•Tollgate
Motorists plying the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway Corridor are to pay a maximum of N1,600 and a minimum of N500 according to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The minister has also mandated the Concessionaire to implement a Cashless Tolling System, reports Daily Independent.
Umahi disclosed this today during the official commissioning of the Tolling Plaza, located at Garaku, in Nasarawa state.
The minister who was represented at the event by the Minister of State Works, Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo also noted that the concession agreement would last for 25 years in which the toll fee will be reviewed every five years.
He said, “It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazette as follows.
“Saloon Cars would be tolled for N500, SUVs/Jeeps N800, Minibuses N1,000 and Multi-Axle Vehicles N1,600. However, frequent road users like the Commercial light vehicles as defined under the Federal Highway Act would enjoy a 50% discount.
“Authorised bicycles, pedal cycle, tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two or three-wheeled transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100% discount.”
The minister further emphasised that the Road Corridor is a “vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as an essential Highway for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern regions of the country.”
According to him, “The Road Corridor is crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria. It serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanisation, and national cohesion.
“The effective maintenance and further development of this corridor will continue to play a significant role in the nation’s development and in enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.”
It would be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from China Exim Bank.
The loan agreement provided amongst others, that upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated, and maintained by a Private Party (Concessionaire) and that “revenue collected from the operation (deducting the operation cost) shall be preferentially used for the loan repayment to the China EXIM Bank.”
Consequently, the Ministry of Works under the previous administration in 2023 executed a 25-year Toll, Operate and Maintain Concession Agreement with M/s China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Ltd (CHOMC) in partnership with M/s Catamaran Nigeria Ltd under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase I.
This, the Minister said is the first amongst the Nine Corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase 1 to commence operations. In the coming months, the federal government will continue with the launching and operationalization of the remaining ones located across the six geo-political zones of the country.
Umahi however, noted that this initiative has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria as it gives the federal government the opportunity to overcome bad roads.
“Tolling operations is a pivotal step towards the realisation of our vision for a more efficient, sustainable and well-maintained road transport system for our beloved country.
“Today, we embark on a journey to ensure that our infrastructure is preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. The collection of tolls will generate much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our roads.
“This aligns with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is committed to building a robust, interconnected infrastructure that promotes ease of movement that bolsters the economy; creates a self-sustaining and resilient transport network; supports economic growth and job creation; and develops both urban and rural areas across Nigeria.
This is as he encouraged all Nigerians to embrace this initiative as it will serve as a “catalyst” for improved road maintenance and economic growth.
Saying, “I call on us all to continue to support this government policy while ensuring that the ultimate goal of having a transportation system that is modern, safe, and capable of meeting the needs of our growing nation is achieved,” he said.
