Travel
Lagos cracks down on illegal trading, shanties along Lagos-Badagry, Oshodi-Abule Egba
Lagos State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to owners of illegal trading kiosks and shanties along Lagos-Badagry and Oshodi-Abule Egba corridors to vacate the routes for a clean-up exercise aimed at reclaiming rights of way for free passage of vehicles and salvaging the aesthetics of the environment.
Beginning from next Tuesday, the two major routes will be cleared of street trading and linear settlements obstructing free flow of traffic along the corridors. The exercise is being carried out by inter-ministerial ad-hoc committee set up by the Governor in conjunction with Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences.
The clean-up intervention is part of implementation of the Executive Order declaring zero tolerance for traffic management, public work and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which was signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 30, 2019.
At a joint press briefing held on Wednesday, the ad-hoc committee said the exercise would be carried out for three weeks, warning those engaging in illegal trading and obstruction of traffic along the routes to relocate for the clean-up.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport, Dr. Taiwo Salaam, said no effort would be spared to rid the marked routes of illegal activities obstructing the traffic, stressing that the implementation of the governor’s order would lead to free vehicular movement and regenerated environment condition along the axis.
He said: “This press briefing is to announce a major intervention to be embarked upon on two major axial ways by this ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Committee. The first is on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which incidentally is an international road linking other West African nations. The second intervention will be carried out on Oshodi-Abule Egba route servicing many of our densely populated communities Lagos.
“Pursuant to the Executive Order, the public is hereby intimated of the plans of the State Government to clean up roads along the routes and recover the Rights of Way. Of equal importance is the environmental regeneration of the entire stretch of the road, which has been taken over by shanties, refuse and vegetal nuisances.”
The ad-hoc committee observed that the clampdown was necessary, given the regular chaotic situation and lawlessness on the marked routes, which resulted from activities of those who converted BRT corridors to trading centres and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the highway by traders.
The committee said the exercise would be targeted at road transport workers’ activities leading to traffic jam along the route, and also on the nefarious activities of criminal gangs, especially at Eric Moore area.
Salaam said: “The clean-up of these corridors is expected to commence next week (Tuesday). Traders are implored to relocate from these routes and remove the illegal structures erected on the paths, while road transport union operators are advised to find alternative operational bases.”
“We are appealing to all stakeholders to cooperate with the various teams in the ad-hoc committee that will carry out the exercise, which is in the overall interest of all Lagosians. Market men and women, members of road transport unions and other road users are enjoined to desist from needless abuse of the road, right of way as well as road set-backs.”
Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya, described the clean-up exercise as “obligatory” for government, stressing that the two routes had been “heavily commercialised”.
He also said LAWMA officials would be deployed along the routes during the clean-up activity to clear waste materials dumped illegally on the roads by traders.
He said: “Implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order is also to fast-track activities of LAWMA in clearing our highways of illegally dumped refuse. There have been improvements in waste management in the state in the last seven months. We will be working with the ad-hoc committee to clean up the marked corridors.”
On his part, Chairman of Lagos Taskforce, Yinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said he had deployed officers on advocacy and sensitisation campaign to meet with affected traders and groups ahead of the exercise next week.
“After this advocacy, we will move in full force next week to carry out the Executive Order,” Egbeyemi said.
The ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises Ministries of Transportation, Environment, and Works and Infrastructure.
There are also agencies, including LAWMA, Lagos Taskforce on Environment and Miscellaneous Offences, Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPARK), and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), working with the ministries to implement the Executive Order.
Hospitality
Nature, Wellness and Culinary Drive 2025 Travel Trends in Africa, according to Mastercard Economics Institute
New Mastercard Economics Institute Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals that purpose in the form of nature-driven travel, wellness escapes and culinary adventures, are among the top drivers of tourism across Africa, SANDRA ANI reports
The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has released its annual Travel Trends 2025 report, revealing the latest consumer spending insights and motivation when it comes to travel.
Cross-border movement is often influenced by the most pressing economic factors of the moment, such as exchange rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these are not the only factors driving consumers’ travel spending decisions, including those in Africa. Personal and purpose-driven factors remain powerful even when economic uncertainty looms.
Building on the resilience of the global travel sector seen last year, the 2025 report highlights how destinations across the African continent are increasingly appealing to tourists and, creating additional opportunities for local markets to develop tourism.
“Africa is emerging as a global leader in purpose-driven travel, where nature, wellness, and culinary experiences are redefining the continent’s tourism landscape. These trends present a powerful opportunity to drive inclusive growth, support local economies, and position Africa as a key player in the future of global tourism,” said Mark Elliot, division president, Africa, Mastercard.
Whether drawn by Namibia’s wellness retreats, South Africa’s wilderness experiences or Morocco’s vibrant culinary scene, travelers are expanding their horizons beyond traditional hotspots.
“Tourism is playing an important role in Africa’s growth story. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the continent’s natural beauty, culinary diversity, and wellness experiences. While economic and geopolitical factors matter, the pursuit of meaningful, purpose-driven travel remains strong. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s report sheds light on how countries are tapping into this trend to attract visitors and boost local economies,” said Khatija Haque, chief economist EEMEA, Mastercard Economics Institute.
By exploring a full range of travel motivations, the report identifies the main themes shaping travel today:
Africa trends:
- Nature-fueled adventures: South Africa and Zambia dominate cross-border spending around national park areas. Spending around South Africa’s major national parks far outpaced that of other countries, with nearly a quarter of the cross-border spending occurring within these zones. Zambia is also highly ranked as an outdoor adventure destination.
- Culinary crossroads: Marrakech ranks highly on the foodie list with its median restaurant hosting tourists from many different countries, often to enjoy meals of tagine and b’stilla. Cape Town is also on the list, with its bobotie dish proving popular with visitors.
- Wellness in the wild: Africa is establishing itself as a global leader in wellness-centered travel as consumers prioritize rejuvenation and self-care. Namibia, South Africa and Botswana are among the top destinations for travelers seeking spa-style and nature-based retreats and immersive eco lodges. Kenya is also ranked among the top 20 destinations for wellness In the Mastercard Wellness Index 2025.
Other global trends:
- Spa, summit and savor: Personal passions and goals motivate travel choices. Adventure-seekers are heading to the Nordics, where Finland’s national parks account for 7.1% of cross-border spending in the country.
- Summer destination draws: The Asia-Pacific region commands the list of trending summer destinations. Flight booking data reveals the top global destinations gaining most momentum for June-September travel, relative to last year. Tokyo is the number one trending spot for summer 2025, followed by Osaka and then Paris.
- Fuelled by fans: Fans travel internationally to see their favorite teams and athletes play. Case in point? During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors in Los Angeles surged by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost.
- Money matters: Despite geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices, the factors that motivate consumers to travel are often more complex than just economic. But currency depreciation can make certain destinations, like Japan, more attractive due to their better value for money.
- Wheeling and dealing closer to home: In general, business travelers favor longer trips within their own regions, driven by hybrid work models and geopolitical uncertainty. However, there are exceptions, with UK businesses spending a growing share of their travel budgets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector grow through market analysis and high-frequency, data-driven insights that enhance the travel experience. By empowering destinations and businesses to better understand evolving consumer trends, Mastercard is helping to shape a more connected and resilient future for travel across Africa.
You can view the full “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys” and other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.
The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.
On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.
The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.
The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.
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