Nigeria is currently at its lowest ebb. The Government has initiated policies that are currently taking its toll on the masses. The people have been pushed to the wall and they are on the verge revolting.
It was first Vat increment, then fuel pump price increment and now Toll fees, as poor Nigerians prepare for the return of Toll Gates on our highways in an economy that is on the verge of collapse.
Currently, the conditions of roads in Nigeria are bad. And despite the recent intervention of the federal government in fixing some of the roads, what has been fixed is nothing compared to the damages that we have as we speak.
Many States and Local Government do not care about the masses except for a few who double inflate the cost of road constructions for selfish interest, leading contractors to delivering poorly constructed roads.
As bad as the economy is, salaries have stagnated while those who manage to ply bad roads with their cars pay regular visit to mechanic villages for repair.
I wonder why people pay for road worthiness certificates and vehicle papers when the roads are not worthy at all. It doesn’t stop at that, road safety are also on the road with Vehicle inspection officers to harras road users currently plying bad roads and receiving bad treatment from the government.
Wondering why the Federal Government has refused to fix all roads before sitting to deliberate on toll increase or re-introduction?
The worse part is the current increase in vehicles plate numbers and driving licences at a time when market commodities has doubled its original cost.
However,the finance act in February 2020, increased the applicable VAT rate in Nigeria from the 5% to a new rate of 7.5% fixing the commencement date for implementation of the new rates for February 1, 2020.
Nigerians shouted and moaned, all to no avail.
After much dillydallying on Fuel price increase, the federal Government has continued to fluctuate the price of fuel which, as we speak, can be hiked anytime.
As it stands, the poor are the ones bearing the brunt of bad government policies as well as economic downturn in Nigeria.
All these inconsistencies have led to insecurity in the Country and may not reduce until the government injects new fresh economic policies that will accommodate both the rich and the poor. If not, we may be singing another unfavourable song.
For peace and tranquility, the government should bury the decisions on toll and concentrates on rebuilding the collapsed economy. Else, it may lead to further break down of law and order.
I say, which way Nigeria?
Written by Tosin Adesile