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Delta Line Shares Divested to Make it Profitable—Okowa
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Delta State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, has explained why his administration decided to divest shares of the state-owned transport company, Delta Line, to a private organisation.
In a statement issued in Asaba, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, emphasised that Delta Line was not outrightly sold to God is Good Motors as being peddled on social media.
According to him, government is making solid plans to divest part of its shares in the transport company to pave the way for joint ownership with the highest bidder, adding that the divestment of shares became necessary to make the company viable and better managed by tested and trusted stakeholders in the transportation sector.
“The state government is not comfortable with the poor financial status of Delta Line despite the huge investments in billions of Naira pumped into it in the past; a development so frightening due to inability of the company management to pay staff salaries and maintain its fleet let alone making profit for government.
“Similar transport companies in the state and elsewhere managed by private investors are doing very well, declaring huge profits year after year while Delta Line continue to degenerate; and all efforts put in place to make the company viable proved abortive hence government decided to divest part of its shares and partner with professional managers in the transport sector to manage Delta Line efficiently and profitably.
“The huge leakage of funds became unbearable which led to the sack of various key management staff of the transport company and strict checks and balances were introduced. These measures could not also solve the problems as rogue elements within the system quickly devised new unscrupulous methods of stealing money.
“The company was unable to save money to pay backlog of salaries and entitlements and therefore could not function effectively and efficiently without partial funding by government,” he said.
On the allegation that the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) offered N2 billion in its bid but government decided to sell its shares to God is Good Motors, Mr Oghenesivbe explained that there is no concrete evidence that NLC presented financial statements showing capacity to pay for the shares, adding that it is hazy as to NLC strict compliance with the bid.
On the unconfirmed rumour that some members of Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning to stage protest to force government to reverse its decision to stop the divestment process, Mr Oghenesivbe said the decision subsists and cannot be put on hold or jettisoned for any reason whatsoever, adding that the divestment is a well throughout strategy to revive Delta line, manage it efficiently, imbibe good corporate governance and make profits for government and other shareholders.
“APC Delta is completely out of the political radar in the state hence its leaders and docile handful of members want to busy themselves with a matter that was well deliberated upon and proper decisions taken for the interest of the state and Deltans.
“APC should concentrate on how to manage its three years old internal crisis rather than meddle with issues of good governance alien to the party’s (APC) mediocre leaders and their overzealous followers in Delta State.
“The co-shareholders saddled with the responsibility of managing Delta Line shall retain the work force after critical staff audit and competence evaluation exercise expected to weed out ghost workers and redundant human elements in the now unprofitable transport company.
“There is nothing to worry about because the name and corporate colours of Delta Line shall be retained, operational routes and scope of daily commercial and administrative activities sustained and modified except for strategic restructuring as may be effected by the new managers for the purposes of good corporate governance and viability,” the statement added.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a 50 per cent fare cut for the blue rail line corridor, only for Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The decision by the governor is part of the activities to mark the second anniversary of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line.
Governor Sanwo-Olu saluted riders of the blue rail line, and thanked them for the support they have shown in embracing rail transportation, saying the rail system belongs to all Lagosians, and it is everyone’s belief in a greater Lagos that makes progress possible.
A statement released by the Consultant, Corporate Communication Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, said, “To mark this second anniversary, I am pleased to announce a 50% reduction in fares on the Blue Line for tomorrow, Thursday, September 4, 2025.
“If you have not yet experienced the Blue Line, I encourage you to take a ride and see what we have built together.”
Mr Ojelabi disclosed that two years ago, we took a bold step with the launch of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line. Today, as I look back on how far we have come, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
The statement quoted Governor Sanwo-Olu as pointing out that in two years, the Blue Line has carried more than five million passengers safely, without a single accident.
“Trains now run every ten minutes, making over 90 trips each day. Journeys that once took much longer have become faster and easier. These achievements show that when we work with dedication and purpose, we can build systems that truly serve the people,” the governor said.
