By Emmanuella Oghenetega
In realization of the vision of a more sustainable, efficient and well-maintained road transport system, the Federal Government has commenced tolling operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway corridor, an operation which is targetted at generating much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of roads
The ceremony for the flag-off took place on Tuesday.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Engr David Nweze Umahi, stated that the ceremony was a landmark in the history of the nation’s infrastructure development.
“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.
“It is to 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 under the previous administration in 2023 executed a 25-year Toll, Operate & 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 is the first amongst the Nine (9) 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.
“This initiative has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria as it gives the Federal Government the opportunity to overcome bad roads.” He said
He further stated that the collection of tolls will generate much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our roads, and 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.
“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. Authorized Bicycles, Pedal Cycle, Tricycles, Motorcycles, and other modes of two or three-wheeled transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100 per cent discount.
“I encourage all Nigerians to embrace this initiative as this will serve as a catalyst for improved road maintenance and economic growth. Therefore, 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.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olu Funsho Olusesan Adebiyi in his welcome remarks stated that the tolling was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensure continuous funding of operations, maintenance and improvement works on our highways.
He said “you may recall that the Federal Government initially introduced toll collection for highway maintenance during the fourth (4th) National Development Plan (NDP), 1981-1985. Toll gates and toll collections were however scrapped on January 1, 2004 due to legal disputes, revenue leakages and lack of maintenance of the tolled roads.
“However, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2021 approved the Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy to guide the reintroduction of tolling on our highways. Therefore, in January, 2023, the FEC approved the concession of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road corridor for a period of twenty five (25) years alongside other eight (8) Road corridors across the country.”
This initiative, he said, will attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximization of the use of assets along the Right of Way (ROW).
