The Federal Government has officially launched toll collection on the Abuja–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi road as part of efforts to repay a $460.8 million loan secured from China Exim Bank for its rehabilitation and upgrade.
At the ceremony on Tuesday, officials revealed that toll fees will range from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. Exempt from these tolls are police and military vehicles to facilitate their operations.
Toll plazas have been set up at key points in Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi to streamline the collection process.
The 227.2km stretch of road was upgraded with funding from a preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank, which contributed 85% of the $542 million project cost. As part of the loan agreement, the Federal Government is required to toll the road to ensure timely repayment.
Speaking at the launch at Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, Minister of Works David Umahi, represented by Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s federal roads through continuous funding.
He stated that the toll revenue will also be directed toward road maintenance nationwide, ensuring long-term infrastructure sustainability.
The Minister further noted that in 2023, the government signed a 25-year “Operate and Maintain” concession agreement with China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited, in collaboration with Catamaran Nigeria Limited.
This agreement aims to manage and preserve the crucial Abuja–Makurdi route, which plays an important role in national security, economic activities in central and northern Nigeria, and urban development.
The new toll charges, according to the gazetted Toll Order, are N500 for saloon cars, N800 for SUVs and jeeps, N1,000 for minibuses, and N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. Frequent users, particularly commercial light vehicles, will benefit from a 50% discount. Exempt from the tolls are tricycles, motorcycles, pedal vehicles, and other three-wheeled transport used by vulnerable populations.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the completion of the project and urged citizens to support the tolling initiative for its long-term success.
Similarly, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, highlighted the need for effective road management, pointing out that over 99% of Nigerians rely on road transport, which has led to increased pressure on highways. This makes toll revenue essential for road maintenance and expansion.