The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is set to implement tolling on major roads across the country upon their completion, according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. This announcement, made during an inter ministerial press briefing as part of Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, marks a significant shift in road infrastructure management.
Minister Umahi revealed that key roads such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja Kano Road, and Makurdi 9th Mile Road are among those slated for tolling. These major routes, which are either nearing completion or undergoing renovation, will be managed through public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable maintenance and security.
In a bid to ensure seamless road maintenance and fund further infrastructure development, the Federal Government is engaging private sector investors to finance these projects. These partnerships, facilitated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Ministry of Works, aim to improve the overall quality of road travel in Nigeria.
Umahi also mentioned that the tolling system would incorporate modern, paperless payment methods to enhance convenience for road users. The first project to roll out tolling will be the Keffi Makurdi Road, which has already been completed.
Understanding the importance of safety and reliability, Minister Umahi emphasized that the tolling plan will come with additional benefits. Travelers will experience enhanced security measures on these roads, with solar-powered lighting along the corridors and a rapid 10-minute response time for emergencies.
If people can travel at night because we are bringing security, where the response time will be 10 minutes on the entire corridor, where you have solar light permanently there and then reduce travel time, and through the tolling, the roads are maintained, then, there will be confidence because Nigerians will pay if the roads are good, Umahi explained.
This renewed focus on road infrastructure also includes plans to drastically reduce travel time by improving road conditions and ensuring their continued maintenance through the toll revenues.
Minister Umahi noted that under previous administrations, road development was not viewed as an investment but rather as a public service. However, the current administration is taking a more professional approach, viewing road infrastructure as a vital economic asset. By treating roads as long-term investments, the government seeks to ensure their durability and utility for generations to come.
The minister further disclosed that the current government inherited over 300 damaged roads and bridges, many of which require urgent attention. In line with the administration’s agenda, new road construction projects will commence across all six geopolitical zones of the country starting from October 1.
As Nigeria continues to modernize its infrastructure, the move towards tolling represents a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring that road networks are self-sustaining and meet global standards. With private sector collaboration, enhanced security measures, and a commitment to reducing travel times, the future of road travel in Nigeria looks set for transformation.
For Nigerians, the key message is clear pay for quality roads, and in return, experience safer, faster, and more reliable travel across the nation. The tolling initiative is poised to change the landscape of road transportation in Nigeria, making it more efficient and sustainable in the long run.