General
Lagos-Badagry Expressway Expansion Ready 2019—Ambode
By Dipo Olowookere
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday assured residents that the ongoing Lagos-Badagry Expressway expansion project would be completed before the end of 2019.
The Governor, who spoke shortly after embarking on extensive inspection of ongoing projects across the state, said the project was a major economic catalyst for Lagos and therefore his administration was totally committed to seeing it through.
Recalling that his recent visit to Denmark was to finalise plans with APM Terminals to fast-track the commencement of work on the $2.6 billion Badagry Deep Sea Port, Mr Ambode said it was important for the road network to be completed within schedule to accommodate the anticipated increase in economic activities within the axis.
“On the part of government, it is imperative that the project is accelerated and completed on schedule. It is a 10-lane expansion project with a provision for rail,” he said.
Governor Ambode said that though the project was awarded to Okokomaiko, his administration was almost at financial close to give it to a concessionaire who is expected to extend the project from Okokomaiko to Seme Border.
“We believe strongly that the contractor has done a good job here. We have given him the right of way and it is our belief that the one that has been awarded should be completed on schedule. I am committed to this project; I am committed to the expansion of the economy of the East axis of Lagos. That is the surest way to go.
“By doing this project, we would also expand the real estate value of this axis and the tourism potentials of the Badagry axis. I am confident that in no time, we should have a complete project before the end of 2019,” he said.
Explaining the progress of work done so far, General Manager of Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), South West, Mr Guan Shuai, said extensive work had been done on three Flyovers and Interchange Bridges in Alaba, Agboju and Alakija.
He noted that the challenge of relocating pipes and cables belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which hitherto slowed down the project had been resolved through the intervention of Governor Ambode.
While inspecting the stretch of link road from Agbelekale off Ekoro Road to Abesan Estate via Church Street, Giwa and Aboru, Governor Ambode expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project so far, but charged the contractor and supervisors to ensure the delivery of the project within the first quarter of 2017.
The Governor, who was received amidst fanfare by residents who displayed placard of various inscriptions commending him for the project, said the bridge being constructed as part of the project had to be extended from 240meters to 360meters due to the nature of soil in the area.
He said: “Just about five months ago, we were here to see the progress of this project. This road is designed to connect all the people living in the Aboru area to Iyana-Ipaja and also to the LASU-Iba road and all the people living within the Ajasa Community. You will recall also that just about three months ago, we were here to open up the Ajasa Command road and this is another project to complement the opening up of the Alimosho community.
“Like the contractor has promised, we hope to finish this project by the end of January next year. We have also found out that we need to extend this bridge by an additional 120 meters because of the nature of the soil in this area. I had earlier promised that this project would be delivered by the end of this year but I’m pleased with the progress being made on this project. I want to urge the contractors and the supervisors to ensure that we meet the completion date and that within the first quarter of next year, all the people in Alimosho will enjoy this facility,” he said.
At Irede Road in Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Governor Ambode was briefed by the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and Housing, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, who narrated the inter-ministerial work being planned for the axis.
Mr Lawal said a 30 hectare land at Ado Trade Fair had already been designated for a 500 Housing Units which would be constructed in partnership with the private sector.
He said the project, which is a transit oriented development, would open up the area for economic activities and real estate, adding that it would complement the 13 stations of the Blue Line Rail Project and 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Express road.
In his response, Governor Ambode expressed displeasure with the state of Irede Road, assuring that work would start on the road within the next four weeks.
He said: “It is very clear that this Irede road is in a very deplorable condition. I have come personally to see it and I have received complaints from people of this community. I also see that the economic value that we stand to benefit from upgrading this road is unquantifiable.
“Beyond the fact that we will open up the road to the Lagos Badagry Expressway, we also intend to expand our housing policy and the rent-to-own scheme to this neighbourhood. So, I like to just clearly state that work would commence on Irede Road within the next four weeks,” he said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About 6,000 jobs have been created, with $379 million collectively raised by startups owned by entrepreneurs who have passed through the Black Founders Fund (BBF) of a tech giant, Google.
