From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called for a reduction in toll gate fees to the barest minimum, urging the management of toll gate operations to introduce a single-payment system for all toll gates within the state.
The Assembly also advocated for the suspension of toll gate operations if the challenges being faced by road users are not addressed.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, made these remarks during the House proceedings in Lafia on Monday after Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, representing Kokona East Constituency, raised the matter under public interest.
Jatau emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the toll gate payment system, citing public hardship, especially on the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road corridor.
“Our people are suffering due to the inefficient payment system at the toll gates,” Jatau stated. “We appeal to His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Sule, to take our resolutions to the Federal Ministry of Works for implementation. We want a system where toll tickets can be purchased at designated motor parks and other locations to ease payment.”
He further stressed the importance of alternative payment methods, particularly for road users without ATM cards.
“Captured vehicles should be allowed to make cash payments. There must be a provision for those who prefer cash transactions,” he added. “Also, payment should be made only once per trip rather than at every toll gate.”
The Speaker warned that if the management of the toll gate operations failed to address these concerns, the House would push for the suspension of the toll gates until all issues were resolved.
Jatau commended President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Works for their efforts in road infrastructure development, while also appreciating Governor Abdullahi Sule for his commitment to the state’s progress.
Earlier, while moving the motion, Hon. Daniel Ogazi lamented the difficulties commuters face due to the inefficiencies in the toll gate system.
“This toll gate has caused serious hardship to road users,” Ogazi said. “The Automated Tolling Payment System is not working effectively, leading to long delays. In one unfortunate incident, a woman delivered her baby at the toll gate due to the time wasted in processing payments.”
He called for an immediate review of the system, proposing that toll gate payments be made as seamless as possible.
“There should be a cash payment option at toll gates, just as it is done at airports,” he suggested.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, Barr. Esson Mairiga, Hon. John Ovey, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Mohammad Adamu Oyanki, all supported the motion.
They reiterated that the current toll gate system was causing unnecessary delays and economic hardship for the people of Nasarawa State.
The House, therefore, resolved to push for a more efficient toll payment structure to alleviate the suffering of commuters.
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