Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced that the Federal Government will implement tolling on all major roads across Nigeria once construction and renovation are completed.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing as part of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations, Umahi mentioned key roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile as some of the projects slated for tolling.
The former Ebonyi State governor emphasized that tolling federal roads will generate significant revenue for the government. He explained that private sector investors are being engaged to provide funding, construct the roads, and collaborate with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works to implement the toll system.
Umahi highlighted the Keffi-Makurdi Road as one of the first to be tolled, as it has already been completed. He also noted that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are underway to introduce a paperless payment system.
“We are completing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, working on the Makurdi-9th Mile in Enugu State, and progressing from Abuja to Lagos. These roads will be tolled, but we are also prioritizing safety and efficiency. With better security measures, solar lighting, and reduced travel time, Nigerians will be willing to pay for well-maintained roads,” Umahi said.
He pointed out that previous administrations did not treat road development as an investment, but the current government under President Bola Tinubu is approaching it with a more professional mindset.
The minister further revealed that the present administration inherited 300 damaged roads and bridges. He announced that new road construction projects will begin on October 1, 2024, across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
