movement constrain. Also money shortages is often experienced on both part of buyers or sellers accidentally or deliberate. Another set back is accident of hit and run as hawkers are victims in the course of surviving. Some bad eggs among the hawkers seize the opportunity to steal from commuters. Arrest of perpetrators by law enforcement agents is rampant in recent time.

Government has a major role to play by making adequate provision for all by creating enabling environment for growth and sustainability as well as wealth redistribution and skill empowerment. Parents or guardians must take care of their wards, engage them directly or indirectly to venture on skilled or semi skilled businesses and avoid taking undue advantage of them. Road users have been advised to desist from patronizing hawkers but inside life...

The choice is yours to make

... failure of governance everywhere in Nigeria.

Please describe DSS action against Sowore and his lawyers in court yesterday in a word.

" ANARCHY"

Traffic congestion in and outskirt of Lagos has become daily routine owing to ongoing road construction and rehabilitation across the state.

Yesterday evening, after close of work, around 6pm from Sobo Arobiodun in GRA Ikeja to Cement Bus stop on Lagos- Abeokuta expressway, it took over 5 hours for a journey that is less than an hour normally.

Two days back, I travelled very early in the morning to Ikirun, Osun state for business and left for Lagos around 1pm. I arrived Makun city, Opic around 4pm and heavy traffic crippled vehicles slowly as I headed for Berger Isheri area. I arrived Berger Isheri By-pass around past 8pm. Traffic almost drained all calories in my body system.

What more can I do than to prepare myself today, after close of business, for another round of traffic congestion? I hope the contractors can speed up work and deliver before time because man must not die inside Lagos traffic.

Inside life.... how are you coping?

On a early Sunday morning when sleep has faded away, I picked up my phone as usual to checkout nairaland topics for weekend. Then a question popped in my head: when did you become a Nairaland forum member?

Hmmm... I laughed inside because I don't remember! Quickly, I checked my profile page and realized I joined Nov. 22, 2015. Intuitively, same question popped again: when did you join Facebook? Seriously, I've forgotten. Out if curiousity, I opened my Facebook page and to my surprise, my facevasary celeberation video was the first post that appeared stating I joined facebook in Nov. 12, 2008 with the first image I uploaded, narrowed down to the last picture posted till 2019. Wow! Speechless! Was it just a coincidence?

Funny, can you remember when you joined different social media platforms?

Happy Sunday

Nigeria as the most populated black nation with millions of young and vibrant men and women whom have struggled, over the years and still do, to liberate themselves from shackles of poverty and curse imposed on them by series of visionless leaders that has ruled our nation till date with no crystal clear approach on how to make life and existence meaningful, productive and enjoyable to all well meaning citizens. The average Nigerian youth is adamant for success and thus, go all out within or outside the country to be great regardless of the odds. However, why do majority have to go through hell to achieve their goals in Nigeria. Is Nigerian government doing enough to eradicate or minimize poverty and unemployment amongst Nigerian youths?

I stand to be corrected, the essence of government is planning and ensuring citizens continuous progress in conducive environment with limited resources judiciously harnessed under acceptable rule of law to all without compromise. The recent government policies has generated mixed reaction amongst Nigerians, for or against the people but government policy direction and communication is imperative to survival of the citizenry. Presence of institution and structures in form of ministries and agencies are not end in proferring lasting solution to high handedness and massive unemployment rate we are experiencing in the country. Sincerity and genuine willingness by government to plan, formulate and implement development driven policies for all and generation to come and not avenue for few self enriching individuals in corridor of power. Unfortunately, unemployment and under-employment is killing dreams and aspiration of our youths thereby increasing crime, prostitution and singleness( bachelors and spinsters) beyond marriageable age. I know the hustle is real but we want better template to hustle and conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Education, social amenities and security are paramount to sustainable growth and development of the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.

