The Federal Government plans to introduce tolls on all major roads upon their completion, according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing on Thursday, part of the activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, Umahi outlined the initiative, highlighting its potential to generate significant revenue for the government.
Umahi cited key infrastructure projects slated for tolling, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile Road, among others. He stated, “We have the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; we are completing it and we are tolling it.”
The minister emphasized that the tolling initiative is expected to enhance the financial sustainability of federal roads. “Tolling federal roads is going to bring a lot of money to the Federal Government,” he said, revealing that private sector partners have been engaged to help fund, construct, and manage these roads in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
Umahi announced that the tolling process will begin with the recently completed Keffi-Makurdi Road. He noted that his ministry is working with the Ministry of Finance to implement a paperless payment system for tolls, aimed at improving efficiency and convenience for road users.
He elaborated on the broader vision for these projects, stating, “If people can travel at night because we are bringing security, where the response time will be 10 minutes on the entire corridor, and where you have solar lights permanently installed, then there will be confidence because Nigerians will pay if the roads are good.”
The minister pointed out that previous road development efforts had not been treated as investments, but he assured that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu is adopting a more professional approach to road construction. Umahi noted that the administration inherited around 300 damaged roads and bridges and announced plans for additional road construction projects to commence on October 1, 2024, across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This comprehensive tolling initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure while ensuring the roads are maintained and secure for all Nigerians.
