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Minister Explains Planned Return Of Toll Gates
The Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, has said that the planned re-introduction of tolling system is meant to make additional funds available for road management.
The minister gave the clarification yesterday in Abuja at the Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy Consultative Forum organised by the Ministry.
Yuguda said that the tolling policy was being re-introduced to open up the sector to local and international investors and to make more funds available for road maintenance.
Yuguda said the new policy would be pursued on a Public Private Partnership basis unlike in the past when it was implemented through public service with all its trappings of inadequacies and mismanagement.
He said, “Nigeria operated toll roads for several years, and it was abandoned in 2004 due to legal disputes, revenue leakages and unmet maintenance of the tolled roads. “However, substantial benefits can be derived from tolling; road tolling has been tried and tested in many countries.
“Nigeria can usefully refer to the experience of other countries, apply lessons learnt and follow best practice in successfully building, managing and maintaining such roads. “The green paper on the proposed tolling policy on federal roads and bridges calls for a fresh start,” he said.
He said more than 90 per cent of economic and social activities in the country entailed plying the roads, and thereby putting pressure on them.
The minister explained that funds are therefore needed to maintain roads to keep them in good condition.
Yuguda said the tolling policy would ensure improvement in the quality and safety of roads, as well as adoption of international best practice in road management.
He said the Green Paper on the policy would be deliberated on by stakeholders in the sector and submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval.
It will be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had in 2004 ordered the dismantling of toll gates across the country, citing loss of revenue to government and poor maintenance of the tolled roads.
Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the reduction of all incidences of cancer through an effective healthcare delivery system in the State.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, stated this in a speech to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day in Port Harcourt.
Oreh said part of the strategies to reduce cases of cancer include investment in training of healthcare professionals as well as upgrading of health facilities across the state with a view to equipping them for better cancer treatment.
She added that the State government would also pay more attention to the prevention of cancer.
“As a Government, we remain committed to reducing the burden of cancer through effective policies, strengthened health care system and strategic partnership,” she said
Oreh said part of the administration’s strategies was to improve cancer prevention programme, expand screening and diagnostic services, and ensure that treatment and care are accessible and affordable by all citizens.
She said the government is also investing in the training of healthcare professionals and upgrading of health facilities to provide better cancer care.
Oreh, however, acknowledged that prevention remains the best option as far as cancer treatment is concerned, and stressed the need for citizens to adopt healthy lifestyle as well as prioritize regular medical check-up
“I urged all residents of Rivers state to adopt healthy lifestyle and to prioritize regular medical check ups.
“Early detection saves lives. Cancer such as breast, cervical, prostrate and colorectal cancer can have better outcome when diagnosed early.
“Prevention is a key pillar in fighting against cancer; avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, engagement in physical activities and seeking protection against cancer related infection can significantly lower cancer risk
“We, therefore, encourage our people to utilize available screening services and to overcome fears, stigma and misinformation surrounding cancer,” she said.
By: John Bibor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his resolve to remain steadfast in delivering development projects across the state, declaring that political distractions will not derail his administration’s commitment to the people.
The governor gave the assurance last Wednesday, while inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of major roads within the old Port Harcourt Township, including the Creek Road Market project.
Apparently reacting to the prevailing political atmosphere, Fubara insisted that his priority remains governance and service delivery, not political pressures.
“I have promised our people that no matter the situation, we will not lose focus on governance,” he said.
“They entrusted us with leadership, and the least we owe them is confidence, stability and the assurance that governance will continue strongly.” he added.
Accompanied by Engineer Michel Issa of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Fubara toured several completed and ongoing roadworks, inspecting rehabilitated streets around Moore House before concluding the exercise at the Creek Road Market.
Speaking on the market redevelopment, the governor described the project as central to the revival of the old Port Harcourt township, noting that the modernisation of the facility would restore its lost glory and improve commercial activities in the area.
He explained that the new market was designed to accommodate traders currently operating on the roads, a situation he said contributes to traffic congestion and the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure along Creek Road.
“What are we trying to do? You can see the difficulty in driving through Creek Road because we don’t have proper settlement for marketers,” Fubara said, adding, “If we fix this market, those trading on the streets will move inside.”
According to him, relocating traders into the market will make it easier to properly rehabilitate the roads and preserve their structural integrity, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the township
On the road network, the governor disclosed that the rehabilitation works span from Borokiri through all major streets in the old township, stressing that the approach is holistic and aimed at delivering lasting infrastructure upgrade.
