The recent claims by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, that the Federal Government invested the sum of N200 billion on roads in 2016 has elicited reactions from transport stakeholders who noted that they will put on ‘Binoculars’ to begin n search for the said roads that consumed about N200bn in 2016.
The minister added further that the amount is part of N1.2 trillion earmarked for capital projects to ensure ease of doing business.
Giving more insights during the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bloomberg Chief Executive Officer roundtable held in Lagos weekend, Adeosun said the N200 billion was against N90 billion earmarked for road construction in 2015.
Though she was silent in listing the roads where the said fund was used for, she added that government will continue to prioritise infrastructure development to unlock growth potential.
However, several long distance drivers and interstate transport companies who spoke to Business Hilights in parts of Lagos said 2016 can be said to be the year with the lowest rate of new roads development and challenged government to compile a list of the roads for which the said N200bn was spent on.
Some of them said they will begin to put on bigger binoculars while driving on interstate route to see if they can identify any road with fresh asphalts.