Transport
REVEALED: Those sabotaging River Niger dredging
Efforts by successive administrations to implement the national transport master plan that will see to the dredging of Nigeria’s inland waterways could not be achieved because some powerful interests are opposed to it, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, had said.
Speaking on Thursday when he received the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora, in his office, Hon Dogara disclosed that in the last three years, he had taken up the issue of implementation of the national transport master plan at different times and at the highest levels with different people but his efforts hit a brick wall.
At a point, according to him, he was told that the Chinese had handed down a negative verdict on the project saying it was not feasible and useless.
Recalling how the national transport master plan was conceived by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Hon Dogara said: “I was part of the development of the national transportation master plan, I don’t know what has happened to that, how I wish we implemented that plan, by now we would have gone very far because the national transportation master plan vision is a seamless integration of a multi-modal transportation into one hub, and I think at that time Baro in Niger State had been identified as the centre for the hub, it is serviced by a railway that is connected to Minna and all you need to do is to construct a road and airport that will ensure connectivity and you will have access to the Atlantic Ocean through the River Niger, so everything was supposed to be put together in one place.”
“I am aware that some people in the sector are of the opinion that we do not need the inland waterways transportation in this country. I have had discussions with some of them like I said, I have been an advocate of this for long, and they said that the Chinese said it is useless, even if we develop it. But that’s the irony, if you look at other countries who do not even have this potential for inland waterways transportation, they have even done man-made inland waterways and even lakes, they have created artificial ones. While in this country, having been blessed with this wonderful resources by Mother Nature, by God we tend to look the other way and believe they will not serve any useful purpose.”
“There are some people within the sector who do not want some of these initiatives to see the light of day. But because I’ve converted myself so if they are fighting against you, they are fighting against me, and it would be very difficult for them to succeed because of the goodwill that propels us,” the Speaker further assured the NIWA delegation.
He also highlighted some of the values that can be generated from inland waterways transportation, saying: “imagine the millions of metric tonnes of goods that would be lifted off our highways and put on the berth of ships that would ply these inland waterways. That would mean our roads can last 50 years as it is in other climes. That would also translate into safety on our highways as well.”
The Speaker said it was in realisation of the importance of the sector that the House passed the NIWA amendment Bill which repealed moribund laws governing the agency’s activities to enable it to achieve its mandate which is now awaiting concurrence by the Senate.
For his part, Senator Mamora commended the Speaker for how he has been able to manage the House of Representatives and said he was in the Speaker’s office to solicit his support and that of the House of Representatives because the legislature provides the ways and means for good governance and the passage of the NIWA Amendment Bill.
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.
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
MTN Go MAD Campaign Inspires Aba’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
