FG refunds N143bn to five states for roads constructions – Minister
Minister of State, Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, says the Federal Government has refunded N143 billion to five states for constructing federal roads.
Aliyu who disclosed this during a visit to Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, said he was in the state to ascertain the level of work executed by the government on the construction of some federal roads in the state.
“Out of the total distance of roads we have across the country, 34,000 km plus are under the jurisdiction of the federal government out of which we are currently working on over 13,000 km simultaneously with over 800 contracts currently ongoing.
“Before now, some states may find it extremely necessary, because of urgency, to approach the federal government to seek permission to construct federal roads that are within their states.
“The federal government will give them the permission and they will be reimbursed later. Before 2016 or around that period, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) set up a committee to verify and clear road construction executed by some state governments.
“The committee headed by the Minister of Works and Housing, Hon. Babatunde Raji Fashola was able to clear and verify 25 states who built federal government roads in their states,” he explained.
He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had given approval for the payment of N477 billion, which was shared among the 25 states respectively, adding that “this is the third set of which Kebbi is among, alongside Yobe and Taraba States.”
Aliyu further added: “As I am talking to you, by tomorrow, the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing will be in Yobe to ascertain and verify their road construction, while the Minister of Education will be in Taraba to do a similar job.
“That’s why I am here together with my team today, the secretariat is domiciled in the SGF’s office and that’s why you see me with the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, to come and verify the two roads as you requested.”
Responding, Gov. Bagudu appreciated the minister for the visit, applauding the present administration for completing one of the legacy roads it inherited: Sokoto-Tambuwal-Kontagora road.
“This road is one of the most important roads, not only does it link other states with the Federal Capital Territory, but it is the main gateway to Lagos.
“I remember in 2015 when we came in before the completion of the road, whenever we were having Security Council meeting, it was a nightmare for the Emir of Yauri to come, but today, he even looks forward to coming for the meetings.
“This is one of the numerous uncompleted roads that were inherited by President Buhari’s administration which are either completed or on the way to completion. This is highly commendable.
“Though, the President wouldn’t have achieved that without a formidable team, for that we also commend the efforts of the ministry,” he stated.
