Connect with us

General

What You Should Know About Lagos New Victim, Witness Protection and Assistance Bill

Published

on

witness protection and assistance bill

Recently, the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a bill to protect and assist victims of crimes and accidents as well as witnesses who have genuine information that could help prosecute cases effectively.

The witness protection and assistance bill was the first to be passed by a state parliament in Nigeria. It establishes an agency that would assist in meeting its stipulations and goals. The organisation would be financed through a Trust Fund.

The piece of legislature with 71 sections is titled A bill for a law to provide for the rights and entitlements of victims and protection of witnesses and for connected purposes. It was passed on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

The bill has been described as one that would protect lives and property because it is geared towards creating a peaceful Lagos society in line with the state’s advancement.

Below are 10 other things to know about the bill and the agency:

  1. Provide necessary assistance to victims and witnesses, including measures for treatment, reparation, restitution and rehabilitation.
  2. Conduct research into ways victims and witnesses can be effectively treated, rehabilitated, assisted, compensated and protected.
  3. Create a conducive environment for witnesses to make statements before law enforcement agencies without fear of any repercussions.
  4. Pay compensation to victims or witnesses for any physical or mental harm, loss or damages to property.
  5. A victim or witness shall be protected as far as practicable from unnecessary contact with the alleged offender and defence witnesses during trial and proceedings.
  6. A victim or witness who suspects that harm may be inflicted on him due to his participation in any investigation can seek protection.
  7. A victim or witness can be provided with security, temporary accommodation, permanent relocation, temporary or permanent employment or change of identity.
  8. Victims of accidents or crimes must be assisted by the public or security agents and taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
  9. A hospital or facility that fails to treat a victim can face a N1 million fine. If the victim dies, the hospital or doctor faces prosecution.
  10. A private hospital that receives an accident victim with a severe wound must inform the agency within 48 hours for reimbursement of medical expenses where family members are not known or where the victim is indigent.
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

General

Dangote Unveils Phone Number to Report MRS Stations Selling PMS Above N739

Published

on

Dangote monopoly Political Economy of Failure

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.

This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.

“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.

“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.

The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.

Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.

By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.

The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.

“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.

Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.

Continue Reading

General

ANLCA Airport Chapter Scores Salamatu High on Stakeholder Engagement, Trade Facilitation

Published

on

ANLCA Airport Chapter

By Bon Peters

The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.

At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.

At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.

“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.

He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.

The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating  trade and increasing Revenue generation.”

“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.

“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.

“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.

Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.

Continue Reading

General

FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

on

as public holidays

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.

The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.

He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.

Continue Reading

Trending