Google created the BBF initiative to empower startup owners of African origin. This programme has helped to drive innovation, job creation and business expansions because of the grants received from the sponsor of the scheme.
On Tuesday, past participants of the initiative were at iHub in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit, where the organisers unveiled the BFF Impact Report to highlight the significant progress and success of Black-led startups across Africa.
This annual event brought together 45-50 alumni from across the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda to celebrate their achievements and discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The BFF Impact Report offers a comprehensive look at the remarkable impact that targeted support for Black entrepreneurs has had on the African tech ecosystem.
The report revealed that BFF-supported startups have collectively raised $379 million, created more than 6,000 jobs, and experienced 61% faster growth than their peers, underscoring the importance of strategic investment in fostering sustainable innovation.
Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and networking, the Black Founders Fund has empowered entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation. The BFF Impact Report demonstrates the pivotal role of the program in strengthening the continent’s startup ecosystem, enabling businesses to compete globally and attract significant investment.
“The Black Founders Fund is not just about financial support—it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation, job creation, and opportunity.
“The BFF Impact Report reflects the incredible progress Black entrepreneurs have made, and how the right resources can empower them to lead Africa’s digital future. The impact we are seeing today will set the stage for an even more vibrant African tech landscape tomorrow,” the Country Director for West Africa at Google for Startups, Olumide Balogun, remarked.
“This report is a celebration of the incredible work being done by Black founders across Africa. The BFF Impact Report proves that, when we invest in these entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual startups, but we’re driving systemic change within the broader African tech ecosystem,” the Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, also stated.
In addition, the Black Founders Fund Manager Europe at Google for Startups, Mariama Boumanjal, said, “The BFF Impact Report proves that with the right support, Black founders can not only overcome these challenges—they can lead the way in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”
Business Post reports that through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and an expansive network, the BFF has empowered over 220 startups, enabling them to scale faster and break down these barriers.
By Adedapo Adesanya
After years of laying fallow, the Port Harcourt Refinery began producing and distribute petroleum products Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel and Household Kerosene (HHK) or Kerosene.
This development has raised expectations regarding Nigeria’s other three refineries not yet operational. These include the second refinery in Port Harcourt as well as the Warri and Kaduna Refinery.
The reactivation of these facilities, according to energy analysts, will help push out more supply of petroleum products, which may help cut down high prices that Nigerians pay while also making the country self-sufficient.
The newly operational refinery was built in 1965 and Port Harcourt II was added in 1989, increasing capacity by 150,000 barrels per day, making the total capacity of the Port Harcourt complex 210,000 barrels per day.
The Warri Refinery was built in in 1978 and is supposed to have an upgraded capacity up to 125,000 barrels per day and the Kaduna Refinery, which was commissioned in 1980, was designed with a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day.
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of products loading at the refinery on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Group CEO, Mr Mele Kyari described the commencement of the loadout activities as a monumental achievement for Nigeria which signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.
The GCEO further thanked Nigerians for their patience and for the legitimate expectations on the Company to deliver on the other refineries.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the NNPC on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery and charged the NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
He said these efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.
The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Some stakeholders in Oyo State, including the state government, have called for a speedy passage of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, submitting that it would ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
At a stakeholder engagement meeting on the National Digital Economy and eGovernance Bill in Ibadan on Tuesday, participants agreed that the e-governance bill would smoothen government activities and boost government-citizen engagement.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Olatunbosun Tijani, appealed to Nigerians to give the bill the needed support for passage.
Mr Tinubu, speaking at the event through Banke Ajagunna, noted that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people.
According to him, the consultative engagement is going on in all the states of the federation to seek the input of stakeholders on the bill, and submitting it is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.
He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the federal government through his ministry proposed the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.
The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-governance initiatives.
He highlighted the advantages of the E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s digital landscape.
“It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens,” Mr Tijani stated.
He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”
Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
Mr Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that this bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.
“Despite advances in technology, Nigeria’s digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.
“Though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction,” the aide to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State noted.
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