The Federal Government has officially commenced toll operations on the Abuja–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road, fulfilling its agreement to generate revenue for repaying the $460.8 million loan secured from the China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
Motorists will now be required to pay tolls ranging from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles as part of the repayment strategy.
However, military and police vehicles are exempted to facilitate security operations.
The toll gates are situated across four key points along the route—Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
The Federal Ministry of Works has gazetted the toll charges as follows:
Saloon Cars: N500
SUVs/Jeeps: N800
Minibuses: N1,000
Multi-axle vehicles: N1,600
Frequent users, such as commercial light vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Act, will receive a 50% discount, while tricycles, motorcycles, and other low-income transport modes are exempted.
Speaking at the commissioning event in Garaku, Nasarawa State, Minister of Works David Umahi, represented by Minister of State Bello Goronyo, emphasized that toll revenues will be directed towards loan repayment and the maintenance of federal roads across the country.
He noted that the 227.2km road upgrade was part of the previous administration’s “Operate and Maintain” concession agreement with Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited in partnership with Messrs Catamaran Nigeria Limited.
“It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today as we launch toll operations on our federal roads, starting with this critical highway,” Umahi said.
“This road is a vital economic and strategic corridor linking Nigeria’s central and northern regions. Tolling will generate much-needed revenue for maintenance and expansion,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe commended the federal government for delivering the project.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the toll system as a necessary step for sustainable road infrastructure.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, stressed the importance of road maintenance, noting that less than 1% of Nigerians travel by air, making roads the most accessible and affordable mode of transport.
“Our roads are under immense pressure due to the increasing population and economic activities,” he said. “This tolling initiative will ensure sustainable funding for their upkeep.”
The project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national infrastructure development.
With the new toll system in place, Nigerians will now experience a user-pay model for road funding, marking a significant shift in federal road management.
As tolling begins, authorities will monitor compliance and evaluate public feedback.
The government is also expected to expand similar toll systems to other major highways nationwide.