Quick action by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) prevented a major fire disaster early Sunday morning after a fully loaded petrol (PMS) tanker overturned at Awoyaya on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when the articulated tanker lost control and flipped on the inward carriageway, spilling its highly flammable cargo and creating an immediate risk of explosion and widespread fire along the busy corridor.

LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit responded swiftly upon receiving the alert, securing the scene with a safety perimeter, diverting traffic, and preventing fuel scoopers and secondary crashes. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was also mobilised without delay, enforcing strict fire prevention measures and continuous monitoring to eliminate ignition risks.

With no injuries or casualties reported, responders halted traffic in the affected area before safely resuming flow once the threat was neutralised. The petrol was carefully trans-loaded into a replacement 33,000-litre tanker under close supervision by emergency teams.

LASTMA urged tanker drivers to maintain vehicles rigorously, exercise extreme caution—especially at night—and strictly follow safety rules to protect lives and infrastructure.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, commended the seamless collaboration between LASTMA and the Fire Service, praising their professionalism and speed in averting what could have been a catastrophic blaze.

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (commonly known as Baba Jamal or Baba Ahmed), amid allegations of involvement in electoral malpractice during recent parliamentary primaries.

The recall, which takes immediate effect, stems from claims of voter inducement and other irregularities in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency. According to a statement from the Ghanaian Presidency issued on Saturday, Ahmed — who was an aspirant in the primaries — was singled out because he is a serving public officer, unlike other candidates accused of similar conduct.

The presidency emphasized that the decision upholds standards of conduct for political appointees and is without prejudice to the NDC’s ongoing internal investigations into the primaries. Allegations reportedly include vote-buying and other forms of inducement during the contest.

The move highlights Ghana’s commitment to addressing electoral integrity concerns, even at the diplomatic level. No immediate response has been reported from the Nigerian government or the recalled envoy.

The High Commissioner’s post in Abuja will now require a replacement, potentially affecting bilateral diplomatic engagements between the two West African neighbors.

Further details on any ongoing probes, including by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into related primary election issues, are expected in the coming days.

Photo: King Charles III in a handshake with President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu will embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom in March, according to Buckingham Palace.

Military President Ibrahim Babangida embarked on the last Nigerian state visit to the UK in 1989.

The late Queen Elizabeth II had hosted Babangida for four days.

The BBC described State visits as a form of soft-power diplomacy, using the pomp of royal hospitality to strengthen relations with important international partners.

In a statement on Saturday, the royal communications team said that the forthcoming visit is at the invitation of King Charles III.

Tinubu will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

Tinubu and King Charles, both of whom assumed office in May 2023, have met on several occasions.

In November 2023, the Nigerian president met the monarch ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, describing the engagement as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations.