Roads rehab: Senate seeks release of N500bn from Service Wide Votes

Following the devastating effects of recent floods on roads in many parts of the country, the Senate has called for the allocation of N500billion from the Service Wide Votes, SWV to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA for the urgent rehabilitation of affected roads.

The Senate resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Bassey Gershom (PDP Cross River South).

Leading debate on the motion, Senator Gershom Bassey noted that this year’s floods are the worst that Nigeria has experienced in decades as the rise in water level is more than the 2012 and 2020 episode.

He also stated that 2022 floods have further worsened the deplorable state of Nigeria’s federal roads.

The lawmaker argued that the justification for the proposed money become necessary since some major inter- state roads are impassable washed off most parts of the road and bridges creating economic and human security crises.

Senator Bassey also said that road transportation is the major means of transportation in Nigeria since air transportation and others are not within the reach of most Nigerians

He added that the heavy vehicular and human movement of Nigerians
associated with the end of year festivities will be impacted negatively as a result of the deplorable roads occasioned by the 2022 road.

The Senate therefore directed that the NNPC Ltd Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme should be expanded to cover maintenance of failed sections of federal roads.