The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, has justified the application of tolling operations on Nigerian roads as it will improve sustainability of road infrastructure development.
Speaking at the Garaku Toll Station, Km 32, Keffi-Akwanga Section, Keffi, Nasarawa State, during the inauguration of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi road corridor, the DG noted that good roads are essential for national development.
“They facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life,” he said, adding, however, that quality infrastructure comes at a cost as construction, maintenance and upgrade of roads require substantial financial investment.
Gbeleyi said it was unrealistic to expect critical assets to be sustained without a structured revenue framework, hence the need for tolling operations on the roads.
“This tolling model is not just about collecting fees; it is about ensuring that we have well-maintained roads that offer comfort, safety and efficiency to road users. The revenue generated will be directly reinvested into the maintenance and continuous improvement of this corridor, ensuring that it remains in top condition for years to come,” he said.
He listed the benefits of the initiative to include improved road maintenance – with a steady revenue stream, the road will be regularly maintained, reducing potholes and improving safety.