I appeal to my fellow youths not to relent on effort of becoming great and realizing their dreams legitimately. I also urge the present government at all levels to step up action and serve the people whole heartedly and redistrubute resources judiciously because Nigerian youths are unhappy, tired of mismanagement and corruption as well as undeveloped state the country is. Nigeria has all it takes to be great above all nations, the youths can break the jinx.

Unfortunately, our leaders continue to borrow for wrong reasons, knowing fully well the money will end up been mismanaged and embezzled amongst themselves.

Nigerians should please wake up and call these leaders or looters to order.

I know for certain, nemesis would catch up with everyone involved in setting our country backward in poverty.

I saw this today

It looks better and road worthy...

Even convinient for officers to be productive

LovesonBlezz:
As a whole, we lack maintenance culture in Nigeria

Hmmmmm....
I agree to some extent... however, how come head of agencies convoy's do not have such amidst them?

Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria are provided vehicles for their operations directly or indirectly by government at federal and state levels as well as corporate entities and well-to-do individuals to support. But after taking delivery of such vehicles, how they put them to use and maintain is something worrisome and should be checked. Quite number of these vehicles are in their sorry state with no functional hazard lights, air conditioning system and demeaning to road users and disrepute the agencies in question e.g NPF, LASG Taskforce, VIO, FRSC, LASTMA etc.

The inadequate number of such vehicles with necessary communication gadgets must be improved upon by government. However, the few available ones should be prudently put to use. The drivers and users must take ownership for neatness and maintenance of such operational vehicles to avoid damages as often known to many.

Any suggestion on how to restore sanity and maintenance of these operational vehicles by law enforcement agencies?

texazzpete:
A Lagos taxpayer is expressing his opinion about the poor way the state was governed, and in response you're happy to brush away his concerns and absolve a governor of all his alleged sins because 'nobody holy pass'.

Some of you don't deserve good governance.

@Texazzpete, kindly note I simply asked a question and that does not translate to your conclusion "brush away his concerns..." Moreover, I mentioned " he fumbled in some noticeable areas" but not on this particular project.

Also understand that good governance is a pre requisite for development of a nation.

tillaman:
The OP must be A loyalist of Ambode!!
OP how much were you given
Where is my share

Please note, I am neither a loyalist of Ambode nor did I receive a dime. I hope you are not disappointed?

@Slimfit1, please mention one governor who is a saint?

Sometime in February 2018, I made a post on this platform regarding reconstruction of Babaponmile street during Ambode's tenure in Lagos state.
https://www.nairaland.com/4329646/construction-babaponmile-street-hit-miss

The nine(9) months duration project was completed but not without cost and pain to residents. Wall fences and part buildings were demolished, dust settled in houses which caused health hazard, vehicles were packed streets away, movement was an issue with no power or water supply to the street. Life was hell during that period especially for families with kids.

Exactly 18months after, I thought it wise to reflect on the post. Life is back and better. Though landlords took advantage by increasing rents, however easy accessibility paved way for more development, convinience and reduction in cost of vehicle maintenance. Regardless of the motive or rationale behind the project by the past governor, people is the reason for goverment and good governance accross the sectors of the economy is what we demand.

Capital projects ongoing accross the nation by both state and federal governments would surely come with pains as we are experiencing on Lagos-Ibadan Highway but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Infrastuctures and social ammenities must be improved upon to make life better for Nigerians.

Ambode may have fumbled in other noticeable areas but not on this.

Goldencheese:
This is the best article that summarises the silliness or laziness of government in tackling the present revenue dryness. Two ways you can raise revenues: 1, make more money and 2, reduce wastages. Governance in Nigeria is one very expensive thing. More expensive than even developed societies that we are copying. There is so much waste at the executive, legislative and judicial levels at the federal and state levels. Just yesterday, the presidency appointed 6 aides for Aisha Buhari, a non-elected person. Six aides. It means for the next 30-something months of the life of this govt in its second term, these six aides will earn free money running errands that a typical person can do for the First Lady. And what is the work of this First Lady? And this is a govt that promised not to have an office of the First Lady. This govt is no different from the govt it replaced, not in any way different. In fact, things have gone and are going south.

