2 July 2009
analysis
Lagos — The Federal Government, according to its current budget, expects N1.972 trillion revenue from the non-oil sector this year. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a target of N650 billion to meet - representing nearly one-third of the total sum. Over 60 per cent of Customs' revenue is expected to come from ports in Lagos State. Yet, the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway that leads to the ports is one hell of a nightmare every day. The roads are in a terrible state. The rains and potholes have conspired to make life difficult for road users and hampering economic activities.
With Nigeria's crude oil production nose-diving as a result of militant activities in the Niger Delta, the prospects of sizeable oil revenue from crude oil sales are not very bright. Customs duties and tax revenue are naturally the best alternatives - but for the state of infrastructure. Asked to comment on the poor state of federal roads in Lagos after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Works and Housing, Hassan Lawan, repeatedly dodged reporters.
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