The reintroduction of tolling on selected expressways in Nigeria kicked off with the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Highway. This marks a significant step towards generating revenue for the maintenance of the country’s roads.
The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Highway is a 227.2-kilometer road that is among the nine expressways scheduled for tolling by the Federal Government. The tolling system is expected to generate much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of the country’s roads.
Works Minister David Umahi flagged off the tolling on the highway, emphasizing the importance of the initiative. According to him, the toll order for the roads has been gazetted, and the collection of tolls will commence immediately.
The toll rates for the highway have been announced, with saloon cars paying N500, sports utility vehicles/jeeps paying N800, minibuses paying N1,000, and multi-axle (articulated) vehicles paying N1,600. Frequent road users, such as commercial light vehicles, will enjoy a 50% discount.
Authorised bicycles, pedal cycles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two or three-wheeled transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100% discount. This is aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.
The loan agreement for the rehabilitation of the road provides that upon completion, the road would be tolled, operated, and maintained by a privately run entity (concessionaire). The revenue collected from the operation, deducting the operation cost, shall be preferentially used for the loan repayment to the China EXIM Bank.
The nine roads listed for concessions are under Phase I of the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). The HDMI is a public-private partnership aimed at improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and generating revenue for road maintenance.
Works Minister David Umahi noted that under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, his ministry executed a 25-year Toll, Operate & Maintain Concession Agreement with China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Ltd (CHOMC) in partnership with Catamaran Nigeria Ltd under the HDMI Phase I in 2023.
Umahi described the kick-off of the tolling system as a landmark in the nation’s infrastructure development. He emphasized that the road corridor is a crucial transit route for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern regions.
The minister highlighted the road’s vital role in economic, social, and strategic development, saying it serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanisation, and national cohesion.
The Federal Government plans to continue with the launching and operationalisation of the remaining roads located across the six geo-political zones of the country in the coming months. This initiative is expected to open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, giving the Federal Government the opportunity to overcome bad roads and create a more efficient, sustainable, and well-maintained road transport system.
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