Editor's note: This story was updated to correct a date El Paso Electric is seeking a second rate increase for its El Paso-area customers to help pay for a multimillion-dollar solar project in far East El Paso County It’s asking state regulators to approve a monthly average increase of $2.11 per month on residential electric bills This is a separate request from EPE’s much larger, general rate increase request filed by the company in January That's going through a long and complicated review process through the Public Utility Commission of Texas the average Texas residential electric bill would increase by $22.39 per month that rate request is likely to get reduced through the lengthy regulatory review process EPE is seeking that rate increase to help pay for $1.6 billion in projects the company has done in the last four years More: Decline in electric sales lowers El Paso Electric profit to still healthy $172 million The city of El Paso filed a motion April 23 with the PUCT to intervene the proposed solar project-related rate increase which is likely to take most of 2025 to complete City interventions are routine in EPE rate cases intervening requires City Council approval which didn’t come until April 28 – five days after the city filed the motion with state regulators Council also approved hiring lawyers and consultants to help with the challenge The city's intervention motion had to be filed with the PUCT before the April 28 Council meeting to meet the PUCT's April 26 deadline since the April 26 deadline was during the weekend "If City Council had decided not to proceed with the intervention (at its April 28 meeting) we would have withdrawn the filing," Laura Cruz-Acosta the city's April 23 intervention filing remains valid Two industrial organizations also filed motions to intervene in the case State regulations allow El Paso Electric to add a special rate to bills to pay for new electric-generation plants outside general rate increases The company wants to get $13.4 million per year from the special rate to help recover some of the $156 million cost of its Texas Solar One project also known as the Felina Solar Resource plant It's under construction on about 1,000 acres of remote desert land in far East El Paso County The project is expected to cost about $200 million including building electric transmission lines and an electric substation will produce enough power for about 75,000 El Paso homes It will be the largest solar plant in El Paso It's expected to begin operating by late summer and that's when EPE wants to begin charging the special rate City Council members disclose EPE Employee PAC donationsSeveral City Council members that they’ve received campaign donations from the El Paso Electric Company Employee Political Action Committee Here's what city representatives received from the PAC an online database tracking campaign finance reports nationwide: Josh Acevedo Acevedo and Nino reported the dollar amounts they received from the PAC during the Council’s work session; Rocha and Johnson reported receiving unspecified amounts; and Alejandra Chavez did not report during the meeting that she received a donation noted that the campaign contributions were not made by the company and he said he doesn't see the city's intervention in the case benefiting the employees' PAC Vic Kolenc may be reached at 915-546-6421; vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; @vickolenc on Twitter More: Trump's China tariffs rattle El Paso's Helen of Troy consumer products business This is not the RTO Insider site you are looking for.Unless it is There was a problem resetting your password The questions raised by the New Mexico commissioners signal that El Paso Energy's Markets+ decision could face increased regulatory scrutiny in the future EPE Special Opportunities ( (GB:ESO) ) has provided an update EPE Special Opportunities Limited has announced an expansion of its share buyback program aiming to repurchase up to 3% of its issued share capital the company successfully bought back 17,621 shares at an average price of 140.00 pence per share This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value indicating a proactive approach to optimizing financial operations According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst driven by strong technical momentum and a robust balance sheet the high P/E ratio and inconsistent financial performance represent significant risks Improving revenue stability and operational efficiency are crucial for enhancing the overall outlook To see Spark’s full report on GB:ESO stock, click here See more insights into ESO stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page Disclaimer & Disclosure Report an Issue EPE Special Opportunities ( (GB:ESO) ) has provided an update According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst Disclaimer & Disclosure Report an Issue if not the biggest stigma that more sustainably focused outdoor gear faces is the alleged performance trade-off The persisting view held by many is that if you buy more eco-friendly gear you’re doing it at the expense of performance The new Gore-Tex ePE fabric aims to dispel this The shift towards and uptake of more meaningfully sustainable gear has been slow largely because of the aforementioned stigma. But these days, the foundations of the sustainability-performance trade-off argument are crumbling. Innovation – tried and heavily researched innovation – proves you can have both Related: Best Jackets Gore-Tex has been at the forefront of waterproof fabrics ever since Bob Gore created expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in 1969 This polymer has been the key to Gore-Tex's success since then But we’ve also subsequently learned that fluoropolymers (otherwise called fluorocarbon polymers that sit within the wider classification of PFC/PFAS chemicals) are These synthetic chemicals don’t break down; they accumulate in organisms (bioaccumulate) like us and have earned the nickname ‘forever chemicals’ especially for the outdoor industry and its customers who all enjoy and advocate for the outdoors Doing so while wearing gear coated in polluting chemicals seems like the ultimate irony Taking this more enlightened view of the effects of its signature ePTFE polymer into consideration, Gore-Tex has been developing something new. Something that has better environmental credentials without putting Gore-Tex's ‘Guaranteed To Keep You Dry’ reputation in jeopardy. That’s no small feat. Gore-Tex is so synonymous with hiking jackets in particular that a lot of people don’t even know the brand of jacket they have the alternative to ePTFE that Gore-Tex has developed is ePE – expanded polyethylene Gore-Tex ePE is a membrane just like ePTFE Gore is emphatic that ePE is high-performing and durable like its original fabric Gore says ePE’s lower impact is threefold: - The ePE membrane is lighter and thinner than ePTFE The reduction of material mass in combination with carefully selected solution-dyed* and/or recycled materials lowers the ePE membrane’s carbon footprint which aids sustainability through longevity The third and most important aspect of ePE is around the use of fluorocarbons – PFCs/PFAS Detox was a challenge to clothing and fashion brands to eliminate ‘toxic persistent and hormone-disrupting chemicals from their products and production processes’ and is more colourfast than the conventional dyeing process Greenpeace Germany released reports on the hazardous chemicals used in outdoor clothing – primarily PFCs The molecular construction of PFCs is separated into ‘long’ and ‘short chain’ compounds Long chain PFCs have more carbon atoms than short chain ones and the outdoor industry used to use long chain PFCs for the water repellent treatments because they were very effective When evidence of their harmful impact came to light many switched to short chain PFCs in an attempt to be better But the Greenpeace reports stated they ‘weren’t an appropriate substitute’ because they were more likely to shed from clothing and be used in greater quantities due to them being less effective they can transform into compounds that don’t degrade in the environment and can’t be filtered out – a point proven by another Greenpeace Germany study called Footprints in the Snow Gore’s ePE membrane is free of PFCs it considers of environmental concern which was agreed on in partnership with Greenpeace The PFCs it considers of environmental concern are those that degrade into hazardous compounds note that Gore isn’t eliminating PFCs completely just the ones considered to be hazardous and/or persistent We’ve tested the Gore-Tex ePE membrane in waterproof gear from Patagonia and Mountain Equipment What’s most obvious is that you don’t really notice any difference even the biggest fabric geek would struggle to detect a change So in one way – the front end if you like – this is no big deal But in many ways – in the background – ePE is the biggest change to Gore-Tex since it began And that seems to be how Gore-Tex has presented ePE Gore-Tex ePE can be found on a range of garments and footwear and Gore aims to transition to majority ePE by sometime in 2025 This big rollout speaks to Gore’s own confidence in ePE but Gore is perhaps wary of unsettling some of its customer base by making a big song and dance about this new You can find the information on subtle garment tags Gore-Tex ePE has been 10 years in the making and