The federal government has finally announced commenced the commencement of tolling on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway, with tolling for different types of vehicles starting from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles.
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said during the official inauguration of the new tolling regime at Garaku Toll Station, Nasarawa State, that funds generated from the venture would be used for the maintenance of federal roads nationwide.
The China Eximbank provided a $460.8 million loan used to fund the 227.2km road project.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who represented the minister, said that the federal government rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from the China Exim Bank.
Umahi said, “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.
“As you are aware, 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, urbanisation, and national cohesion.
“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”.
Stressing the importance of the tolling for sustainable transportation, he said “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.
“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 N1000; and mult-axle vehicles, N1,600.
“However, frequent road users like commercial light vehicles as defined under the Federal Highway Act would enjoy a 50 per cent discount”.
Also speaking during the event, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the completion of the road and sought cooperation from Nigerians to make the project a success.
However, police, military vehicles and a class of essential service vehicles are exempted from paying tolling fees on the road.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari administration kicked started the project in 2018 and was completed shortly before he left office in 2023.
