The Federal Government has officially commenced toll operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road corridor to repay the $460.8 million loan secured from China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
Motorists traveling along the 227.2km highway will now pay toll fees ranging from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. However, police and military vehicles are exempt to support security operations.
The toll gates are strategically positioned across four key locations: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
Speaking at the official launch of toll operations at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable road maintenance and infrastructure funding.
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Umahi explained that revenue from tolling will not only be used for loan repayment but also for maintaining federal roads nationwide.
The $460.8 million loan, obtained under the previous administration, covered 85% of the road’s total $542 million cost. As part of the agreement, the government pledged to implement tolling upon project completion to ensure loan repayment.
“It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as we officially launch the commencement of toll operations on our federal roads, beginning with the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor,” Umahi stated.
Economic and Security Significance of the Road
The minister highlighted that the road serves as a critical economic and strategic route for trade, mobility, and national security, linking central and northern Nigeria.
Tolling follows a 25-year Operate and Maintain concession agreement signed in 2023 between the Federal Government and Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited, in partnership with Messrs Catamaran Nigeria Limited.
Breakdown of New Toll Charges
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the toll rates are as follows:
- Saloon cars: N500
- SUVs and Jeeps: N800
- Minibuses: N1,000
- Multi-axle vehicles: N1,600
Additionally, frequent road users, such as commercial light vehicles, will receive a 50% discount. Exemptions include tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other small transport modes used by disadvantaged populations.
Nasarawa Governor Calls for Public Cooperation
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the project’s completion. He urged Nigerians to support the tolling initiative for long-term infrastructure sustainability.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, emphasized the critical role of road infrastructure in Nigeria.
“The reality is that less than 1% of Nigerians travel by air. This places immense pressure on our roads, and with rising traffic volumes, we must generate enough revenue for effective road maintenance,” Adebiyi stated.
With the launch of tolling on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Federal Government aims to repay its loan obligation while ensuring long-term road maintenance. As traffic volumes increase, the initiative is expected to enhance road infrastructure funding, reduce wear and tear, and improve the overall driving experience for Nigerians.