I will advise Buhari not to push his luck too far, something he seems to be doing now. Nigerians are becoming irritated by the incompetence, laziness and irresponsibility of this govt.

And please, I am not for APC or PDP, I am for good governance in Nigeria!

No doubt, people are losing hope,day by day, in this government considering the level of support given and expectation.

Acting by watching!

tayebest:
Guy you wise I just hate anything called tax!





Why not reduce governance cost?

Both tax levy and reduction in cost of governance are integral part of government function process. Unfortunately, the Nigerian government over the years till date are quick to adopt the former approach to the latter, fully aware the latter is key.

Globally, government of sovereign states are responsible, through planning and budget, for drafting their expenditures and income for a given period usually a year. However, for the income aspect, most government resort to borrowing domestically or international in complementing internal generated revenue(IGR). Federal government of Nigeria, in recent year, is looking at the direction of taxation to generate income, meet her expenditures and service loans incurred. Though, the idea in itself is good provided is skewed towards the rich organisations and individuals that can afford it at this hard time when all developmental indices like unemployment rate, inflation rate, etc are in double digits. It is a lazy approach to increasing revenue for government whose citizens' welfare and better tomorrow is held in high esteem.

Increment of VAT to 7.2% from 5%, tax imposition on carbonated drinks, charges on cash deposit and withdrawal above five hundred thousand naira, high custom duties/ tarrifs on imported items not under prohibition list all have implicatons on government and citizens; however, final consumers would bear the burden which would increase general prices of goods and services in the country. Instead, tax levy proposition on foreign trips, medicals, unoccuppied properties and luxurious items should be given consideration.

Our policy makers know that borrowing to finance budget deficit is not the best option to becoming a progressive state. Nigeria as emerging economy, there is urgent need for government to think, strategize and work productively by annexing and engaging both human and natural resources towards creation of more wealth and development as the case of United Arab Emirate. Government expenditures on education/ research, agriculture, health, capital projects and security are more paramount towards realization of self sustained economy. The cost of governance and size of public workforce must be given reconsideration by bringing it down to the bearest minimum for effective and efficient productivity on Nigerian economy.

I applaud the fight against corruption the federal government is embarking upon but I expect more. Unnecessary allocation of funds and resources to unproductive ventures such as constituency projects, salaries to past government officials, office of the first lady, Hajj and pilgrimage commissions, grants support to other african countries, to mention few, should be abolished completely. Also, cutting down on allowances of government officials means more savings and reduction in borrowing.

I urge the government not to follow the easy-way out approach by impoverishing the poor masses with anti-people policy. A broad based tax system is necessary only when the government have fully provided basic social security and amenities with business viable environment as well as opportunities for growth mechanism. With vast natural and human resources embedded in Nigeria, I expect government to be visionary, real and highly productive to advantage of wealth creation and redistribution for all citizens irrespective of political, religious or ethnic coloration. President Buhari's government must step up action towards realization of better Nigeria.

It is disheartening to know that the act of lying is becoming a culture to Nigerians as some do make a living out of it (e.g comedians). Unlike growing up as a child, parents, guardians and teachers in our society would discourage young ones from telling a lie because God forbids it, using the holy books( Bible, Quran, etc) as backings. Likewise, the laws of the land constititionally go against it but ironically and unfortunately, the Nigerian government and politicians, then and now, have always lied to the citizens, one way or the other, as we find ourselves in the present state of development.

There are quite prominent lies that fly around and people do not see any wrong in them. I wish to state some but I hope things will change for better sooner.

GOVERNMENT " The government does not have money to pay minimum wage"...

" We are eradicating poverty, bringing millions of people out"...

CELEBRITIES " Marking birthdays with self acclaimed age...

FOOTBALL PLAYERS " Always using football age contrary to real age"...

PASTORS " You must pay tithe" ...

PARENTS " You must top your class because I used to take first position during my time" ...
" I married your mother as a virgin"...

