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Two-Year Jail Term Recommended For Obstruction of Fire Fighting Activities In Lagos

Published

3 years ago

July 16, 2021

august24admin

Two-Year Jail Term Recommended For Obstruction of Fire Fighting Activities In Lagos

Obasa

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Any person who obstructs, interferes with, assaults or resists any officer of the fire service in the course of the execution of his duty under a proposed fire service law or resist any such officer or service is to be fined Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) or sentence to a jail term of two (2) years or both for an individual and Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) fine for a corporate body.

In addition, failure to yield right of way to engines or other mobile fire-fighting equipment as required by the law is an offence and on conviction, the accused shall be liable to a fine not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) or to a term not exceeding six (6) months or both.
These are contained in a bill tagged; A Bill for a law to establish the Lagos State Fire And Rescue Service and for Connected Purposes, which went through public hearing at the premises of the Lagos State House Assembly on Friday.
According to the bill, the service is to provide fire fighting and rescue services, or use any equipment maintained by the service for the prevention, extinguishment and control of fire or natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.

They are also to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent or mitigate damage to property resulting from fire incidents and promote a culture of safety in the state through pubic education on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

They are to “provide for fire safety code to be followed by all persons, including entities operating within the state.

“Provide and maintain fire alarms in such positions in any street or public place as deemed proper, and to affix any such fire alarm to any wall or fence adjoining a street or public place.

“Employ it’s services for purposes other than fire-fighting, for which it appears to the service to be suitable, and if deemed fit, to make such charge as may be prescribed for any service, excluding fire-fighting and rescue services rendered in the course of such employment or use.”

It also provides that the service would prohibit and control the use of materials classified as fine hazard in the erection, alteration, improvement or repair of any building or other structure.

The bill also provides that the service will carry out risk assessment and fire investigation in public and private places considered to be a potential risk to human lives and property and do any act it deems fit necessary to prevent fire or any fire related emergencies within the state.

The fire service is empowered to investigate and respond to complaints from the public on matters that can lead to outbreak of fire or other related emergencies.

It is also empowered to carry out investigation after fire-fighting and rescue operations and other related emergencies to determine the causes and effects of the incidents.

The parastatal will charge fees annually for service rendered other than for extinguishing fires at the rates prescribed under the schedules of the law, and the rate of the fees charged by the service prescribed under the schedules to the law is to be reviewed periodically.

“Any prescribed charge under this was may be sued for and recovered in a court of competent jurisdiction in the state by the State Fire Controller in his official name with fill costs of action from the person charged as a debt to the state.

“A charge shall not be made for any service rendered by the Service in extinguishing fires and for rescue operations,” the bill reads.

It also provides that all buildings must have fire safety equipments such as conventional fire extinguishera, smoke detector, a central fire alarm system and at least two stair cases for storey buildings.

Buildings that are two storeys or more are to have hose reel equipment and an automatic fire detection and suppression system (Fire Master 200/Pyrogen etc).

The service is empowered to cause authorised officers to carry out inspection of any building in the state and the service shall charge fees for the inspection of such buildings.

Moreover, fire fighting equipment dealers are expected to apply for registration with the Service for the issuance of certificate of registration and this should be renewed yearly on payment of the prescribed fee.

Every private organisation or company in Lagos State is also required to apply for registration with the Service to establish a private Fire Department or Unit.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mrs. Abimbola Adeseye said that the public hearing was about how they could play their role in the THEMES agenda of the Governor to aid governance and make the state’s security function effectively.

“That informed some of the provisions in the bill that is being examined today.

“It is to enable us work more with a law that empowers us to function maximally.

“It is for us to work at reducing the number of emergencies and the damages it could cause, be it fire outbreak or any other disaster.

“We want the House of Assembly to help us examine it more and incorporate those things we said can help our operations and Mr. Governor should help us sign the bill into law in time,” she said.

Adeseye added that the establishment of Fire Academy will also help in Lagos State, which she said is available in other climes.

She stated that it is an institution that is needed in Lagos State to help educate fire fighters, not only government workers, but private firefighters.

According to her, members of the public are also not left out in the sensitisation, it will let them know what to do in case of emergency.

Some stakeholders expressed their views on the bill during the hearing.
In his contribution, a former head of the Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Aderemi Ajose said that the agency should be domiciled under the Ministry of Special Duties and suggested an amendment to some of it’s sections.

Ajose said that two of the board members should be a retired director in the service and that the other should be someone with about 30 years experience in fire service.

He also said the Chairman of the Board should be appointed by the Governor with the recommendation of the Head of Service rather than the commissioner of the ministry and that salary and emoluments of para military service agencies should be included in the proposed law.

Also contributing, Mr. Ologunboye Pascal, a retired fire service officer said that provision should be made for firemedics to help in dispending first aid at fire incident scene.

A fire engineer, who was also at the event, Eng. Jumade Adejola said that commercial buildings, including companies should be mandated to install fire hydrant in their apartments to reduce fire incidents.

He added that anyone that is building a market must have fire hydrant at a close perimeter.

