The federal government has fixed the maximum price at the new toll gate on the Abuja-Makurdi road at N1,600.
The minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that motorists using the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway Corridor would also pay a minimum of N500.
The Minister who was represented, Tuesday, at the commissioning of the tolling plaza located at Garaku in Nasarawa State, by the Minister of State, Works, Bello Goronya, also mandated the Concessionaire to implement a Cashless Tolling System.
The Federal Government of Nigeria rehabilitated and upgraded the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway 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.”
Umahi noted that the toll fee on the 25 years long concession agreement would be reviewed every five years.
“It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazetted 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% discount,” he noted.
According to him, 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.
“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, urbanization, 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.”
In 2023 the Ministry of Works 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.
Umahi said Tuesday`s commissioning is the first amongst the Nine Corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase 1 to commence operations.
He revealed that 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 said the 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 realization 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,” he maintained.
While calling on road users to see this as necessary to improve road maintenance and economic growth in the country, he continued, “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.”
