BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Committed to maintenance of road infrastructure, the Federal Government has commenced toll collections with the newly constructed Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway corridor.
The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi highway serves as a crucial economic and social link for the Northcentral and other northern parts of Nigeria by facilitating trade, mobility and national security.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi flagged off the exercise on the 227.2 kilometre road project on Tuesday in Garaku, Nasarawa State.
He described the occasion as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s road infrastructure development.
Represented by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, he stated that the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway corridor is one of the nine planned tolling operations on the highway, with others set to commence soon.
He emphasised that tolling is essential for maintenance, sustainability, and future expansion of road infrastructure, ensuring safer and smoother transportation for millions of Nigerians.
News Rider reports that toll collection will not only generate revenue for road maintenance and expansion but also preserve infrastructure for future generations.
The approved toll fees as gazetted by the Federal Government are as follows: Saloon Cars – N500; SUVs/Jeeps – N800; Minibuses – N1,000; and Multi-Axle Vehicles – N1,600.
Frequent road users such as commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highway Act will enjoy a 50 percent discount, while bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled transport modes used by disadvantaged groups will be exempted from toll charges.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Umahi stressed that efficient road management and tolling operations will drive economic growth, job creation, and urban development while ensuring that Nigerians enjoy modern, safe, and reliable road networks.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi highlighted that tolling was previously scrapped in 2004 due to maintenance and legal challenges.
But in 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the reintroduction of toll collections, leading to the construction of nine new toll gates including the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway corridor.
He noted that over 99 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport, emphasising that toll revenue is crucial for sustainable road maintenance.
Adebiyi called on Nigerians to support the nationwide reintroduction of tolling.
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akugbe, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed gratitude to President Tinubu’s administration and advocated for the completion of the Lafia-Benue-Gwagwalada-Abuja road.
The Senate President’s representative, Sen. Anthony Ani urged Nigerians to support government policies, saying that tolling ensures long-term benefits for future generations.
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) and Catamaran Nigeria Ltd., partners in the project, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the initiative led to job creation, enhanced security, and boosted economic activities along the corridor.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) also praised the project.
Recall that the Federal Ministry of Works signed a 25-year 'Operate and Maintain' concession agreement with China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Ltd. (CHOMC) in partnership with Catamaran Nigeria Ltd. under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase I in 2023.
The commissioning ceremony was performed by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo alongside other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State’s representative, Emmanuel Akugbe, the Senate President’s representative, Sen. Anthony Ani, members of the National and State Assemblies, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohamed Ahmed on Wednesday in Abuja.
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