GUARDIANS" Fond of using turtle in story telling"...

MUSICIANS " I have billions of money in my account and private jet to fly you round the world"...

STUDENTS " Always claim to be broke even when school section just resumed"...

COUPLES " I love you"...

POLICEMEN on any crime" We are on top of the situation"...

BANKS " Customers interest are protected"...

MARKET TRADERS " True, I have no gain in what I am selling to you"...

LANDLORDS " I am only helping you tenants by not charging you much"...

MEDIA HOUSES " We are the best"...

Please share yours

The time is now for all Nigerians to get serious! The government must take her citizens' security and welfare paramount by squizzing South Africa government and establisments policy-wise. The politicians should forgo personal interest and greed for national interest in finding lasting solution to this menace. Every Nigerian must encourage and patronize made in Nigeria goods and services.
As for me,
I will start by condemning one of my MTN lines and port the other to Glo.
Secondly will cease to renew my DSTV subscription for now.
Thirdly, will...

Can someone tell me how to port my MTN number to Glo?

I read the demands of #RevolutionNow protesters below, it is evident they mean well for Nigeria. Unfortunately, the few elites/politicians in and outside government will ensure all their demands never see the light of the day. Is President Buhari's government a blessing to Nigeria or a curse?

I hope Africans especially the Nigerian government officials are learning.

It is quite disheartening to know that Nigerian government and her law enforcement agencies are still leaving in the past era of abrogation and breach of fundamental human right. With the video of protesters at Surulere yesterday, evidently revealed there was no violence, no disruption of vehicular traffic or people but Nigerian police officers made arrests and tried to disperse protesters. A government with sound listening ears formulate and implement good policies that affect the lives of the citizens.

The constitution recorgnize people's fundamental human rights, the government and the process of governance. Good governance and modern policing has gone beyond reactionary but proactiveness. The policemen should have been there to protect and prevent chaos rather than obstructing, dispersing or arresting non violent protesters. Especially the task force, its high time we looked at the recruitment requirements of people who join the force. Many are arrogant, uncivilised and above the law in act. What right does the police officer has kicking the man resisting arrest? No brutal force is allowed during arrest, I stand to be corrected, especially when the victim is harmless. When LASG task force arrest drivers for driving against traffic and same law enforcement team drive against traffic for their operation, what is their excuse? I cannot comprehend!

The earlier the police, as an institution, stay clear politics and adhere to modern policing with rule of engagement, the better for the country because if the government govern right, people will solidly stand by the leader. If otherwise, the people will rise against the government one way or the other. Just a matter of time!

Let us all do what is right in the interest of Nigeria, the citizens and generation unborn! What does it cost the government at all levels to deliver good governance to the people? What is the price of peace, healthy people and development of our dear nation? Why do our leaders, past and present, refused to lead us well? Why can't they replicate the beautiful things they always enjoy everytime they travelled outside Nigeria? Is it a curse or poor incompitence? Nigerians deserve better! We are hardworking, peaceful and courageous people. Enough of excuses from our president and deliver the mandate expected by all well meaning Nigerians.

God help us!
Let us help ourselves!

It is quite disheartening to know that Nigerian government and her law enforcement agencies are still leaving in the past era of abrogation and breach of fundamental human right. With the video of protesters I saw at Surulere, there was no violence, no disruption of vehicular traffic or people and yet, Nigerian police officers made arrests and tried disperse people not to protest.

The modern policing has gone beyond reactionary but proactiveness. The policemen should have been there to protect and prevent chaos rather than obstructing, dispersing or arresting non violent protesters. Especially the task force, its high time we looked at the recruitment requirements of people who wants to join the force. Many are arrogant, uncivilised and above the law in act. What right does the police officer has kicking the man resisting arrest? When LASG task force arrest drivers for driving against traffic and same law enforcement team drive against traffic for their operation, what is their excuse? I cannot comprehend!

