The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has raised the alarm over the deplorable conditions of roads despite the Federal Government allocation of N1.6 trillion and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) N621 billion tax credit.
NARTO National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, made this at the 24th Annual General Meeting/Conference in Abuja.
He said: “Bad Roads: The persisting issue of inadequate road infrastructure in the country remains a significant impediment to the seamless movement of people, goods, and services. Despite substantial funding allocated by the federal government, such as N1.6 trillion and N621 billion in NNPCL tax credits.”
According to him, numerous critical road rehabilitation projects are still incomplete.
He warned that the situation may worsen during the rainy season.
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Othman urged the Federal Ministry of Works, to ensure the expeditious completion of these projects to alleviate the hardships faced by road users.
On insecurity, the NARTO boss noted that the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and thieves have made life miserable for drivers.
He added that “We have had many cases where drivers were kidnapped while on duty and some had their trucks hijacked at gunpoint along some of the critical routes in the country.
“Many drivers and their assistants have lost their lives and losses incurred from such incidences. “Sadly, we have witnessed the resurgence of these ugly incidences recently with the increasing wave of kidnappings in the country, particularly within the federal capital territory, Abuja.”