Abuja-Makurdi road toll- gates commences operations as motorists pay high tolls to ply the route

The development followed the official flag-off of the cashless tolling operations along the road corridor by the federal government on Tuesday.

The road has four toll stations at Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia and Makurdi Plazas.

The toll rates peg Trucks/buses/multi-axle vehicles at ₦1,600 per toll, light vehicle/minibuses at ₦1,000, SUV/Jeep at ₦800 and cars at ₦500, respectively. Each vehicle plying the road from beginning to the end will be tolled four times at four different toll stations.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, said on the 227.2-kilometer Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi highway, however, commercial vehicles will enjoy 50 per cent discount while tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two-or-three-wheel transport are exempted from paying toll fee.

Others also exempted are Police, Military and security and diplomatic vehicles.

He said 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.

He said the road corridor is crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria as it serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanisation, and national cohesion.

Umahi, represented by the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, Esq., said the effective maintenance and further development of the road will continue to play a significant role in the nation’s development and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

He said the Federal Government of Nigeria rehabilitated and upgraded the roads through the preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank.

He explained that the loan agreement provided, among other things, that upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated, and maintained by a private party, and that revenue collected from the operation shall be preferentially used for the loan repayment to the China Exim Bank.

“Consequently, the Ministry, under the previous administration in 2023, executed a 25-year toll of wages and maintained 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 Phase I,” he added.

He said the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road is the first among the nine corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative Phase I to commence operations.

He added that the government, in the coming months, will continue with the launching and operationalisation of the remaining ones located across the six geopolitical zones of the country.