The Federal Government has officially commenced toll operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road corridor as part of its strategy to repay a $460.8 million loan secured from China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
Motorists will now pay tolls ranging from ₦500 for saloon cars to ₦1,600 for multi-axle vehicles, while police and military vehicles are exempt to facilitate their operations. The toll gates are strategically located along the 227.2 km stretch of road, divided into four sections: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
At the official launch of toll operations at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable road maintenance and infrastructure funding. Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Umahi explained that toll revenue would also support the upkeep of federal roads nationwide.
The minister recalled that the previous administration had secured the loan, covering 85% of the road’s total cost of $542 million. As part of the loan agreement, the Federal Government committed to tolling the road upon completion to ensure that revenue generated would be primarily directed towards loan repayment.
“It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as we officially launch the commencement of toll operations on our federal roads,” Umahi stated.
He described the road as a vital economic and strategic route, essential for trade, mobility, and national security in the central and northern regions.
The tolling operation follows a 25-year Operate and Maintain concession agreement signed in 2023 between the Federal Government and China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited, in partnership with Catamaran Nigeria Limited. The new toll rates include ₦500 for saloon cars, ₦800 for SUVs and jeeps, ₦1,000 for minibuses, and ₦1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. Frequent road users, particularly commercial light vehicles, will enjoy a 50% discount.
Additionally, tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other small transport modes used by disadvantaged populations are exempt from toll charges.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the road’s completion and urged cooperation from the public to ensure the success of the tolling initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, emphasized the importance of road infrastructure in Nigeria, noting that over 99% of Nigerians rely on road transport as air travel remains inaccessible to most. “The reality is that less than 1% of Nigerians travel by air. This places immense pressure on our roads, and with rising traffic volumes, we must generate enough revenue for effective road maintenance,” Adebiyi stated.