The earlier the police, as an institution, stay clear politics and adhere to modern policing with rule of engagement, the better for the ciuntry because if the government govern right, people will solidly stand by the leader. If otherwise, the people will rise against the government. Just a matter of time!

Let us all do what is right in the interest of Nigeria, the citizens and children unborn!

With the vast and untapped human and mineral resources available in Africa, bad leadership in governments accross the continent, has been a major challenge underlying the current state of developing economies. Good governance position the state and brings remarkable social and economic development to the people. In relation to Africa, what is government? How is  the government constituted? What is the purpose of a government and relevance to the people? Who should govern? What are the qualities of a good leader? Is there a vision, in form of masterplan, towards genuine growth and development of people and infrastructures in Africa? How should the mission be approached, socially, culturally, spiritually or systematically over a stipulated period?

 

Answer to the questions above, thus, give deep insight to why governments in Africa have failed over the years. Leaders in emerging countries, like Nigeria, are less knowledgeable and ill prepared to take up the mantle of leadership with neccessary charisma and selflessness towards serving the people. The leadership skills required are lacking and priority given to self enrichment and interest of the wealthy few. Until politicians and political parties are subjected to ideological drills, analysed and verified by relevant anti-crime agencies, supported by majority of the people to rule with well articulated action plan, modalities and stipulated time for delivery as well as overhaul responsiveness to the people ,as practised in developed countries; would remained a dream.

 

The various arm of government(executive, legislative and judiciary) must carryout their constitutional functions in mutual interest of the state independently, to foaster peace, security, social integration of different ethnic groups and improve human and infrastructural devolpment on a continuous basis across federal, state and local government levels. Government officials serving should be subjected to live, consume and grow domestic values,  products and service as a motivation for the citizenry to follow suit, grow our economy and foreign policies. This would also encourage all sectors especially heath and education to save monies finding its way outside the shores of the country.

 

Unsupportive cost of governance is another detrimental factor exhibited by most African leaders. The duplication of government offices, ministries and agencies, unwarranted public service size, overbloated expenditures without comessurate revenue generation and contracts-cost inflation without consideration to forex market owing to consumming nation known to be. The earlier these concern are checked, governance and productivity would remained backward.

 

Availability of strategic and developmental policies are enough without corresponding willingness by government to implement the aforementioned. Policy makers have solutions on papers but implementation is little due to corruption by all major stakeholders. Passion for result oriented proposals, projects and personnel are necessary and required for rapid transformation at every strata of the government across board. 

 

Above all, are the african youths ready to lead? How equipped mentally, psychologically and knowledgeable are the vibrant age brackets responsible to drive the workforce for growth and sustainable development? Many would say otherwise, however, visionary youths with selfless service can be groomed to take up the steer of leadership in Africa. It is better late than never!

In our society, women and young girls of puberty are known to wear bras of different types, sizes, shapes, colour and fabric suitable, to offer basic practical support and coverage of the breast while others are purposefully sexual, sensual or revealing. Full-cup, Plunge, Balconette, Bullet, Soft, Sport and Nursing bras, to mention few, that are padded is issue of concern.

Recently, I've seen quite number of videos posted online by some Nigerian women to discourage or discontinue the use of padded bras because it contains sealed-liquid content believed to be the causing agent of breast cancer. But how true is this?

How come relevant agencies on health matters in Nigeria like NAFDAC, SON, Ministry of Health and Breast Cancer Foundations/ NGOs are yet to come out with statements or findings to support or refute these videos released. Maybe all the aforementioned health bodies are yet to see these videos and how come the bra manufacturing companies or designers are not questioned? Neither have the designers of brassiere give an explanation towards substance found in the padded bras and why?

This should be a matter of concern and urgency to every responsible individuals and groups to substanciate and put a rest to this claim rather than keep mute because healthy women translates to heathy society. My message to all female users, please guard self and stay healthy.

[quote author=Harlem2 post=80160013]Ehn bribe the kids will juicy stuff
And have your way
[/quote

Guy! You never see kids we go collect your juicy stuff and still balance before tv ...