From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi

The Federal Government says it would hand over completed federal roads across the country to investors that could maintain them with introduction of affordable tolls.

Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, who stated this, on Wednesday, in Birnin-Kebbi in an interview with Daily Sun after courtesy visit to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said many Nigerians would not mind to pay as long as roads are motorable for them.

According to the minister, “The Federal Government has been doing its best. If you recollect, the former administration budgeted N15 billions for construction and reconstruction of all roads in the country. Meanwhile, we have over 200 Federal Government roads that needs reconstruction and over 500 new roads that need to be constructed.

“But in 2016-2017 budget, for the first time in the history, N200 billions was budgeted for roads construction and reconstruction despite we the fact that we are in economic recession.

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“This time around, over N300 billions budgeted for roads. Federal government is now looking for a way to invite investors to take over these roads when completed and charges little levies like N100 from road users. I think ordinary Nigerians would not mind to pay as long as these roads are motorable.”

Earlier, the Minister informed Governor Bagudu that he was in the state to inspect ongoing works at Federal Government housing estates sites, stressing that 78,000 housing units would be constructed in the state.

Governor Bagudu, represented by Deputy Governor, Col. Samaila Yobai Dabai, promised that the state would support Federal Government to provide houses for people in state.