“I want to thank you for the trust and support you have shown. This project belongs to all of us, and it is your belief in a greater Lagos that makes progress possible.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Pick-up vans have been donated by Dangote Cement Plc to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The leading cement manufacturer gave out the vehicles to the traffic management agencies in Lagos and Ogun States in demonstration of its commitment to public safety, infrastructure support, and national development.
The cement miller noted that the gesture was not just a contribution, but a partnership built on shared values of safety, efficiency, and service to the Nigerian people.
It added that the vehicles would support the agencies’ efforts at enhancing rapid response to traffic incidents, improving patrol coverage across key transport corridors and strengthening enforcement of traffic regulations for safer roads.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, while handing over the items to the agencies, said, “As a leading player in our nation’s industrial landscape, Dangote Cement understands that our operations go beyond business.
“We are part of the communities we serve, and we recognize the critical role that efficient traffic management plays in ensuring the safety of lives, the smooth flow of goods, and the overall well-being of our cities.”
In his remarks, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, thanked Dangote Cement for the donation, pointing out that, “It reflects a deep understanding that traffic management is not just a government responsibility—it is a shared civic duty that affects every commuter, every business, and every family.”
“As we receive this vehicle today, we reaffirm our commitment to using it judiciously, maintaining it diligently, and deploying it strategically to improve traffic flow, reduce accidents, and ensure the safety of all road users,” he added, praising his team for making efforts to “make our roads safer every day.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Transport, Mrs Aderonke Tokunbo-Peters, described the donation as one of the moments “that stands motivating in the collective journey towards safer, more efficient, and more responsive traffic management in our cities. This donation is not just a gift of vehicles; it is a powerful statement of corporate responsibility, community partnership, and shared vision for public safety and service excellence.”
“We are immensely grateful to Dangote Cement which we are proud to host in our state of Ogun, for recognizing the critical role our agency plays in maintaining order on our roads and for choosing to invest in our capacity to serve. These vehicles will enhance our mobility, improve our response times, and strengthen our presence across key traffic corridors,” she added.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Certain measures are being taken by the management of Dangote Group to curb auto crashes and one of them is the installation of cameras across its fleet of thousands of CNG trucks.
The Head of Transport for Obajana Plant of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Murilo Silva, informed journalists that the conglomerate is enforcing its zero tolerance for auto crashes.
He said this is one of the reasons the firm was collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) through the Dangote Articulated Trucks Drivers Training School (DATDTS) to implement stricter entry requirements for aspiring drivers.
According to him, those intending to drive the company’s trucks must be at least 23 years of age with a minimum of five years of relevant driving experience, in addition to holding a valid Class G driver’s license.
He explained that anyone seeking employment as a truck driver must undergo a thorough examination and screening process, which includes medical evaluations and drug testing.
Mr Silva said an applicant must have a clean criminal record, with no pending legal cases, adding, “The Dangote Cement Plc has a Policy on Drivers Employment processes that gives the criteria on DADTS processes of engaging new drivers especially mandatory 5 years of experience and compulsory a class G license.”
“The company currently has a full fledge Department for Health, Safety and Environment Assessment. It also conducts drugs and alcohol test, blood pressure test, confirms drivers fit for trips and others before making trips,” he added, noting the cement company has instituted certain measures to curb auto crashes.
According to him, drivers’ participation in the company’s monthly training programme has grown by 60 per cent this year, with drug and alcohol testing up by 40 per cent, while pre-trip inspections have recorded an impressive 74 per cent increase.
Also, the Divisional Head of Transport at DCP Obajana, Mr Hemant Rana, disclosed that the company has established a multi-million-naira Pre-Trip Inspection Bay, staffed with engineers and mechanics, to ensure thorough inspection of trucks before they embark on journeys.
“We have built a Drivers Rest House for Drivers to rest after making trips and before embarking on new trips. We have developed a monitoring system of our drivers that helps them do their jobs safely. We have Drivers Help Desk Units that follow up with drivers’ situations while on trips. We also have a Control Department that follows up with drivers’ behaviour while on trips,” he stated.
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