A former commissioner for Home Affairs in the state, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole, who was also present, advised that fire hydrant should be stationed across the state so that fire fighters would not wait for water corporation at fire scenes.

He said that there should be a law that would mandate contractors to provide fire hydrants on the road during road construction.

Earlier in his address, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, who represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said that the Lagos State Government shall continue to attach importance to the security of the people of the state.

Eshinlokun-Sanni recalled that there had been several fire incidents in the state in recent times, adding that the bill was meant to address issues relating to the issue and find lasting solutions to them.

Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Raheem Kazeem said in his welcome address that the bill was meant to further cater for the welfare of the people of the state through proactive bills, adding that their contributions would help in the enactment of the bill into law.

News

Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.

In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.

The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.

The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.

The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:
• Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.

• Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.

• Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.

• Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.

• Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.

• Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.

• The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.

• Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.

• Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.

• On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.

• Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets.

We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”

This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.

Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain.

The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

News

AEDC Partners with Government and Stakeholders to Tackle Power Challenges in Nasarawa and Niger State.

Published

19 hours ago

May 3, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Amid mounting concerns over erratic power supply in Nasarawa State, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the electricity challenges facing the region.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly (middle), alongside Yakubu Suleiman Umar, GM of Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (fifth left), and Engr. Johnathan Adeyemi, Chief Business Officer of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa (KNN) regions (sixth right), and other delegates engaged in a crucial dialogue on electricity service enhancement at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Lafia on April 30th, 2024.

Engr. Jonathan Adeyemi, AEDC’s Chief Business Officer for Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa, represented tye Disco at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2024, following its summon by the assembly to address the pressing issues.

Acknowledging the frustrations of residents grappling with inconsistent electricity provision, AEDC assured Niger State’s residents of its proactive measures to ameliorate the situation. Promising increased allocation contingent on national generation improvements, AEDC emphasized its dedication to meeting the energy needs of the community. Engr. Adeyemi also urged residents to embrace the deregulation of prepaid meters to expedite their deployment, thus facilitating more efficient monitoring and management of electricity consumption.

During constructive discussions with representatives from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, both entities resolved to collaborate towards enhancing customer satisfaction and improved service delivery.

In Niger State, AEDC is working to proactively ensure the safety and security of its personnel and infrastructure. Engr. Samuel Odekina, the Niger State Regional Manager and his team, paid a courtesy visit to key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, CP Ebenezer Danmamman, and the Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command, Cmdr. Joachin Okafor, on April 26th, 2024. The aim was to foster a conducive environment for reliable electricity supply by addressing pertinent security concerns.

Through continued dialogue and cooperation among AEDC, government agencies, and customers, there exists a shared determination to surmount challenges and improve the electricity landscape in both Niger and Nasarawa state respectively.

Customers were advised to escalate all electricity-related issues via AEDC’s social media platforms or its offices for technical or commercial support.

News

Tree4Life Project: NEPL/Seplat JV, Edo Sign Reforestation Agreement

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture and the Edo State Government have signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest reserves to enable a large-scale tree planting initiative by Seplat Energy Plc.

This is in furtherance to the Seplat Tree4Life Initiative and the Edo State Government’s identification of the need to increase forest cover and carbon sequestration efforts within the region.

Seplat Energy has been selected as the partner to implement this reforestation project, which aims to plant millions of indigenous trees on the allocated land over the next five (5) years. This project represents a significant investment in environmental conservation and sustainable development for the state.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, which happened in Edo State Government House, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, said the partnership will contribute in the global efforts around mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst providing economic, social, health and other environmental benefits to the region.

“This will stir more advocacy as far as climate change is concerned and put the Edo State Government with the Seplat JV on the map as change agents. The partnership is well aligned with our Tree4Life Initiative and has the capacity to boost our economy and the environment; advance our soil health and drive carbon capture; preserve our ecosystem; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; conserve our forests; and promote physical and mental wellbeing of our people,” Olatunde said.

The Commissioner for Environment & Sustainability, Edo State, Joshua Omokhodion, said the synergy between Edo State and the Seplat JV is a huge attempt at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria. “Beyond the economics of this move, the science of it is very important to us because it is an attempt to deliberately create an ambience that will be conducive for humans and other creatures here.”

The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, in her address, thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the NEPL/Seplat JV on this sustainable journey of reforestation. She said: “This will drive forward our shared goals of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

“These 6,000 hectares of land being allocated today, we believe, will provide a major boost to efforts at increasing tree cover and also to sequester carbon in our region. We believe also that this will not only tackle climate change, but will promote the local economy as well as local wildlife. The agreement demonstrates the NEPL/Seplat JV strong commitment to supporting impactful environmental projects.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Management Seplat, NEPL, said the partnership between the state government and NEPL/Seplat JV is a laudable response to the global warming crisis. “The world is turning around for the worst; human activities in the name of development have done more harm than good to the environment. The Tree4Life project, therefore, is a conservative effort for all of us,” he said. Teasoo Consulting Limited was also among the facilitators of the agreement signing ceremony.