it shows If Gore rolled out the new fabric without telling anyone That would be exactly what Gore is aiming to achieve and Chris Williams is a Digital Content Writer for Live For The Outdoors He trained as a journalist in New Zealand and has been working on Live For The Outdoors since 2021 Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) 2025Powder aims to feature only the best products and services If you buy something via one of our links I’ll admit that it can be easy to forget that The North Face actually makes some of the best technical apparel in the game It’s not just about finance-bro Denali fleeces and fashionable Nuptse puffers–the classic American outerwear brand continues to be on the cutting edge of jacket and pant design with their athlete-tested Summit Series garments there’s the newly-updated Summit Verbier jacket and bibs now made with the new PFAS-free Gore-Tex ePE membrane The jacket and bibs are some of the most heavy-duty garments in the line perfect for resort skiing or backcountry riding in really bad weather It is named after one of the birthplaces of freeride skiing I got the chance to test the kit alongside some members of the North Face’s athlete team at Baldface Valhalla and learned more about the updates to the Gore-Tex membrane There is a men's and women's version of the kit this review is about the men's version Sizing and FitI tend to size my ski outerwear slightly differently depending on where I plan on using most–though I’ve been trending toward the slightly looser and baggier end of the spectrum for both resort skiing and backcountry touring and opted for the XL version of both the jacket and bibs these aren’t quite as baggy and loose as other kits I’ve found The burly construction and stiff zippers also help the kit to really keep its shape even if you cinch down the drawcords on the hem I’d say if you’re my size and want a truly baggy fit As I’ve said many times before: I’m a hardshell guy Why not stay cozy and protected from the elements with a durable The North Face chooses to use Gore-Tex’s new PFAS-free membrane but otherwise the jacket and bibs remain largely unchanged from the existing version Both the jacket and bibs have a TON of features The jacket features left and right chest pockets as well as drop pockets a left-arm pass pocket with a microfiber goggle wipe and interior pockets (with a pass through to the bib and a small headphone port) There’s a non-removable powder skirt I found that the drop pockets are nice for resort skiing to stash a phone or snacks but are inaccessible when wearing a pack because they are fully covered by a pack’s waist strap That just adds unnecessary bulk to the jacket for backcountry or ski touring use The jacket’s hood is an interesting one–it’s large enough to fit over any size helmet but the front has a stiff collar that’s partially separated from the hood I actually really love this style of hood because it allows for better head movement with the hood up when storm skiing without having the collar move away from covering your face The kit is a bit bulky for dedicated ski touring use but best for freeride skiing in the resort or sidecountry in nasty weather (pow days!) and why even when the face fabric “wets out” on super nasty days During testing in Canada and on subsequent storm days back home in the Tetons skiing in Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee and in the backcountry the jacket and bibs proved to be very waterproof The material and build are very burly and durable and don’t skimp on features Even after several weeks straight of skiing in these I think the jacket is a bit too bulky to be a daily-driver ski touring shell (it doesn't pack down very small, and I found the fit to be a bit constrictive for touring), but it’s an excellent choice for lift-serve backcountry skiing, cat or heli skiing, or snowmobiling. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing. By Max RitterMax is the Gear Editor at Powder Magazine. max.ritter@powder.com ESO: Market volatility creates challenges for EPE Special Opportunities Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" In QuotedData’s morning briefing 27 March 2025: STS Global Income & Growth (STS) says that Tomasz joined Troy’s investment team eight years ago and has been an assistant fund manager for STS Global Income and Growth since Troy’s appointment […] This website is for information purposes only and is not intended to encourage the reader to deal in the security or securities mentioned Please review our cookie, privacy & data protection and terms and conditions policies and please select your place of residence and whether you are a private or professional investor El Paso Electric’s sales decreased slightly in 2024 playing a part in lowering the company’s profit the profit still was a healthy $172 million That’s the bottom line of the company’s 2024 annual financial report recently filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission which regulates the interstate sales and transmission of electricity The company’s financial report comes as it’s requesting a huge rate increase for its Texas customers to help pay for $1.6 billion in projects the company did in the last four years, including a new generator at the company's largest power plant. EPE is asking for an increase of 23% on the average Texas residential electic bill the requested increase will likely be reduced through a regulatory review process that may take most of 2025 to complete The city of El Paso and a number of other organizations and companies are challenging the rate increase Part of the company’s earnings go back to its investors who are shareholders in the JP Morgan Chase-tied Infrastructure Investments Fund The fund bought El Paso Electric in July 2020 Previously EPE was a public company with its shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange Investors need a reasonable return on the money they invest in EPE so “they continue to invest in us,” said Cynthia Prieto EPE’s rate of return to investors was set at a maximum 9.3% per year of the company’s total assets under its last rate increase approved in 2022 by the Public Utility Commission of Texas The company's total assets were almost $5.9 billion at the end of 2024 with most of that the value of its power plants EPE wants the rate of return increased to a maximum 10.7% per year in the new rate request IIF received $149 million in EPE profits through dividends IIF also returned $365 million to EPE in 2024 to help fund construction projects — money that IIF shareholders will receive back in dividends in future years, said Lisa Budtke, EPE's chief financial officer The company also secured a $180 million loan in 2024 to help finance projects More: What to know about El Paso Electric Community Solar subscriptions as capacity expands EPE had almost $559 million in its construction accounts for more than 58 projects and an unspecified number of minor projects at the end of 2024 The company will seek money to help pay for some of these projects in future rate cases The most expensive project is the Felina solar plant being built in far East El Paso County EPE officials esitmated it would cost $200 million to build EPE had $182.2 million remaining for the project in its construction account at the end of 2024 Even though the summer of 2024 was a hot one which resulted in EPE's electric sales declining after fuel costs and solar credits are subtracted — a decline of $13 million Slower growth in the company's customer base also played a part in lower electric sales The company's customer base grew by 0.7% in 2024 to a total 459,472 customers in West Texas and southern New Mexico The company's annual growth averages around 1% She did not comment on why customer growth slowed in 2024 More: El Paso County homeowners see tax-tied valuations increase fifth straight year Another reason for the company's lower profits in 2024 was because of lower gains in the stocks and bonds in its Palo Verde Decommissioning Trust Fund which goes up and down with the stock market The fund increased by $34.7 million in 2024 While the fund impacts the company's net income is designed to help the company pay for its share of decomissioning costs or costs for possible closure of the Palo Verde nuclear power plant in Arizona which supplies about half of the company's electricity About 700 of El Paso Electric's 1,100 workers received pay raises averaging 3.9% in 2024 About 400 union employees covered by a union labor agreement received pay raises of 5% in 2024 EPE Chief Executive Officer Kelly Tomblin The next highest-paid executive is Cynthia Henry The company's 10-member board of directors received just under $1.1 million in fees and expenses in 2024 The company does not disclose individual amounts paid to each board member A New Mexico Public Regulation Commission workshop aimed to restore trust between the commission and El Paso Electric after the utility’s surprise announcement in January that it planned to join SPP’s Markets+ El Paso Electric surprised electric industry stakeholders in January with its decision to choose SPP's Markets+ over CAISO's EDAM New Mexico regulators weren't pleased with the timing Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout with new information El Paso Electric wants to substantially increase residential customers’ bills in the El Paso area to help pay for millions of dollars in costs