Juliana Taiwo
16 November 2009
Abuja — The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it had concluded arrangements with the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) to introduce a road tax policy in Abuja.
The new tax is aimed at generating revenue for the maintenance of existing roads in the city.
When passed into law, vehicle owners plying all roads in the city will pay the tax in line with the capacity of the engines, fuel consumption levels and emissions from their engines.
Special Assistant to the minister of the FCTA on Transport and Traffic Management, Abdul Ismail, disclosed yesterday that a bill on the new system would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage into law.
He said the introduction of the road tax bill is also in line with measures against climate change being promoted across the globe.
Also the administration said it would introduce property tax and a bill had already been sent to the National Assembly on that.
When passed, the two enabling laws will make life meaningful for residents, particularly in reducing rent on property.
Meanwhile, the administration has concluded arrangements to modify the existing speed breakers constructed on major intersections in the city.
Ismail said the decision was part of the FCTA minister's commitment of responding to public outcry as a "servant leader".
According to him, the modification of the speed breakers is not in any way connected to the threat by the Senate and members of the House of Representatives to the FCTA to remove the speed breakers.
"It is better to save lives than to save cars. The presence of the bumps has reduced accident rates in the city with the records from the accident and emergency units of major hospitals in the city and the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC)," he added.
Ismail said the FCTA Minister, Senator Adamu Aliero, has directed the engagement of a team of engineers who will advise the administration on the nature of speed breakers that will now be constructed.
He said removing the speed breakers was not on the table, but added that a modification would be considered.
The modification is expected to be handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc while the funding may be done by Oceanic Bank under a corporate social responsibility arrangement.
The existing bumps which were constructed by Julius Berger at 25 intersections were sponsored by Oceanic Bank at the cost of N40 million.
Ismail further disclosed that the decision to procure generators to power street lights in major areas of the city by the administration was being implemented to ensure that Abuja remains bright throughout the night.
It will be recalled that the minister had on assumption of office promised that a number of generators would be purchased by the administration to support the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to light up most of the streets.
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