The Senate on Thursday told the Federal Government to reintroduce toll gates on the nation’s highways.
The Senate, in making the recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari, said the move will create a financial pool through which bad roads could be maintained and rehabilitated.
It also sought the introduction of weigh bridges to help protect roads and discourage the overusage of highways.
These resolutions were sequel to the adoption of the recommendations of the Senator Barnabas Gemade-led Adhoc Committee on Works, which was mandated by the Senate to investigate the state of the country’s roads.
During the debate on the report, the Senate equally summoned the management of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission to brief the Red Chamber on the Federal Government’s concession programme and the Public-Private Partnership on roads.
Senators unanimously backed the reintroduction of toll gates.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP-Imo East) said: “When they came to Imo State, the team will agree that a state of emergency would have been declared on the roads.
“In Lagos State, some roads have been tolled and monies realized from them are used to maintain the roads.
“The Federal Government should begin to think in that direction.”
The Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’ Allah (APC-Kebbi), said government must partner with the private sector in order to develop our roads.
Na’Allah said: “In the developed worlds, people pay toll fee.
“Nigerians must pay the price.
“It is a global practice.
“Nigeria should begin to think in that direction.
“As lawmakers, let us look at Nigerians and tell them the truth.
“It is impossible for government to provide good roads everywhere.”
The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said: “I want to commend the committee.
“It is clear that government alone cannot fund road construction.
“It is therefore important to reintroduce toll gates along major highways in the country.
“All the various committees must ensure that they follow through and perform their oversight.
“We will hold them responsible.”
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