for electric production and distribution projects The average Texas residential electric bill would increase $22.39 per month to almost $119 per month up 23% – the largest increase of any of the company’s customer classifications according to EPE’s rate request filed with Texas regulators Monday The rate-increase proposal only affects Texas customers Its New Mexico customers are not part of the Texas request "We understand this will make people unhappy," but a rate increase is necessary to continue to improve the area's electric system for future growth and to keep the system reliable said at a Monday news conference to announce the rate proposal it's likely to get reduced through a regulatory review process that usually takes about a year to complete New rates would likely begin in late 2025 or early 2026 The electric rate-increase proposal comes about three weeks after the El Paso Water Public Service Board approved raising El Paso residential water bills by 7.5%, or $5.71 monthly and others will have their say on how large an electric-rate increase is needed and how much should be shouldered by residential customers New El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said in a statement that the proposed rate increase "could place a substantial burden on all El Pasoans." "I will take every necessary step to ensure that our residents’ interests are protected throughout this process," Johnson said El Paso Electric residential bills increased only an average of 1.7% in its last rate increase approved in 2022 after the regulatory process resulted in a substantial reduction in the company's original proposal Residential electric service has been subsidized for years by rates in other customer classifications which is true with most electric utilities and we want to change that" through economic development The company is presenting what it costs to supply electricity to each customer classification and people can argue over what the appropriate rate is for each class through the lengthy regulatory review process "I don't feel we have the authority to make that decision," Tomblin said after the news conference "We come out with our version of the the truth We are not so arrogant that we believe we're 100 percent right on everything." Small commercial customers in the El Paso area would see an average 5.4% bill increase; large commercial power users would see an average 10.6% bill increase according to the rate-increase request filed with the Texas PUC The company has 356,883 customers in Texas More: Heat boosts El Paso Electric sales, but creates need for new energy projects The proposed new rates would bring in $85.6 million annually to help pay for costs the company has incurred in recent years for various projects EPE has invested approximately $1.6 billion since 2021 in various projects to produce and distribute electricity to its Texas customers "Not raising rates ever is easy," but the company then wouldn't be able to make necessary investments in the electric system More El Paso Electric customers can get their own solar power as the utility has started the operation of its second community solar plant in El Paso County built on 70 acres of former farmland in San Elizario in El Paso County's Lower Valley Its opening was celebrated by EPE officials and others with a March 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony during a ferocious dust storm It cost $17.4 million to build and $5.6 million to connect to the utility’s power grid It was built by EDF Renewables North America a large developer of solar and wind projects based in San Diego Community Solar may increase electric billThe small Texas Community Solar Program has been relatively popular even though EPE customers who subscribe often see their electric bills higher than regular bills because of program charges and regardless of EPE's substantial growth of solar power for its system since the community program started in 2017 EPE now gets 9.2% of its electricity from solar plants, most in New Mexico, where it also has customers. And EPE's solar portfolio continues to grow An EPE survey of program subscribers found that the top reasons customers chose to participate were to receive clean renewable energy and make a positive impact on the environment without the need for rooftop solar panels The program allows subscribers to mitigate exposure on their electric bills to fluctuating costs of natural gas for EPE's gas-fired power plants and get a higher percentage of their electricity from a carbon-free source EPE vice president of business development Community Solar expansion allows 7,000-plus subscribersWith the San Elizario addition more than 7,000 EPE customers in Texas can now subscribe to the solar program That's a small share of the utility's 357,841 customers in West Texas Besides the San Elizario plant, the program also gets solar power from an older, 3-MW community solar plant next to EPE's Montana gas-fired power plants in far East El Paso County. It also gets 2 megawatts from a 10-MW solar plant next to the Newman power plant in Northeast El Paso The solar power goes into EPE's power grid which recently increased when the utility in March began enrolling customers from a program waiting list with 736 customers That means it still has room for just over 4,000 additional subscribers according to EPE’s 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report The company also is in the process of getting New Mexico regulatory approval to start a Community Solar Program for its 109,374 customers in New Mexico and open solar plants to supply the program Bill impacts for customers in the Texas program can vary widely — with higher monthly bills or slightly lower bills depending on the cost of natural gas for EPE’s power plants according to information in EPE’s 2022 application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to build the San Elizario plant The average community solar customer receives 2.2 kilowatts (kW) of solar power per month Company calculations show that a residential customer with average electricity consumption and a 2-kW solar subscription will pay an additional 51 cents per month for electricity than without the subscription A solar subscriber pays a capacity charge of $15.14 per kilowatt per month to help pay for the solar facilities used for the program That means a 2-kW subscription costs $30.28 per month The charge decreased from $17.64 per kilowatt per month with the program's expansion Qualified low-income customers can get a 10% discount on the capacity charge reducing it to $13.63 per month or $27.26 per month for a 2-kW subscription Subscribers also get solar credits that factor into the monthly bill calculations More: Construction set for $295M El Paso Water plant to purify wastewater into drinking water EPE's solar program website includes a solar calculator which shows the maximum amount of solar power a customer can get through the program It also shows how much the customer’s monthly bill will change based on the amount of solar kilowatts the customer receives A customer can subscribe in ½-kW increments and the solar calculator sets the maximum based on a customer's electric consumption The program is open to residential customers without rooftop solar systems and small commercial customers However, EPE will soon begin a new Texas Business Community Solar Program with 50 MW from the 150-megawatt Felina Solar Resource plant being built on remote desert land in far East El Paso County The Carne solar and storage project will commence commercial operations by 2025 in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE) has commenced the construction of the 130MWac [megawatt alternating current] Carne solar and storage project in Deming The Carne project is DESRI’s second venture in Luna County following the successful launch of the Alta Luna solar facility in 2017 The new development will bolster the supply of sustainable power in the southwestern US contributing to EPE’s objective of achieving an 80% clean energy portfolio by 2035 and reaching 100% by 2045 Under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with EPE the Carne solar and storage project will begin commercial operations by 2025 EPE regulatory operations and resource strategy vice-president James Schichtl stated: “EPE is excited to join DESRI in bringing this latest renewable generation addition to New Mexico and to continue to build upon our great working relationship.” The solar facility is expected to generate sufficient clean energy to power an estimated 37,600 homes annually utilising standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency to gauge its impact Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The initial development stages of the project saw the involvement of Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments SOLV Energy has been appointed as the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the project and will continue to provide maintenance and operational services post-completion DESRI chief development officer Hy Martin stated: “DESRI is pleased to continue our investment in the energy transition in New Mexico with our fourth utility-scale renewable energy facility in the state and to build on our long-standing relationship with EPE as well as transmission grid support with the planned large battery storage facility the project will support the local community with economic development opportunities for years to come Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Our editors carefully select every product we recommend. 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Learn more adidas TERREX’s line of outdoor shoes is often hard to compete with for the price and its new hikers double down on that sentiment The outdoor sub-label’s latest addition to its Skychaser series is designed with speed in mind The Skychaser GORE-TEX hiking shoes are fit for anything from casual strolls through nature to intense outdoor adventures as they’re mainly geared toward unpredictable summit scrambles Its eco-friendly GORE-TEX EPE membrane keeps the shoe breathable and helps regulate temperature while warding off any water The ripstop upper also has abrasion-resistant overlays for durability’s sake and a speed lace closure guarantees a precise fit when hitting the trails Although you can swap out the speed lacing system for a set of standard shoestrings these specialized laces can secure shoes on the fly offering simple adjustability to ensure your foot is locked in place For all-day comfort and a feather-light feel, the Skychaser GORE-TEX hiking shoes feature a plush Ortholite sockliner and a LIGHTSTRIKE midsole. The 10mm drop provides reliable heel support, while adidas’ signature Stabile Plate in the midsole keeps your midfoot secure on rugged terrain or during sudden movement changes. Like most hikers from adidas, the rugged pair sits atop a Continental rubber outsole for tire-like traction in all conditions. Since these shoes are designed to help you take on any environment, adidas put its best foot forward to try and protect the ground you walk on. The performance giant makes the most of recycled materials yet again, delivering a pair crafted using at least 20% recycled content as it sheds its reliance on non-renewable resources. adidas TERREX’s Skychaser GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes are available on the brand’s website for $160. As of today, there are three colorways to choose from: the versatile Core Black/Grey One, a starky Core Black/Carbon, and an earth-toned Wonder Beige/Grey Six. All official European Union website addresses are in the europa.eu domain. Environmental protection expenditure by institutional sector in the period 2018-2023 EU-27Please select a resource that has a preview image available Building on the European Green Deal policy objectives , the Eighth Environment Action Programme (8th EAP) aims to accelerate the green transition Increasing environmental protection expenditure (EPE) in the Member States and green expenditure directly related to environmental protection and the circular economy transition can help achieve this soil and water; wastewater and waste management; noise abatement; biodiversity protection; protection against radiation; and environmental research and development (R&D) EPE only partly captures expenditure related to the climate-related expenditureand the circular economy and includes both operating expenditure and investments growing by 7% during 2018-2023 and reaching an estimated EUR 275 billion in 2010 prices (EUR 357 billion in current prices) by 2023 Most EPE is spent by corporations and increased in real terms by 12% from 2018 to 2023 the EPE of general governments and non-profit institutions increased by 12% but EPE by households decreased by 11% Most EPE was spent on waste management and wastewater treatment activities in this period the share of overall EPE in gross domestic product (GDP) has remained relatively stable but declined from 2.2% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2023 It is very likely that EPE will increase in the coming years as additional resources have been made available The EU’s 2021-2027 budget has earmarked additional funding for climate- and biodiversity-related activities Grants and loans for climate-related activities are available through the 2021-2026 EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) The RRF was created to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supports the EU’s aim to achieve a twin digital and green transition Expenditure on environmental protection by EU Member State (% of GDP)Please select a resource that has a preview image available EPE increased from 2.1% to 2.2% of GDP between 2018 and 2021 at the EU level EPE to GDP ratios varied across the Member States while in Ireland and Luxembourg it accounted for less than 1% this share increased during the period 2018-2021 with the biggest increases in Poland and Austria (0.5 percentage point) with the biggest reduction in Estonia (0.4 percentage point) and remained constant in the other six EU Member States ‘Environmental Protection Expenditure Accounts (EPEA) measure the economic resources devoted to prevention and elimination of pollution and any other degradation of the environment They cover the spending by resident units of a country (i.e corporations and government) on environmental protection (EP) services protection of biodiversity as well as related research and development The scope of EPEA is defined according to the Classification of Environmental Protection Activities and Expenditure (CEPA 2000) CEPA 2000 is a recognised international standard included in the family of international economic and social classifications For further information, see Eurostat (2017) This indicator is directly based on data published by Eurostat and the underpinning methodology can be found in Eurostat EU-level data are based on Eurostat estimates The EUR values were deflated to 2010 prices using the Eurostat GDP deflator This indicator is a headline indicator for monitoring progress towards meeting one of the targets of the 8th EAP It contributes mainly to monitoring progress in relation to aspects of the 8th EAP’s aim to accelerate the green transition (Article 1) and Article 3(u) which requires ‘mobilising resources and ensuring sufficient sustainable investments from public and private sources… consistent with the Union’s sustainable finance policy agenda’ The European Commission communication on the 8th EAP monitoring framework specifies that this indicator should be used to monitor the ‘increase [in] spending by households corporations and governments on preventing reducing and eliminating pollution and other environmental degradation’ EPE is measured in billion euros (EUR in 2010 prices) and as a share of GDP (%) EPE announced a strategic partnership with Boston Dynamics This collaboration brings the advanced public safety Spot package to defence EPE and Boston Dynamics share a common mission – to protect and empower humans operating in hazardous environments reducing risk by being the first to enter and assess potentially dangerous scenarios enabling informed decision-making and de-escalation of hazardous situations allowing Spot to autonomously navigate complex environments while its arm manipulation transforms Spot to more than just a surveillance platform making it a more valuable tool for public safety with the ability to manipulate the world around it With over 400 robots and thousands of sensors already deployed in defence and public safety sectors EPE continues to lead the way in shaping the future of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) in Australia and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Daily News Bulletin from APDR for 06/05/25 - India signs deal for Rafale Marine aircraft - APDR The Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France has been signed for India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine to equip the Indian Navy SPONSORED CONTENT: Facing the Evolving Needs of Maritime Security - APDR IAI Israel's premier defence corporation and a provider of naval and maritime solutions is at the forefront of maritime security New Zealand budgets for new naval helicopters - APDR New Zealand will spend NZ$2 billion (US$1.19 billion) in its upcoming budget to replace the Defence Force’s aging maritime helicopters Thales Australia wins top honour at defence industry awards - APDR Thales Australia recently won the prestigious Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Defence Industry – Large Business Daily News Bulletin from APDR for 05/05/25 - South Australia touts defence industry growth - APDR South Australia is leading the nation’s defence industry growth with the state’s economic contribution up 30 pct to $1.9 billion in 2023-24 Work starts on RAAF Base Darwin refresh project - APDR Defence has held a sod turning ceremony to acknowledge commencement of the RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh project worth almost $160 million Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) BusinessDay Aliykhal Lanre $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); URO Vehículos Especiales S.A a Spanish manufacturer of specialist military vehicles announced its partnership with New Zealand-based EPE New Zealand Ltd (EPE NZ) as its local partner for the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP) the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (NZ MoD) signed a contract with UROVESA to replace part of NZDF’s existing operational utility vehicle fleets UROVESA will deliver 40 new medium VAMTAC CK3 vehicles and 20 light VAMTAC ST5 vehicles These high-performance platforms are designed to enhance operational effectiveness and safety and will play an essential role as