Akerele gave the reassurance during a quarterly media parley held at its headquarters in Oshodi on Tuesday,

He also warned against false reports by the media, urging that proper verifications be made before publication.

The chairman noted that some members of the public and media outlets had wrongly conflated the taskforce’s activities with those of other government agencies, especially with regards to enforcement along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

“The rules governing the corridor are not for the benefit of the taskforce or any agency, but for the larger Lagos population.

“Our interventions aim to ensure safety, convenience, and peace of mind for Lagosians, “he said

Akerele also addressed a recent controversy surrounding a video circulated by an online television platform, claiming that taskforce officials had hijacked a vehicle and drove same on a one-way.

“An internal investigation confirmed the videos were misleading, showing that the vehicle had been impounded for driving against traffic and the operatives provided video evidence showing the driver attempted to escape.

“The online television media appears to be attempting to use its platform to exert undue influence and pressure the agency for personal gain, ” he said.

He said that it was important for journalists to verify facts carefully before posting content that could tarnish the image of the agency.

In addition, he addressed public concern on allegations of extortion by the taskforce, emphasising that the taskforce operated within the law.

According to him, no single individual’s interest should act against the collective mandate of the taskforce.

Meanwhile, the taskforce boss announced that the state would resume its monthly voluntary sanitation exercises in April, to improve public health.

He assured that the taskforce would be fully involved in the process.

Akerele consequently, called for constructive engagement from residents and the media, stressing on the need for collaboration in maintaining a safe, clean and orderly Lagos.

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In a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m.near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.

He said preliminary reports indicated that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue.

‘Some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care. No fatalities were recorded.

“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilized to the location.

“The Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is also on site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures,” he said.

Opeifa said the train arrived Idu station at about 10.39am, 38 minutes behind schedule due to time allowed to remove the incident rear locomotive and coach Sp 0006.

“The Corporation assures the public that safety remains its top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure the continued safe operation of train services.

“Further details will be communicated as more information becomes available,” he said

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Our correspondent reports that pump price of petrol was formerly sold between N835 and N875 in the FCT is now being sold between N1,200 and N1,350.

Following the increase, transport fare have been increased by about 100 per cent.

Some commuters who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, said that commercial vehicles operators had already adjusted fares upward, warning that the development could worsen the cost of living.

Mrs Ngozi Okeke, a civil servant in Garki, said the fare from Nyanya to the city centre had increased within days of the fuel price adjustment.

“Last week, I paid N800 to work, but today I paid N1,000. It may look small, but when you calculate it for the whole week, it is a lot,” she said.

Another passenger, Theresa Godspower, said she paid N700 from Nyanya to Federal Secretariat, instead of the N500 she previously paid.

A commuter, Mr Musa Abdullahi, also told NAN that he paid N1,200 from Masaka to the city centre, compared to the N700 he used to pay.

Mr Godwin Ameh, said the fare from Lugbe to Wuse increased from N800 to N1,000, adding that some drivers were even charging up to N1,200.

Mr Amos Badifu, a public servant, said transport fare increases often triggered higher food prices in markets.

“Whenever fuel goes up, transporters increase fares and traders also raise the cost of food items because of transportation.

” The fare from Kuje to Berger has increased from N1,300 to N1,500, even bike fares have also increased.

“I know that before next week ,prices of some major food items will have increased, as most sellers often look for reasons to increase price of their items ,” he said.

A taxi driver, Mr John Eze, said operators had little choice but to adjust fares to remain in business.

“Yesterday, I bought fuel at N1,250 per litre, but today it is N1,350. We have to adjust fares or we will run at a loss,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that fewer vehicles were seen on some major roads in the city as many vehicle owners have began to feel the impact of the fuel increase.

An economist, Dr Ibrahim Sule, said increases in fuel prices often had a ripple effect across the economy, especially on transportation and food supply.

According to Sule, transportation costs are a major component of the price of goods in Nigeria, particularly food transported from rural areas to urban markets.

“When fuel prices rise, transport costs increase, and traders usually pass the additional cost to consumers. This is why people fear food inflation may follow,” he said.

Sule advised government to strengthen social protection measures and improve mass transit systems to cushion the impact on residents.

He also said that investment in alternative transport systems could help reduce the country’s heavy dependence on petrol-powered mobility.

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They questioned why marketers raised the price of existing stock before receiving new supplies.

Our correspondent reports that many fuel stations used to sell between N875 and N880.

Our correspondent reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is presently selling at N1,261, while other fuel outlets are selling between N1, 250 and N1,350 and above.

Investigations by NAN showed that pump price of petrol had been increased thrice in one week.

Following the development, many commercial and private car owners had parked their cars as they could not afford the cost of fuelling them.

Checks by our correspondent across the FCT also showed that there were few commercial vehicles operating.

