The Federal Government has announced plans to toll major roads across the country.
This decision was unveiled by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held on Thursday.
The briefing was part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.
Umahi emphasized that Nigerians are willing to pay for road usage if it guarantees safety and convenience.
He stated, “We have the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; we are completing it and we are tolling it.”
This announcement signals a broader plan that includes several key roads, such as the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile Road.
According to the minister, tolling these roads will generate significant revenue for the Federal Government.
“The tolling of federal roads is going to bring a lot of money to the Federal Government,” Umahi added.
To facilitate this tolling system, the government is engaging private sector partners.
These partnerships will be managed through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works.
Umahi explained that the private sector will help finance the construction and maintenance of these roads.
“We are starting with the Keffi-Makurdi Road, which has been completed,” he stated.
Umahi highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing payment methods.
He mentioned plans to implement a paperless payment system for tolls, which would enhance convenience for road users.
This technological advancement aims to streamline the tolling process and encourage more people to use the roads.
Umahi assured Nigerians that the government is taking steps to improve security measures, including faster response times in emergencies.
“For instance, if people can travel at night because we are bringing security, where the response time will be 10 minutes on the entire corridor, there will be confidence in using these roads,” he said.
In addition to security improvements, the government plans to install solar lights along the corridors.
This initiative will not only enhance safety but also reduce travel time, making journeys more efficient.
Umahi expressed optimism that with these improvements, Nigerians would be more willing to pay tolls for well-maintained roads.
Umahi pointed out that previous administrations did not treat road development as an investment.
However, he emphasized that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu is approaching road management more professionally.
“This government inherited a total of 300 damaged roads and bridges,” he said.
He assured the public that significant construction activities would commence across the six geopolitical zones starting from October 1, 2024.
