The Nigerian Senate has taken the move to bring back toll gates across all federal roads in the country.
The Senate titled the motion the need for the re-establishment of toll gates on our federal highways, and was moved by Senator Suleiman Nazif, representing Bauchi north senatorial district.
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Senator Nazif however pointed out the focal point of toll gates stating that it will be for revenue generation. He also observed the need to maintain the federal highways as government cannot fund road construction and maintenance alone. He recalled that toll gates were abolished by former president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 who advocated that revenue for road maintenance should rather be generated from an increased pump price in petrol back then.
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The deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, however ran a history leading to the abolishing of toll gates in 2004 and harped on the need for best policy to manage it. The Senate accordingly resolved to study the toll gate policy together with other relevant stakeholders effective and efficient ways to carry out the policy aimed at producing a holistic package.
This is to generate adequate funds for roads maintenance, and the money realized should be judiciously utilized in order to restore confidence in the masses. Also in support of the motion were Senate leader, Ali Ndume and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim representing representing Yobe East senatorial district. He said it was necessary as resources are limited and road maintenance is necessary. Senator Biodun Olujimi representing Ekiti south senatorial district charged on the need for transparency of the toll collection agency in order to achieve the purpose of the tolling.