Many commuters, including civil servants were seen stranded at various bus stops, as the few commercial vehicles operating had increased transport fares.

Some motorists, who spoke to NAN, expressed sadness about the situation, while calling on the Federal Government to intervene on the unstable fuel price and its hardship on citizens.

Some motorists told NAN that the sudden increase had added pressure to their daily expenses and worsened the cost of transportation and goods.

Mr Ibrahim Sadiq, a commercial driver in the Wuse area, said that the development was difficult to understand because many stations adjusted their prices almost immediately.

“Most of the fuel in their tanks was bought at the old price. So why increase the pump price while still selling the old stock which was bought at a cheaper rate,’’ he asked.

Sadiq said that the frequent adjustments had made it difficult for transport operators to maintain stable fares, often leading to disagreements with passengers.

Similarly, Mrs Chinyere Okeke, a civil servant said the situation had become unpredictable for motorists.

“Every week, there is a change in price, it affects our budgeting because transportation costs keep rising.

“This situation affects everything like food stuff among others,” she said.

Another motorist, Mr Musa Abdullahi, said that marketers should be monitored by the regulatory authorities to ensure fairness in pricing.

“Even before official announcements, some filling stations quickly adjusted their meters, authorities need to check this practice,” he said.

Abdullahi urged clearer guidelines on price adjustments to prevent arbitrary increases and protect consumers.

A business owner at Utako market, Mr Sani Wasiu, said that the increase would affect business.

“I have already ordered for more goods but while they were loading, the increase in pump price of petrol occurred, and it made me spend more on transportation than the goods.

“I need to sell and make profit, this is also applicable to other business owners because that is what we all suffer.

“If the pricing is stable, the cost of food will be reduced and it will triple down to everything,” Wasiu said.

However, industry stakeholders said the pricing pattern was largely influenced by market dynamics following the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.

An official of the NNPCL who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the petrol pricing in a liberalised market often reflects prevailing supply costs and anticipated replacement prices.

According to the official, marketers sometimes adjust pump prices based on the expected cost of replenishing their stock.

“When the landing cost of petrol increases, marketers factor is the amount it will take to buy the next supply, that is why prices may change even before old stock is exhausted,” the official said.

A representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who also spoke on condition anonymity, said that the agency always monitor activities in the downstream sector to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

According to the official, while prices are determined by market forces under deregulation, marketers are expected to operate transparently and avoid exploitative practices.

An economic analyst, Mr Wale Johnson said that the fluctuation in global crude oil prices, foreign exchange rates and supply logistics remain key factors influencing petrol prices in the country.

He urged authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve communication with the public to reduce uncertainty surrounding fuel pricing.

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The Chief Public Relations Officer of NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Unyimadu said the new timetable would take effect on Friday, March 6, and was aimed at providing more travel options, enhancing operational flexibility, and strengthening service delivery on the busy route.

“The corridor earlier experienced operational disruptions following the March 28, 2022 bomb blast and the Aug. 26, 2025 derailment.

“This led to a reduction in rolling stock from three to one, the introduction of Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) for safety, and an adjustment in the number of daily trips.

“With stability now restored and in response to sustained passenger demand, the corporation has expanded services to better meet commuters’ expectations, in addition to the earlier relaxation of some temporary speed restrictions,” he said.

He said that under the revised schedule, passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa would enjoy three trips on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on Saturdays and Mondays.

He added that two trips would continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Specifically, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Idu–Rigasa service departs Idu at 8.45 a.m. and returns from Rigasa at 2.30 p.m.

“On Fridays and Sundays, three trips operate, with departures from Idu at 7.45 a.m. and 3.15 p.m., and from Rigasa at 11.30 a.m.

“On Saturdays and Mondays, services depart Rigasa at 7.15 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., and from Idu at 11.00 a.m., with all trains making scheduled stops at Kubwa,” he said.

He advised passengers to take note of the new timetable and plan their journeys accordingly.

Unyimadu reiterated that the NRC remains committed to improving capacity, reliability, safety, and the overall passenger experience across its network.

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The Head of Corporate Communication, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Ojelabi said Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the increase after appeals from regulated operators over mounting economic pressures threatening operational sustainability.

“The new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2,” he said.

He explained that the adjustment was aimed at cushioning the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations.

“The review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism,” Ojelabi added.

He cited persistent inflationary trends, noting that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

According to him, Bus Operating Companies continue to grapple with rising maintenance costs, expensive spare parts and higher wage bills following the new national minimum wage.

“In a bid to maintain and improve standards, operators are investing in cleaner, fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and environmental sustainability,” he said.

He added that the government remained committed to balancing affordability with safe, reliable and efficient public transport across the state.

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The Chief Public Relations Officer of NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said in a statement on Thursday that the adjustment was due to the Federal Capital Territory Council elections.

“This is to inform our esteemed passengers and the general public that the outbound train will now depart at 7.30 a.m.

“The inbound service from Kaduna to Abuja remains unchanged and will depart at 2.30 p.m. as scheduled,” he said.

He advised passengers to arrive at the station before the commencement of movement restriction order enforcement.

“Normal train services will resume on Sunday.

“The corporation regrets any inconvenience this adjustment may cause,” he said.

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Wike gave the assurance after he inspected some ongoing road projects in Abuja on Thursday.

Our correspondent recalls that the FCT Administration in 2024 began the construction of three bus terminals one each in Kugbo, Mabushi and Central Business District (CBD).

The Kugbo and Mabushi terminals have been completed and inaugurated in June 2025 to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office, while the one in CBD is at the completion stage.

However, the completed terminals have remained un-operational since inauguration in June 2025.

The Minister explained that the terminals have not taken off because the qualified operators must be approved by FEC, adding that the contract was beyond ministerial approval.

He said that the procurement process had successfully passed through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“After building the terminals we said we are not going to allow the Transport Secretariat to run it. It will be handled by private individuals who have the competence.

“It’s not as easy as we thought. It requires FEC’s approval, but I am confident that in the next FEC, the contracts will be presented for approval.

“So, we believe in the next FEC meeting it will be approved and once that is done, then. we will hit the road,” he said.

Wike had disclosed during the inauguration of the completed terminals that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje.

He explained that the bus and taxi terminals mark a significant milestone in FCTA’s efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure in the territory.

Wike added that the FCTA was also addressing the issue of indiscriminate parking on the roads.

According to him, the terminal will provide a safe and organised space for vehicles to park, thereby reducing congestion on the roads.

Also, Mr Biodun Otunola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Planet Project Ltd, had explained that the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each, daily.

Otunola added that the terminals were also designed to accommodate 120 buses and taxis each, daily, for both intercity and intra-city travels.

He, however, said that the terminal under construction in the CBD was different, adding that it was essentially designed for intra-city operations.

On job opportunities, Otunola said that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 persons.

He explained that people would be in the security department, some in the ticketing department, others in facility management, control room, electrical department, mechanical department, maintenance department, and bus control.

“It’s very huge. It’s like running a mini airport,” he said.

He, however, said that based on needs assessment, the FCT would need at least 12 bus and taxi terminals to cover significant parts of the territory.

“We will need one in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje in Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, including the city centre in places like Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse and other strategic locations,” he said.

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The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Western District in Ibadan, Mr Olawale Ayeni, told our correspondent on Tuesday that the corporation’s assets were vandalised on Monday.

“We have notified our headquarters and I believe that required attention will be given to the matter,” Ayeni said.

He said that the Railway Police had also been informed of the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the thugs who vandalised the NRC assets were led by an official of one of the local governments in the Ibadan metropolis.

A witness at the scene reported that the official was said to have claimed authority to clear structures and facilities within the railway land for commercial development by the local government.

The source stated that the operation was carried out in spite of the attention of the LG official being called to the visible rail tracks and installations, which signified Nigeria Railway Corporation’s Property.

Efforts by officers of the Nigerian Railway Police Command to halt the exercise were said to have been resisted by the group at the site.

When contacted the Information Officer at the Ibadan South West Local Government, Mrs Kehinde Adediran said the chairman was unavailable for comments.

“He is busy with activities of the Oyo State at 50. I am not aware of the incident and cannot comment on behalf of the chairman on the incident,” Adediran said.

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This is contained in a statement signed by the ALBON National President, Mr Samuel Ezeh, and the Secretary, Mr Frank Nneji, on Monday in Lagos.

The association said that it was aware of the safety concerns of the travelling public as well as the seasonal upsurge in the number of passengers, adding that the issues are being addressed.

“The association is collaborating with various security agencies to ensure safe and incident-free operations, especially along the busy routes.

“Apart from beefing up capacities by adding brand new big and small buses to their various fleets, our member-companies have also been maintaining their older vehicles so that they would be in very good motoring condition.

“All these are in the interest of the travellers,” the ALBON executive members assured.

The transporters, however, appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to urgently intervene and find a solution to the gridlocks being experienced by travellers on various corridors as Christmas draws nearer.

They noted that the traffic situation on various routes would result in travellers spending long hours on the road and arriving their destinations very late.

They noted that a sharper upsurge in the volume of seasonal passengers was likely this year owing to the unprecedented hike in air fares which made many regular flyers to go by road.

“Our members have, therefore, updated fleets of buses, prepared the on-board crews, as well as the ground staff to meet the expected challenges of the season’s operations.

“We wish our customers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance, and urge our customers to always be safety conscious,” the transporters said.

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