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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 Lagos State government has expressed concerns over the growing number of rickety vehicles operating on Lagos roads, saying they pose a risk to commuters and road users in the cosmopolitan city.
The government, through Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), has advised Lagosians to be vigilant and avoid boarding rickety public vehicles known as danfos.
The Director of the agency, Mr Akin-George Fashola, said reassured members of the public that impounded rickety vehicles would not be released for further use.
In a statement via the Lagos Ministry of Transportation on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Fashola said the vehicles, including one he personally apprehended, were in extremely poor condition, describing them as poorly maintained, with outdated parts and lacking essential safety features essentially ticking time bombs on Lagos roads.
He emphasized that rickety vehicles have been linked to numerous accidents in the state, often resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.
Further highlighting the dangers, Mr Fashola pointed out several critical issues common among the seized vehicles: unstable tires due to expiration, potential brake failure caused by makeshift repairs, and disjointed body compartments weakened by rust all of which render them unfit for commercial use.
He noted that many of these vehicles operate mostly at night, further increasing the risks to unsuspecting passengers, urging the public to prioritize safety by avoiding any vehicle that appears to be in a deteriorated condition.
He added that the VIS is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including road transport unions, to ensure Lagos roads remain safe for all users, encouraging members of the public to report any sightings or experiences with rickety vehicles via the VIS complaint platforms at info@dvis.lg.gov.ng, or through the Ministry of Transportation hotlines: 09020004000 and 09020009000.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Commercial bus operators in Lagos State have been warned against route violations and illegal road parking across the metropolis or risk being apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.
This warning was given by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, who said the government would no longer tolerate the excesses of the commercial bus drivers, especially those operating mini buses, colloquially known as Korope.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Adebayo Taofiq, the Governor’s aide emphasized the paramount necessity of unwavering adherence to traffic regulations, with particular regard to unauthorized route deviations.
According to him, the new directive is in alignment with the government’s overarching initiative to instil orderliness on Lagos roadways and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular movement across the metropolis.
He further articulated that LASTMA operatives have been duly mandated to escalate enforcement strategies aimed at curbing reckless driving and unlawful practices that hinder urban mobility and disrupt the city’s traffic ecosystem.
Additionally, Mr Giwa issued a categorical directive against the indiscriminate occupation of public roadways for unauthorized parking and loading activities, which significantly aggravate traffic congestion and pose substantial risks to other road users.
He emphasized that, moving forward, all commercial operators must restrict their operations to designated bus stops and terminals to avert unwarranted impediments to vehicular circulation.
“Illegal parking and flagrant route violations have metamorphosed into a grave menace in Lagos, particularly due to the arbitrary conduct of mini bus operators. Such transgressions, which impede traffic fluidity and endanger public safety, will no longer be condoned.
“LASTMA has been expressly instructed to enforce absolute compliance with extant traffic laws and to apprehend defaulters accordingly,” Mr Giwa asserted.
“Furthermore, strict adherence to designated routes is imperative for security purposes, as it acts as a deterrent against unscrupulous elements who exploit commercial vehicles, particularly Korope, for illicit activities,” he added.
In light of these directives, LASTMA enjoins all road users, especially commercial transport operators, to cooperate fully with traffic enforcement authorities by adhering strictly to stipulated regulations and fostering a culture of responsible driving.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, inDrive, recently rewarded some of its drivers for being active in the month of Ramadan.
The company, through a recently concluded weeklong campaign tagged inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja, showered gift items on its drivers.
inDrive said the campaign fostered a deeper connection with its driver community, reaffirming its mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.
It underscored the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.
The platform, it was learned, recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers.
The drivers were given thoughtfully curated hampers and other items, symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.
They were chosen after remaining online and consistently completing rides during the period for a special contest recognizing their dedication.
Speaking on the campaign, the Country Representative of inDrive in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, said, “At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan.”
“This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” he added.
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