Transport
Lagos says bus reforms to create 3,000 jobs
The Lagos State government has said no fewer than 3,000 jobs would be created when the 13 bus terminals springing across the city finally comes on stream. This is as it disclosed that about 473 buses to flag-off operation of the bus reform would soon arriving the country.
Speaking over the weekend during a media tour to both the Ikeja and yet to be completed Oshodi Bus Terminals, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Mr Ladi Lawanson, said the bus terminals are part of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s gift to the 12 million masses of the state, who uses public transportation daily.
He said the terminals will put an end to insecurity, unreliability, accident and mugging associated with the current commercial bus regime in the state.
Lawanson said construction is ongoing in 13 different bus terminals all aimed at ensuring that more people embrace public transportation and that sanity returns to the roads.
He said: “We have Alapere Bus Shelter, Ilupeju Bus depot, Yaba Bus Terminal, Anthony Bus depot, Maryland Bus Terminal, Agege Bus Terminal, Ojota Bus Terminal, Oyingbo Bus Terminal, Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal among other proposed corridors.
“These facilities will provide over 3,000 jobs for youths and increase transport connections and inter modal connectivity in the state.”
Speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the idea is to cater for low and medium income residents who cannot afford to fuel their own cars every day.
“We are expecting over 800 buses that the government has procured to kick-start operation for the benefit of the residents,” he said.
He said the Ikeja Bus Terminal is a major transportation infrastructure constructed to improve efficiency, adding that 23 routes would be serviced from the terminal and while the facility would be servicing 400,000 passengers daily. It would reduce traffic congestion, occasioned by the present street loading and dropping off of passengers and reduce environmental pollution.
Bamigbetan said the Ikeja terminal has facility to cater for 100 buses daily, adding that the government hoped to take off with the Ikeja-Obalende route before June ending.
Also speaking, the Managing Director Planet Project Mr Biodun Otunola said the Ikeja Bus Terminal which sits on 10,000 square metres of land is more than a bus stop as “some ignorant critics have lately being ranting.”
He said the facility has a sheltered walkway, 13 ticketing booths, an ATM gallery, and a food court. Also, the facility has a functional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which makes routes and travel planning easy. The terminal is provides conveniences for both sexes and free wifi spot for the use of commuters.
Otunola who also took the reporters on tour of the Oshodi Bus Terminal and Interchange said the iconic terminal on completion would be servicing 300,000 passenger traffic every day, which he said is projected to hit one million in the next five years.
He said each of the three wings five-floor terminals, which would be completed with a skywalk is the first of its kind in the world. “While Terminal One, is intercity transport, Terminal Two exclusively services intra city transportation, while Terminal Three would service Lagos Island, Ikorodu corridor. Each terminals is one five floors, has multi-level car park, conveniences, six lifts and one escalator each, food court, a park and ride facility, CCTv system, holding bay with capacity for 70 buses and a control centre.”
Otunola described what is going on in Lagos as revolutionary as it was the first time government is deliberately planning and providing world class facility to road transport users. He added that the facilities presently going on across the state would redefine the transportation system in the state.
He said the Oshodi interchange will be delivered by October this year.
The tour was led by the Commissioners for Transportation and Information and Strategy, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation Mr Taiwo Olufemi Salaam, Mamaging Director of the Lagos State Bus Services Ltd., Mr Idowu Oguntola, MD Planet Projects Ltd., Mr Biodun Otunola, directors in the Ministry of Transportation, among others.
Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform, on Thursday, 19th of March hosted an Iftar gathering in Kano to bring together Muslim drivers during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was not only an opportunity to share a meal but also served as a platform for open dialogue, feedback exchange, and community building within the Bolt driver network.
The Iftar event, held in recognition of the significance of Ramadan, reinforced Bolt’s commitment to supporting its driver-partners and fostering inclusivity across all communities. The gathering provided an environment for drivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and engage directly with the Bolt team in a collaborative discussion about improving their experience on the platform.
Speaking during the event, Osi Oguah, the general manager for Bolt Nigeria said: “At Bolt, we recognize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our driver-partners.
This Iftar event was more than just a meal, it was a chance to connect, listen, and understand the challenges and needs of our drivers in Kano. We appreciate their dedication, especially during this sacred period of Ramadan.”
Drivers in attendance expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the sense of belonging and recognition the event fostered. Many also welcomed the opportunity to discuss ways to improve their overall experience on the Bolt platform, making it a productive and meaningful engagement for all participants.
Nura Muhammed, a driver-partner said: “We want to say thank you to Bolt for this initiative, if my knowledge serves me right, this is the first time a ride-hailing company will organize such an event in Kano. This event has also made it possible for us to share some feedback to them physically and we drivers mostly get to connect through our online platform but today, we’re able to meet physically, mingle and exchange pleasantries”
Bolt remains committed to strengthening driver engagement and well-being, and this Iftar gathering is part of a broader effort to continuously support and empower driver-partners across Nigeria.
Transport
Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market
Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:
- With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
- Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.
The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.
Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.
Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”
Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.
FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.
The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.
The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.
The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
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