The Federal Government has officially commenced toll operations on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road corridor as part of efforts to repay the $460.8m loan obtained from China Exim Bank for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the road.
Motorists using the highway will now pay tolls ranging from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles, while police and military vehicles are exempted to enhance their operations.
The toll gates, strategically positioned along the 227.2km stretch of road, are divided into four sections: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
Speaking 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 across the country.
The minister recalled that the previous administration had secured the $460.8m loan, which covered 85% of the road’s total $542m cost.
As part of the loan agreement, the Federal Government committed to tolling the road upon completion, ensuring that revenue generated would be channeled primarily into loan repayment.