Motorists on the newly constructed Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi highway have started to pay tolls.
The commissioning of toll collection on the 227.2km road took place on Tuesday, 4th February 2025 at the toll gate in Garaku, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, described the occasion as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s road infrastructure development.
He noted that this is the first of nine planned tolling operations on the highway, with others set to commence, soon.
According to the Umahi, who was represented by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, the highway serves as a crucial economic and social link for the central and northern regions of Nigeria, facilitating trade, mobility, and national security.
He emphasised that tolling is essential for the maintenance, sustainability, and future expansion of road infrastructure, ensuring safer and smoother transportation for millions of Nigerians.
The toll collection will not only generate revenue for road maintenance and expansion but also preserve infrastructure for future generations.
The approved toll fees, as gazetted by the Federal Government, are as follows: saloon cars – N500, SUVs/jeeps – N800, minibuses – N1,000, and multi-axle vehicles – N1,600.
Frequent road users, such as commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highway Act, will enjoy a 50% discount, while bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled transport modes used by disadvantaged groups will be exempted from toll charges.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Umahi stressed that efficient road management and tolling operations would drive economic growth, job creation, and urban development while ensuring Nigerians enjoy modern, safe, and reliable road networks.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, highlighted that tolling was previously scrapped in 2004 due to maintenance and legal challenges. However, in 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved its reintroduction, leading to the construction of nine new toll gates, including this corridor.
He further noted that over 99% of Nigerians rely on road transport, emphasising that toll revenue is crucial for sustainable road maintenance.
He called on Nigerians to support the nationwide reintroduction of tolling.
Dignitaries at the event appraised the initiative.
The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akugbe, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu’s administration and advocated for the completion of the Lafia-Benue-Gwagwalada-Abuja road.
The Senate President’s representative, Sen. Anthony Ani, urged Nigerians to support government policies, emphasising that tolling ensures long-term benefits for future generations.
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) and Catamaran Nigeria Ltd., partners in the project, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the initiative has created jobs, enhanced security, and boosted economic activities along the corridor.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) also praised the project.
The Federal Ministry of Works had signed a 25-year “Operate and Maintain” concession agreement with China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Ltd. (CHOMC) in partnership with Catamaran Nigeria Ltd. under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase I in 2023.
The commissioning ceremony was performed by the Minister of State, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, alongside other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State’s representative, Emmanuel Akugbe, the Senate President’s representative, Sen. Anthony Ani, members of the National and State Assemblies, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
