NO GOING BACK ON RE-INTRODUCTION OF TOLLS - FG

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, insisted there is no going back on the re-introduction of tolling systems on some federal roads in the country, although clear policy for tolling is not yet in place.

It, however, disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works, with support from a consulting team, has developed what it described as a green paper that set out framework and operational guidelines, while it also served as basis for communication and consultation with stakeholders across the country.

Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ consultation forum in Abuja, Minister of State for Works, Bashir Yuguda, noted that the green paper would be re-developed into a draft white paper, which would be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
Throwing more light on the green paper, the minister noted that it was the desire of government to insist on approach that would ensure consistent and transparent principles in selection, management and funding of toll roads and bridges.

“This green paper does not represent the Federal Government’s final position on tolling. The paper is a consultative document enabling the widest possible range of stakeholders, both public and private, to provide their inputs into the formulation of this policy.

“Not all roads and bridges are viable propositions for tolling. Most of Nigeria’s roads, especially subsidiary roads and roads with low traffic volumes, will continue to be managed and funded by the Federal Government, as well as state governments and local authorities.

“Our road network is under stress. The number of vehicles on Nigerian roads has risen from 150,000 in 1983 to over nine million in 2012 without any significant growth in the total length of roads.

“This pressure will intensify as Nigeria’s economy continues to grow by around eight per cent and the number of vehicles will continue to increase.

“The high costs of providing roads and bridges have traditionally placed the obligation on government to finance these investments, but there are limits to Federal Government funding,” he said.

The minister added that while there were examples of failed toll road projects in Nigeria, the principles and procedures of successful toll road operation were now well known.
Source: : Tribune