UROVESA’s local partner by providing their local experience and comprehensive support for the fleet’s introduction EPE NZ currently operates from its headquarters and Maintenance and Supply Hub near Trentham Military Camp with existing contracts under five Defence Master Service Agreements (MSA) To ensure the success of the UROVESA partnership and this critical program EPE has committed to undergoing specialised training from UROVESA and growing its workforce to further enhance the support provided by its Through Life Support team commented on the partnership: “At EPE NZ we are proud and honoured to partner with UROVESA to support the PMCP utility vehicle project there was a clear synergy that allowed us to work well together and fully understand each other’s roles and responsibilities We are excited about this long-term contract alongside our existing prime contracts and MSAs with New Zealand’s Defence agencies will enable us to continue supplying and supporting the NZDF in the future As a company with a proven track record of delivering the highest levels of capability and service to our customers we are already prepared to take on this additional contract and look forward to working closely with UROVESA one of the key factors in ensuring customer satisfaction and the operational capabilities of our vehicles is having a strong local partner given it has more than 15 years of experience providing technical service support to New Zealand Defence agencies and a team with not only a technical background but also military expertise This reinforces our proximity to the client and the high quality of our customer service delivery This collaboration marks a substantial enhancement of the NZDF’s operational capabilities providing cutting-edge vehicles to ensure mission success and further solidifying UROVESA and EPE’s shared commitment to supporting defence forces worldwide.” Mr Kassim said that some residents are abandoning their businesses for other ventures has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene in resolving the seven-month blackout plaguing the ancient community Mr Kassim made the plea during an interview in Epe on Tuesday the prolonged power outage has adversely affected businesses and damaged household equipment “Epe has been in complete darkness for the past seven months and this has left businesses struggling to survive Many business owners have suffered setbacks due to the poor electricity supply in the community.’’ some residents are abandoning their businesses for other ventures “Millions of naira have been lost to this recurring power outage in our ancient town,” he said Mr Kassim urged the Mr Sanwo-Olu-led administration to step in and provide lasting solutions to the persistent power challenges facing the community including the council chairman and legislators in Epe who have been working tirelessly to restore electricity but have so far been unsuccessful The community leader decried the activities of cable and other electrical material vandals which he said were frustrating the government’s efforts at ensuring electricity in the area “Electrical and cable vandalism must be addressed with urgency Anyone found culpable in such acts should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” he said He applauded the contributions of traditional rulers and youth groups in their collective efforts to restore power and secure electrical infrastructure in the community We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices “Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.” He mentioned that 10 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry road project would also be inaugurated before May 25 Mr Trump has threatened certain unauthorised immigrants with prosecution Twenty fellows will be selected—ten from the African continent and ten from the global African diaspora Mr Bwala argued that another achievement of Mr Tinubu’s government is the increased monthly allocation to states Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC Limited will propel the country’s energy industry to new heights and respect for constitutional rights are foundational pillars of the Nigerian Republic © 2025 Peoples Gazette™ Limited Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha Governor of Lagos State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a smart international airport at the Leki-Epe axis in the state of aquatic splendour Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the event on his Twitter handle now X; Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the internationally acclaimed construction company to develop and construct the much-awaited Lekki-Epe International Airport” Highlighting the benefits the airport holds for the populace and businesses when completed “The Lekki-Epe International Airport will facilitate travel and create new opportunities for businesses and residents throughout the state-Lagos leads He alluded to the drive by his government to bequeath such noble infrastructure to Lagosians and by extension to Nigerian citizens and everyone earth-wide desirous of accessing Nigeria for business or leisure “This groundbreaking initiative is an essential part of our vision to improve connectivity in Lagos Nigeria has announced plans to set up its first Artificial Intelligence(AI) focused university This will be the first Nigerian institution dedicated solely to AI Imagine a future where African ingenuity tackles global challenges through the power of AI – This vision takes us a step closer to realizing that This project aims to transform the continent into a global hub for technological innovation addressing unemployment by equipping Nigerian youths with cutting-edge AI skills and positioning the nation as a major player in the growing global AI market Inspired by the success of the world’s first AI university in Qatar which has attracted top scholars and innovators from around the globe Wini University seeks to empower Nigerian students to create groundbreaking solutions that will revolutionize industries and economies emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative saying that it will empower young Nigerians to create groundbreaking solutions that will redefine industries and economies “The proposed university will empower young Nigerians to create groundbreaking solutions that will redefine industries and economies By equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge in technologies like blockchain it positions them for leadership in the rapidly evolving global AI market This project transcends the realm of academics; it represents a bold step towards transforming Lagos into the ‘Silicon Valley of Africa,’ a dynamic hub where innovation and technology converge to address real-world challenges,” Akano said is confident that this university will revolutionize education in Africa and serve as the nucleus for the continent’s first AI-powered Silicon Valley By nurturing a generation of AI-proficient individuals Nigeria can not only address its domestic challenges like poverty and healthcare disparities but also contribute significantly to the global AI landscape potentially developing solutions for challenges faced by the entire African continent The establishment of Wini University marks a key moment for Nigeria and Africa It demonstrates a commitment to technological advancement a recognition of the critical role of AI in shaping the future and a proactive approach to equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world This initiative has the potential to not only transform Nigeria into an AI powerhouse but also inspire other African nations to embrace cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the global discourse on AI development and its ethical implications CIO Africa serves the enterprise community of CIOs and senior technology decision-makers with peer insight and expertise on Business Strategy CIO attracts the highest concentration of enterprise CIOs and business technology executives of any media brand © 2010 - 2025 Chief Information Officer Africa Ltd Privacy Policy Terms of Service We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns Get our fun 5-minute roundup of happenings in African and global tech Powered by AI and perfected by seasoned editors Every story blends AI speed with human judgment Victoria Fakiya The first AI-focused university in the country To turn Africa into a major player in the global AI market while equipping Nigerian youths with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence which pulled in top talent from across the globe this Nigerian project has been years in the making It all started back in 2016 when a group of visionaries from Boston and Nigeria began laying the groundwork after rallying support and getting the green light from the National University Commission (NUC) Wini University aims to do more than just teach — it’s about creating a tech ecosystem that could transform Lagos into Africa’s Silicon Valley The focus will be on equipping students with in-demand skills like blockchain making them active players in the booming global AI market And with the global AI market expected to hit $4.6 trillion by 2040 this is a huge step toward putting Africa on the global tech map The decision to build in Epe ties into Lagos State’s larger vision of becoming the “California of Africa.” President Bola Tinubu’s push to attract global investors and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to boost Lagos’s economy to fifth place in Africa have made this the perfect spot for such an ambitious project Traditional rulers and leaders in the area are fully on board too even donating ancestral land for the university’s permanent site Wini University promises to not just boost Epe’s economy but completely transform it shifting from agriculture to a thriving digital economy and an influx of global partnerships and investments The vision is clear: Wini University isn’t just about education — it’s about driving Africa’s tech future but there are a few things they’ll need to get right it’s going to take a lot of resources to get it up and running—things like qualified teachers the curriculum has to stay on top of global AI trends and actually equip students with the skills to compete internationally they really need to make sure the university is accessible to a diverse group of students especially those from underrepresented backgrounds Here’s a snack: Remember the whole TikTok ban drama during Trump’s first term Ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration yesterday he reportedly asked for the TikTok ban to be lifted the same guy who was all about banning it back in 2020 but it seems like Trump 2.0 might bring a few surprises Unto the real deal: Trump’s return to the White House after securing the November 2024 elections is a big moment not just for the United States but also for global markets and Africa’s tech ecosystem His first stint as president was packed with corporate tax cuts and a dismissive stance on climate change — all of which left their mark on African startups trying to go global including a temporary freeze on H-1B visas telling the New York Post he’s all for skilled immigration But let’s not pop the champagne yet — his broader “America-first” mindset could still mean stricter pathways for African entrepreneurs trying to tap into U.S stricter visas could make it harder for African founders to travel and connect with U.S But here’s the twist: remote work is thriving and many startups are finding ways to collaborate without needing to board a flight virtual partnerships are leveling the playing field visa restrictions could have ripple effects Eghosa Omoigui from EchoVC noted that the U.S might focus on cherry-picking top global talent for domestic projects which could push African talent to stay local and boost regional ecosystems tighter policies could impact remittance flows — critical for startups in sectors like fintech As Amaka Anku from Eurasia Group explained but whether this benefits African startups depends on how those funds trickle across borders It’s a mixed bag, honestly. Trump’s return could bring opportunities or challenges, depending on where you stand. For more insights, check out Chimgozirim’s story The Nigerian telecom regulator, NCC, has officially approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs This decision comes as the sector struggles with financial losses fueled by the naira’s devaluation and skyrocketing operational costs While the news has sparked plenty of chatter the NCC argues the move is crucial to keep the industry afloat without breaking the bank for consumers the telecom industry is a big deal for Nigeria’s economy contributing significantly to GDP and providing jobs for thousands But rising costs have been hitting operators hard The hike applies to both voice and data services which telecom companies have been pushing for since last year They initially proposed a massive 100% increase claiming inflation and currency woes were crushing them they even floated the idea of rolling blackouts (like the power sector does) to manage their services rumours of a 40% hike were making the rounds the government decided on a 50% cap — a middle ground that’s far less than what the telcos wanted but still enough to give them some breathing room The NCC said they relied on data-driven recommendations from consultants like KPMG to ensure the hike balanced industry sustainability with consumer protection but the government insists it’s a necessary step to keep telecom services running smoothly They’re also investing in infrastructure upgrades rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks building telecom towers in underserved areas it’ll be interesting to see how operators and consumers adapt to the new pricing the government’s message is clear: it’s all about creating a stronger more sustainable telecom sector for the future Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa South Africa might start regulating podcasters we discuss South Africa’s plans to tame the wild west of podcasting and Kenya’s tax incentives for startups Binance in hot water as Nigeria doubles down we talk about Binance in hot water as Nigeria doubles down how TikTok is influencing the African music scene and how a ride-hailing strike turns petty with fake rides MTN breach not a glitch but a hack with demands Bolt’s electric tricycle launch in Lagos Kenya hits pause on gambling ads for the next 30 days we discuss Kenya’s suspension of gambling ads C-One Ventures’ acquisition of Bankly and Starlink’s new rival’s departure from Earth OpenAI wants you to shop directly through ChatGPT we talk about how OpenAI wants you to shop directly through ChatGPT and OmniRetail’s $20 million Series A funding round What is Legend Internet, Nigeria’s newest broadband player on the NGX? Glovo and Salad Africa partner to provide financing worth ₦100m for SMEs Access Holdings’ consolidation to boost Access Bank’s digital and retail growth Lagos State has signed an MoU with Summa Group to develop Lekki-Epe International Airport, aiming to boost connectivity and investment. The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Summa Group, an international construction company, for the development and construction of Lekki-Epe International Airport. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the agreement on Saturday via a post on X, describing it as a major step toward improving connectivity, fostering economic growth, and attracting global investment to Lagos. “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the internationally acclaimed construction company, Summa Group, to develop and construct the much-awaited Lekki-Epe International Airport,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “This groundbreaking initiative is an essential part of our vision to improve connectivity in Lagos, stimulate economic growth, and draw in global investments.” The governor emphasised that the airport would ease travel and create new opportunities for residents and businesses across the state. Plans for the new airport were first announced on October 7, 2022, with the Lagos State Government stating that the project would be sited on 3,500 hectares of land in the Lekki-Epe corridor. Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on New Media, previously revealed that the project was expected to commence in 2023, with the master plan and aeronautical designs already completed. He added that studies were underway to determine funding strategies and other key considerations before taking the project to the marketplace. The airport, which is designed to accommodate a minimum of five million passengers annually, will be developed through a public-private partnership involving both local and foreign investors. On January 25, 2024, Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the state was preparing for the project’s groundbreaking and that necessary federal approvals were under consideration. Easily access major global news with a strong focus on Africa. As well as the main stories of the day, we like to accentuate positive stories about Africa across all genres including Politics, Business, Commerce, Science, Sports, Arts & Culture, Showbiz and Fashion. We broadcast 24 hours a day from our studios in London and New York and can be seen here in the UK and across Europe on the Sky platform (Sky channel 516), Freeview (Channel 136) as well as in the USA on the Centric channel and also on the Hot bird platform, which transmits to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. © 2023 Arise News - Part of the Arise Media Group. The announcement was conveyed in a statement published on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Ogun State Government, stating that the initiative aims to ensure sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, and enhanced road safety. The statement noted that the 14.7-kilometre expressway, which had been in disrepair for many years, was rebuilt by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration into a modern expressway with state-of-the-art facilities, including toll booths. “The Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, starting from Monday, 24th March 2025, for the purpose of sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, as well as enhanced road safety,” the statement read in part. The statement revealed that Hon. Dapo Oduwole, Director-General of the Office of the Public-Private Partnerships, explained that tolling was not immediately implemented on the road, which serves as a strategic corridor for economic activities between Lagos and Ogun State, despite its public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. He attributed this to Governor Abiodun’s commitment to easing the financial burden on residents. It was also noted that toll collection had been delayed since 2021 to provide relief to road users. However, the need to balance public interests with investors’ economic considerations made it necessary to commence tolling operations after four years of toll-free usage. Caleb Obiowo has a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo. With over three years of experience writing about a range of topics, Caleb is dedicated to educating his audience through useful content. He is currently an analyst at Nairametrics focused on exploring the Nigerian transportion, construction, and real estate sectors, among others. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); (vitag.Init=window.vitag.Init||[]).push(function(){viAPItag.initPowerVideoAds('pw_29903');}); (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Your GPS did not respond. Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again. The senator said the new university is designed to produce highly skilled graduates to drive the country’s innovation and economic growth. A bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos, has passed a second reading in the Senate. This followed the presentation of the lead debate at the plenary on Tuesday by the sponsor and Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Mr Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, said when finally established, the university would provide top-notch education in various fields of science and technology that would drive the country’s digital economy. He said the university would offer a wide range of undergraduate programmes in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and computer science, among others. Mr Bamidele also said the proposed university “has a mission of producing highly skilled graduates, who will drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria. “This is the fundamental justification for the establishment of this specialised institution of higher learning, Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos.” Supporting the debate, Senate deputy leader Oyelola Ashiru noted that Epe symbolised new Lagos, gradually emerging as the country’s fast-growing hub of economic and industrial complex. With the rising profile of the host community, Mr Ashiru urged the upper chamber to unanimously approve the creation of the university for the advancement of the community and Nigeria as a whole. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tetfund to report back to the plenary within four weeks. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); THE Lagos State government said it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Summa Group for the construction of the Lekki-Epe International Airport The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who signed the agreement, made this known in a statement on Saturday He said the much awaited airport is an essential part of his administration’s vision to improve connectivity in the state and stimulate economic growth “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the internationally acclaimed construction company to develop and construct the much-awaited Lekki-Epe International Airport “This groundbreaking initiative is an essential part of our vision to improve connectivity in Lagos and draw in global investments,” Sanwo-Olu stated He believes that the Lekki-Epe International Airport will facilitate travel and create new opportunities for businesses and residents throughout the state The ICIR reported in October 2022 that the Federal Government had given its nod to the construction of the Lekki-Epe International Airport following the presentation of the approval document by the former Minister of Aviation to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the 2022 Lagos Economic Summit The Lekki-Epe International Airport is expected to complement the Murtala Muhammed International Airport It is to be located on a 3500-hectare site in Lekki-Epe and is estimated to cost $900 million during the first phase of the project, according to a report by CAPA – Centre for Aviation Initiated through a public-private partnership the project had faced delay due to opposition by local land-holders to the land acquisition process It had also faced similar delays in investors’ commitments to financing the airport A former commissioner for Commerce and Industry said at a time that the state government was “shopping for investors” and would recommence work on the project once new financing is in place reportedly said land acquisition and preparatory work for a new international airport in the state’s Lekki region was complete and the government was seeking investment for the project We invite you to support us to continue the work we do Your support will strengthen journalism in Nigeria and help sustain our democracy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. We need your support to produce excellent journalism at all times. The Lagos state government has warned against encroachment of the 94-meter right of way (RoW) along the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe expressway. In a notice published in some national newspapers on April 7, the Lagos ministry of physical planning and urban development said the RoW along the axis has been reserved for critical infrastructure, including a rail line. The state government asked those who have encroached on the reserved RoW along the axis to disengage from the alignment. The notice was signed by Oluwole Sotire, permanent secretary, office of physical planning. “To this end, the general public is hereby informed that Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway (69.1km i.e from Admiralty Toll Plaza to Epe junction) has a defined right of way of 94 meters, reserved for critical infrastructure development, including 3 lanes dual-carriageway, pedestrian bridges, green-line rail tracks, drainages, and gas pipeline, among others,” the notice reads. “However, the right of way is subject to expansion at some intersections where interchanges and rail stations would be required, the physical onsite description of which will soon be carried out by the office of physical planning, ministry of physical planning and urban A, and other relevant MDAS. “As a result, the Lagos State Government is seeking the cooperation of members of the public for the protection of these critical public spaces as the availability of adequate space for important social infrastructure may be compromised, if proactive measures for the conservation of RoWs are not applied. “In the light of the above, the Lagos State Government hereby enjoins members of the public, who have encroached on some areas along this alignment by carrying out various activities within, to, as a matter of urgency, commence disengagement from the alignment as soon as the alignments are defined, and the encroachments identified.” The decision was reached after discussions with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) The disclosure was conveyed in a statement on the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday “Rising from the meeting which was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Transportation the Ministry yielded to the request of the Union leaders NARTO and PTD) to suspend enforcement of the e-call-up system to allow them further engagement with their members,” the statement read in part The statement highlighted that the suspension allows unions more time to ensure their members comply with parking regulations Union leaders pledged to enforce proper truck parking while the Ministry of Transportation warned that enforcement would resume if violations persisted The meeting was attended by Transportation Commissioner for Lagos State The e-call-up system was introduced to regulate truck movements and ease congestion around the Lekki Free Trade Zone The digital platform is designed to coordinate truck entry and exit preventing gridlock caused by indiscriminate parking and unregulated movements along the Lekki-Epe corridor Initially set for August 1, 2024, it was postponed and launched on September 23, 2024. However, unions have raised concerns about its implementation, calling for greater awareness and adjustments to accommodate operational realities, leading to the temporary suspension by the Lagos State Government to allow further engagement with stakeholders and industry players. Full implementation will depend on the outcome of these discussions and necessary improvements. Mr Musa stated that the suspension was decided at a meeting between representatives of the ministry and leaders of transport unions. The Lagos State Government has suspended enforcement of its e-call-up system for truck movement on the Lekki-Epe corridor. Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, made this known in a statement on Tuesday. The unions are the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, and Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of NUPENG. The statement indicated, “Rising from the meeting which was held at the conference room of the ministry of transportation, Lagos State, the ministry yielded to the request of the union leaders to suspend enforcement of the e-call-up system to allow further engagement with members of their unions. The unions promised to ensure parking compliance by their members while the engagement is ongoing.’’ The statement further stated that union leaders and representatives of the ministry agreed that the ministry would carry out enforcement in the event of violation of the agreement. It indicated, “All parties agreed with the importance of the e-call up system as the best solution for managing truck movement along the Lekki-Epe corridor.’’ The statement added that the meeting was attended by the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi. The statement said that under Mr Mustapha’s leadership NBRDA had made notable strides in enhancing indigenous pharmaceutical production and advancing research capacity Governor Umar Namadi has approved the redeployment of three commissioners in a cabinet reshuffle to enhance good governance disclosed that the new curfew hours would be from 8:00 p.m The World Bank predicted a grim future for Nigeria stating that more Nigerians will be plunged into poverty by 2027 “The country now holds 50 shares in the bank Encapsulant materials play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of solar modules by protecting the photovoltaic cells from environmental factors such as moisture The industry is looking at stabilising EPE encapsulants as an all-in-one safeguard for any cell technology Chuka Uroko Chuka Uroko Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State (PHOTO CREDIT: X @DapoAbiodunCON) The Ogun State Government has announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway for the purpose of sustainable road maintenance Recall that the 14.7km road was in a disrepair for many years making it a dangerous and unsatisfactory route for commuters The administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun re-built the road into a modern expressway with up-to-date facilities According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director-General the reason for not tolling the road immediately upon its opening was predicated on the magnanimity of Governor Abiodun and his resolve to make life comfortable for the people of the state The statement explained that the governor considered the expressway as a strategic corridor for economic activities between Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos and Ogun State; hence The director-general further stated that road users can comfortably ply the road without hindrance of any form as necessary amenities have been provided to make it one of the best in the country upon assumption of office and in the course of designing an effective and efficient transport system that will boost the microeconomy of the state discovered the economic importance of the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls “The government had opted for a public private partnership arrangement in the management of the asset including the collection of tolls The government magnanimously delayed the rolling operations on that road since 2021 to provide some relief to residents and other road users while considering the interests of the people we must also take into cognizance the economic interests of the investors for us to strike a balance hence the need to commence tolling operations on the road after about four years of using it free of any charge “It is pertinent to note that some road users have been exempted from this tolling obligation “Others are government-owned security vehicles and any others as determined by the Ogun State Government urge all road users to comply with these tolling regulations as enforcement measures will be implemented to the fullest without fear or favour,” the statement read Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates in-depth investigations into pressing national issues It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999 All content is Copyrighted © 2025 The Premium Times, Nigeria Please enter your username or email address to reset your password All content is Copyrighted © 2025 The Premium Times, Nigeria for the development and construction of the Lekki-Epe International Airport Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the agreement on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account Sanwo-Olu described the project as a transformative initiative aimed at improving connectivity in Lagos to develop and construct the much awaited Lekki-Epe International Airport and draw in global investments,” the governor’s tweet read in part He emphasized that the Lekki-Epe International Airport would enhance travel and create new opportunities for businesses and residents across the state The construction of a new airport in the Lekki axis has long been a key component of the Lagos State Government’s development agenda as the region is one of the state’s four major growth corridors IN SHORT: The Lagos state government has announced plans to ban some commercial buses The Lagos State government has announced plans to ban two types of commercial buses according to several posts on Facebook. “LAGOS GOVERNMENT TO BAN DANFO AND KOROPE ON OCTOBER 1,” one of the posts reads. “Danfo” and “Korope” buses are an important means of transport within the Lagos metropolitan area (Note: See other instances of the claim at the end of this report.) But has the government announced any plans to ban these commercial buses in Lagos state Get a weekly dose of facts delivered straight to your inbox The Lagos government has announced a ban on Danfo and Korope buses but only those servicing the Lekki-Epe axis Sola Giwa, special adviser to the state governor on transportation, told the media that the state of bus operations in the axis was "chaotic" This had prompted the move to regulate and integrate the informal sector into the state's bus reform “This development aims to streamline transportation in Lagos, promoting a safer, more efficient, and organised system. As the deadline approaches, all stakeholders are encouraged to cooperate with the government to ensure a seamless transition,” Giwa told the media. Buses that met the standards of the inspection service would still be allowed to operate in some capacity The ban will only affect commercial buses and minibuses in Lekki-Epe and not the entire state You can republish the text of this article free of charge, both online and in print. However, we ask that you pay attention to these simple guidelines as in most cases we do not own the copyright 3. Make sure you credit "Africa Check" in the byline and don't forget to mention that the article was originally published on africacheck.org A fact-checker has rated your Facebook or Instagram post as “false” Click on our guide for the steps you should follow The content we rate as “false” will be downgraded on Facebook and Instagram public figures need to be held to account for what they say non-partisan organisation which assesses claims made in the public arena using journalistic skills and evidence drawn from the latest online tools sorting fact from fiction and publishing the results Help us keep it that way by supporting our work Africa Check values your trust and is committed to the responsible management, use and protection of personal information. See our privacy policy. Support independent fact-checking in Africa. who is currently attending the China-Africa Cooperation Summit scheduled for September 4 to 6 announced this on Wednesday through a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account The governor also disclosed that the state government has signed a new MoU to implement solar power systems across several key tertiary institutions including Lagos State University and its campuses Regarding the construction of the Lekki-Epe Link Bridge Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project is part of the state’s strategic transport master plan aimed at improving road networks discussions are underway to award the Engineering with feasibility and design studies for the bridge already completed signaling significant progress toward the project’s implementation “We believe that good roads and transport infrastructure are essential for the growth of Lagos State we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CCECC to build the Lekki-Epe Link Bridge in the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos State “Our strategic transport master plan is not just a blueprint; it’s a commitment to improving the lives of all Lagosians we aim to reduce traffic congestion and create a seamless commuting experience “We have had discussions about awarding the EPC contract to CCECC and feasibility and design studies for the project have been conducted,” the statement read in part,” he said On the MoU to implement solar power systems across several key tertiary institutions Lagos State University of Science and Technology Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the signing was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu underscoring the importance of this initiative “We also signed another MoU to implement solar power systems across our tertiary institutions and Lagos State College of Medicine,” the statement read The governor further noted that the project is expected to generate around 50 MW of clean and affordable electricity offering the affected institutions a sustainable and cost-efficient energy solution He added that the initiative reflects the state government’s strong commitment to sustainable energy as a key part of its broader economic development strategy Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info) Get insights and exclusive content from the world of business and finance that you can trust