FG to reintroduce new toll gates – Fashola
* Says new toll gates to be private sector-driven
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has hinted of plans by Federal Government to re-introduce toll gates in 38 points across the country after completion of the ongoing highways projects.
The minister made the disclosure to the Senate Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) during an interactive session between the committee and his ministry.
He told the lawmakers that the toll gates would be managed by private sector; and that the government would design software to monitor vehicles passing through the roads for the purposes of accountability and transparency on toll collection.
He added that the proceeds from the toll gates would be used for the maintenance of highways, saying that payment for such by road users would be made very easy even on mobile phones.
“We have concluded plans to reintroduce toll gates across the country and we have finalised the design.
“It will be managed by the private sector; and it will be located in the old places, 38 points across the country. We are only waiting for the completion of those roads before we introduce the toll gates”.
The minister also appealed to the committee to revise procurement law in order to fastback contract approval by the government.
Speaking on the budget release to FERMA, Fashola disclosed that out of N25 billion budgeted for the agency in the 2017 budget only N800 million was released so far by the Federal Ministry of Finance to the agency.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the committee, Senator Magnus Abe expressed dissatisfaction with state of roads across the nation, and said they could pose danger to motorists and other road users, especially during this festive periods.
He, however, assured the minister that the Abe committee would come up with a motion on the release of N800m to FERMA out of the N25bn appropriated in the 2017 budget.
“This has been a very useful interaction, we can clearly see the challenges you are facing , we will give you support,” he said .
Olufemi Samuel, Abuja
