The Federal Government has officially started toll operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road corridor, a vital step in repaying the $460.8 million loan secured for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
Motorists traveling on this route will be subject to toll fees ranging from N500 for standard vehicles to N1,600 for multi-axle trucks, with police and military vehicles exempted from charges to facilitate their operations.
The toll gates are strategically located along the 227.2 km stretch in four key sections: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi. At the launch of this toll operation at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable road maintenance and infrastructure funding.
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, it was explained that the revenue generated from tolls will be directed towards the maintenance of federal roads across Nigeria. The minister noted that the previous administration had secured the loan, which covered 85% of the road’s total cost.
In line with the loan agreement, the Federal Government committed to instituting toll charges upon the completion of the road, ensuring that the proceeds primarily go towards repaying the loan. He stated, “It is with great pride that we launch toll operations on our federal roads, starting with the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor.”
Describing the corridor as a crucial economic route for trade and national security, the tolling initiative follows a signed 25-year concession agreement between the Federal Government and a private operations and maintenance company.
Updated toll rates have been established, with saloon cars charged N500, SUVs and jeeps N800, minibuses N1,000, and multi-axle vehicles N1,600. Additionally, regular users of the road, particularly commercial light vehicles, will benefit from a 50% discount. Exemptions are also granted for tricycles and motorcycles to support disadvantaged communities.
Nasarawa State officials expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the road while encouraging the public to support the initiative for its ongoing success. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works highlighted the importance of adequate road infrastructure, noting that a significant majority of Nigerians rely on road transport due to limited air travel options.
