The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to toll all major roads in Nigeria after their construction and renovation. Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Umahi listed key roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Road, Makurdi-9th Mile, and the Second Niger Bridge, among others, as candidates for tolling.
He explained that tolling would generate significant revenue for the government, with the private sector playing a role by investing in these projects through partnerships with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works.
According to the report gathered by Naijassador, the initiative will start with the Keffi-Makurdi Road, which is already completed, and the government aims to implement a paperless payment system for tolls. Umahi assured that the tolling process would be accompanied by enhanced security, solar lighting, and reduced travel times to increase public confidence.
The minister emphasized that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu, views road development as an investment and has inherited 300 damaged roads and bridges. More road constructions will begin across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones starting October 1, 2024.
