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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The federal government has reinstated tolling on Nigeria’s highways, over 20 years after it was disbanded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The toll operations will commence today, starting with the 227.2-kilometre Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road corridor.
Saloon cars will be tolled at N500, SUVs at N800, minibuses at N1,000, and articulated vehicles at N1,600.
This time, the project will be managed by China Harbour Engineering, which facilitated the loan from China Exim Bank, unlike the previous arrangement where the Ministry of Works managed toll operations.
According to the Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, the toll revenue will be used to maintain the roads and repay the loan.
“The effective maintenance and further development of this corridor will play a significant role in the nation’s development and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. The Federal Government rehabilitated and upgraded these roads through a preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank. The loan agreement stipulates that, upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated, and maintained by a private party, with revenue collected prioritised for loan repayment to the China Exim Bank.
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“Consequently, under the previous administration in 2023, the ministry executed a 25-year toll and maintenance concession agreement with Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited, in partnership with Messrs Katamaran Nigeria Limited, under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase I. This marks the first of nine corridors being concessioned under HDMI Phase I to commence operations. In the coming months, the Federal Government will continue launching and operationalising the remaining corridors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s history, enabling the government to address the issue of bad roads.
“Tolling concessions are vital steps towards realising our vision for a more efficient, sustainable, and well-maintained road transport system. Today, we embark on a journey to preserve our infrastructure for the benefit of present and future generations. Toll collection will generate much-needed revenue for road maintenance and the expansion of our renewed road agenda,” he said.
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Umahi confirmed that the tolling rates have been gazetted as follows: saloon cars, N500; SUVs, N800; minibuses, N1,000; and articulated vehicles, N1,600.
However, the project will be lenient towards disadvantaged populations. Commercial light vehicles under the Federal Highways Act will enjoy a 50% discount, while pedal vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled modes of transport commonly used by disadvantaged populations will be exempt from tolls.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Mohammed Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, expressed concern about the proper utilisation of the resources generated from tolls and the need for public support for the project.
According to him, the multiplier effect of tollgates is significant. “Tollgates are internationally recognised; it’s not strange to us. But we need more public education and to encourage people to support the initiative. The multiplier effect is substantial—security will be guaranteed, vehicles will last longer, accidents will decrease, the economy will grow, and businesses will thrive. I appeal that the resources generated from this initiative be put to proper use,” he pleaded.
