-Deborah Akinyosoye
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has revealed that the Federal Government will introduce tolls on major highways across the country once construction and renovation projects are completed.
Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, part of the activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, Umahi confirmed that critical roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, and the Abuja-Kano Road would be tolled.
“We are completing the Lagos-Ibadan (Expressway) and we will be tolling it,” Umahi stated, adding that the tolling policy will also apply to other key federal roads, including Makurdi-9th Mile and the newly completed Keffi-Makurdi Road.
According to the minister, this initiative will provide significant revenue for the government.
Umahi further explained that the tolling strategy will involve the private sector.
“We have engaged private sector members to bring in funds, construct these roads, and work with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works to manage and toll these roads,” he said.
The aim is to transform road development into a revenue-generating and investment-driven venture, unlike in previous administrations.
He emphasized that the tolling system will not just generate revenue but also boost confidence in road usage.
“We are not just tolling these roads; we are also enhancing security to ensure safe travel, even at night.
The response time in case of emergencies will be reduced to 10 minutes along these corridors, and we are installing permanent solar lighting to ensure visibility,” he explained.
Umahi noted that this will encourage Nigerians to embrace tolling, as long as the roads are in excellent condition and provide safer, faster travel. “Nigerians will pay if the roads are good,” he said confidently.
The minister revealed that the Bola Tinubu administration inherited over 300 damaged roads and bridges nationwide and plans to commence new construction projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from October 1, 2024.
The planned tolling of roads is part of the government’s broader strategy to make road development a sustainable and professionalized sector, moving away from the traditional approach where roads were not treated as long-term investments.
Umahi concluded by stressing that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are ongoing to ensure that payments at toll points will be paperless and efficient, streamlining the process for road users.