In a significant move to enhance road infrastructure funding and sustain national development, the Federal Government has officially commenced toll operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road corridor.
This action, which marks the beginning of tolling operations along the vital 227.2-kilometer stretch, is aimed at repaying a $460.8 million loan secured from the China Exim Bank to rehabilitate and upgrade the road. The new tolling policy is expected to generate substantial revenue that will not only support the road’s maintenance but also contribute to the overall upkeep of federal roads across Nigeria.
At the official launch of toll operations at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable road infrastructure management. Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Umahi acknowledged that the road, a critical route for commerce, mobility, and national security, serves as a major lifeline for the central and northern regions of the country.
Umahi further explained that the toll revenue generated would directly contribute to the repayment of the loan and provide a steady stream of income to maintain federal roads in the country. He noted that the loan, which covers 85% of the road’s total rehabilitation cost of $542 million, had been part of the strategic efforts made by the previous administration. Under the terms of the agreement, the Federal Government committed to tolling the road upon its completion, ensuring that all revenue generated would be dedicated to loan repayment. This approach aligns with the government’s long-term goal of fostering a sustainable road maintenance model that can serve Nigeria’s growing transportation needs.
The toll gates have been strategically positioned at four key sections along the highway: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi. As of now, vehicles passing through these toll points will pay fees based on their size and axle configuration. Saloon cars will pay ₦500, SUVs and jeeps will be tolled at ₦800, minibuses will incur ₦1,000 charges, and multi-axle vehicles will be required to pay ₦1,600. To accommodate frequent road users, including commercial light vehicles, a 50% discount has been offered. Furthermore, the toll system exempts tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and small transport modes primarily used by disadvantaged communities, ensuring that the policy remains inclusive and does not burden vulnerable populations.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, expressed gratitude for the completion of the road and the tolling initiative. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the successful delivery of the road project and called on Nigerians to cooperate with the government for the smooth implementation of the toll system. The governor’s comments reflected a broader commitment to fostering infrastructural development in Nigeria and ensuring the longevity of vital road networks across the country.
Adding to the discussion, Folorunsho Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, underscored the critical role that road infrastructure plays in the country’s development. He reminded the audience that over 99% of Nigerians rely on road transport, highlighting the immense pressure placed on the country’s road networks. With the increasing volume of traffic, the need for consistent revenue streams for effective maintenance has never been more urgent. Adebiyi’s remarks were a stark reminder of the reality that, despite the challenges, maintaining and upgrading Nigeria’s road infrastructure remains essential for economic growth, national security, and public welfare.
In a broader context, this move to introduce tolling on federal roads aligns with the government’s long-term vision for infrastructure development, emphasizing the need for innovative financing models to support critical projects. As tolling operations officially begin on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the hope is that other major road corridors in Nigeria will follow suit, ensuring that the country’s infrastructure keeps pace with its growing demands.
