Several groups have rejected the reintroduction of tolling on federal roads by the Federal Government.

They said the move showed that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was “insensitive” to the plight of Nigerians, especially during this period of economic recession.

The groups also said it was not right for the Federal Government to re-introduce tolling on roads in the country, saying most of the roads were in bad conditions.

If the government does not rescind its decision, they said they would embark on protests.

The Federal Government has since the economic recession started seeking several ways to generate revenue, including the introduction of a five per cent Value Added Tax rate in April.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had in 2004 abolished tolling, stating that the revenue for road maintenance should rather be generated from an increased pump price of petrol.

But on Tuesday, the Senate passed a motion seeking to revive the collection of tolls on federal highways across the country, stating that it was the only way to construct and maintain roads and enhance their efficiency.

The General-Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Peter Ozo-Eson, said the union would embark on protest if the Federal Government supports the move.

He said, “With the current economic recession in the country, it isn’t a wise decision for the government to bring back toll gates. In a situation where the cost of travelling has become so high, bringing back toll gates will inflict more hardship and pains on travellers who would eventually bear the cost. These are fundamental issues that need to be looked at critically before coming up with an idea like that.

“When the price of petrol was increased, the NLC saw ahead what the implication was going to be and warned Nigerians, but the people said they wanted to give the government a chance. Today, we can see what the implications are. If the people are willing to take a position [whether to protest], the NLC is always ready to provide the needed leadership.”

The National Publicity Secretary of Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said the move might lead to a revolt if the Federal Government fails to rescind its decision.

“Which roads do they want to reintroduce tolling on? Are we talking about roads that are filled with potholes? I travelled from Lagos to Ondo recently and it took me nine hours. Is that the road they want to reintroduce tolling on? This is the highest level of insensitivity and I hope this government is not asking for a revolt. We will surely encourage groups that want to embark on protests,” he said.

The spokesperson for Youth Arise for Nigeria, Liborous Oshoma, said it was unfortunate that the Federal Government had run out of ideas to run the economy.

He said, “Tolling is a form of taxation. It was abolished in 2004 because the price of fuel increased. But now that the price of fuel has increased astronomically to N145 why does the government want to reintroduce tolling? This is double taxation.

“We’re already paying too many taxes in this dispensation.”

Mr. Olufemi Ajewole, the spokesperson for the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, said the government’s action would add to the burden of Nigerians.

He said, “The timing is wrong. The government of the day is not sensitive to the plight of Nigerians. I am an apostle of change, but the pain is too much right now. I remember I once led a delegation to Aso Rock during the time of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. So many secrets were revealed then about tolling. There was no accountability.

“I remember the former President saying in the meeting that if he were to have his way, he would scrap tolling throughout the country. It’s an extra burden on the citizens.

Also, the President, Campaign for Democracy, Mr. Bako Abdul Usman, described the move as “unfortunate,” saying it would be another ploy by the present administration to inflict more hardship on the masses.

He challenged the government to look inwards and make things happen for the betterment of the citizens.

“In this recession, there are a lot of issues making life uncomfortable for the masses, and it started when they increased the price of fuel. So, taking this decision with the present condition of our roads is ill-timed and uncalled for. And it is barbaric to attempt to do that to the citizens of this country,” he said.

 

Source: Punchng.com

Comments

comments