The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the construction of 21 roads for which the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) set aside N621 billion under its Tax Credit Scheme.
Why it matters?
Last week, a few members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) claimed that the funds allocated to the scheme were being hijacked. At a press briefing in Abuja, the National Chairman of the PTD, Mr. Salmon Oladiti, told journalists that politicians and other people want to frustrate the plans of the stakeholders.
Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Folorunso Esan, while speaking at the inspection of two of the roads under the scheme; Suleja- Minna highway, Phase I and II and Lambata -Lapai-Bida road in Niger State, said they have disbursed the funds to the contractors as work has begun in several parts of the country. Mr. Esan added that the ministry of works put in place measures to ensure that the roads meet the set quality standard. He also pleaded with truck drivers to be patient as the work goes on.