By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians may have to pay more for petrol if the recommendation by the Senate is considered by the executive and implemented.
Lately, many Nigerians have had to squeeze water out from stones in order to survive the economic hardship in the country, which has led to loss of jobs, high cost of living, rise in inflation, high cost of food items and even increase rate of deaths.
But despite these, the Senate is considering an additional N5 per litre to be paid by Nigerians on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol and as well as on diesel for the National Road Fund.
According to Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mr Kabiru Gaya, while submitting his report on The National Road Fund (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB 21), the N5 increment is a form of tax to be remitted to the National Road Fund.
Mr Gaya pointed out the amount would be paid by motorists at the point of every litre of fuel purchased at any fuel station in the country.
He also advocated for the implementation of a special 0.5 percent levy on commercial vehicles passengers fares, all in a bid to raise money to pay for road constructions and maintenance though the National Road Fund.
The lawmaker argued that this was not peculiar to Nigeria as countries such as the United Kingdom, Ghana, and others have a similar policy in place.
It was gathered that the bill has already received the endorsement of the House of Representatives.
The National Road Fund Bill is one of the 11 economic reform bills initiated by the Senate to lift the country from recession.
