FG Launches Toll Collection on Abuja–Makurdi Highway to Repay $460.8m Loan.
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By Raymond Enoch
The Federal Government has officially commenced tolling operations on the Abuja–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi highway, marking a significant step in the repayment of a $460.8 million loan obtained from the China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
The toll charges, which took effect on Tuesday, will see motorists pay between N500 for saloon cars and N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. However, security agencies, including the police and military, will be exempt to facilitate their operations. The toll gates are strategically positioned at four key locations: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
The 227.2km road project was largely funded through a preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank, which financed 85% of the total $542 million cost. Under the loan agreement, the Federal Government committed to tolling the road upon completion, with the revenue collected dedicated to repaying the debt.
At the official inauguration of the toll operations at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring sustainable road maintenance. Speaking through the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Umahi emphasized that the tolling system would not only fund the loan repayment but also contribute to the long-term maintenance of federal highways across the country.
Umahi further disclosed that the previous administration had entered a 25-year “Operate and Maintain” concession agreement with Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited in partnership with Catamaran Nigeria Limited. This arrangement aims to ensure efficient management and sustainability of the road infrastructure.
“As you are aware, this road corridor is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as a key highway for economic and social activities in the central and northern regions of the country,” Umahi said. “It is crucial for Nigeria’s economic, social, and strategic development, serving as an essential artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to infrastructure growth, urbanization, and national cohesion.”
The Minister highlighted that the tolling initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the development of a robust and interconnected infrastructure network.
Toll Fees and Exemptions
According to the government’s gazetted Toll Order/Fee Schedule, the charges are as follows:
Saloon cars – N500
SUVs/Jeeps – N800
Minibuses – N1,000
Multi-axle vehicles – N1,600
To ease the financial burden on frequent road users, commercial light vehicles categorized under the Federal Highway Act will enjoy a 50% discount. Additionally, motorcycles, tricycles, pedal vehicles, and other modes of transport primarily used by disadvantaged groups will be exempt.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the Federal Government for completing the project and urged citizens to cooperate for its success.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, stressed the critical role of roads in Nigeria’s transportation system, highlighting that less than 1% of Nigerians travel by air.
“In Nigeria today, we have four major modes of transport: air, rail, water, and road. However, the most accessible and affordable remains the road network. Air travel may be faster, but only a small fraction of Nigerians use it,” Adebiyi noted.
He further emphasized the necessity of generating adequate revenue to sustain road infrastructure, stating that as road traffic volumes increase, maintaining the network becomes even more challenging.
With the introduction of tolling on the Abuja–Makurdi road, the Federal Government aims to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for road infrastructure. The success of this initiative could set the stage for similar projects across the country, ensuring that Nigeria’s road network remains functional and well-maintained for future generations.
