ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state governor, Mohammed Bago says that discussions are ongoing between state governors to reintroduce the tolling system in the country.
The governor stated this when he flagged off the Bida township road dualization project as well as the groundbreaking for the construction of a 5 km township road in Katcha, Katcha local government area of Niger state during the weekend.
The governor equally revealed that the governors are also deliberating on the transfer of road maintenance to state governments.
Describing the tolling system as a viable option to increase revenue generation for states, the Niger state governor said that an average of three million trucks pass through Bida, Bida local government area of Niger state every month.
With tollgates especially at the Bida Ring Road and the creation of trailer parks, each truck can be charged, creating an avenue for the state to generate billions in revenue.
The Niger state governor however said there would be concession of some of the tollgates to private individuals to manage in the interest of transparency and accountability.
He also explained that the concession would also generate job opportunities for many people, especially the youth.
In Katcha, the governor pledged to support fish farmers, in line with his administration’s agricultural revolution policy.
The Niger state governor revealed that his administration will provide farmers with improved fishing tools to enhance their trade.
This online platform reports that the governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the township roads in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
Speaking during the event, the governor pledged to renovate the General Hospital Lapai as well as revive the abandoned water works project started from Katcha to Agaie and Lapai.
The governor who expressed his determination to transform the State also revealed that the state Government is also seeking the support of the FIRS/NNPC through a tax credit scheme for the road project in addition to the ones recently granted.
He added that the state government has sought the approval of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works for permission to reconstruct the Lapai-Gulu-Muye Federal road.
