FG reintroduces tolling on highways 20 years after abrogation

Abuja, Feb. 5, 2025 – The Federal Government has reintroduced tolling on federal highways, about 20 years after tolling was abrogated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced the reintroduction of tolling on Tuesday at the Garaku Toll Station along the Abuja–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road corridor.

He said tolling was being reintroduced to ensure proper maintenance of the roads as well as repay the $460.8 million loan obtained from the China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.

The minister, who was represented by Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, said the federal government was committed to ensuring proper maintenance of federal roads through sustainable funding mechanisms.

“It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as we officially launch toll operations on our federal roads, beginning with the 227.2km Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road corridor.

“As you are aware, this road corridor is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as a key highway for economic and social activities in the central and northern regions of the country.

“It is crucial for Nigeria’s economic, social, and strategic development, serving as an essential artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to infrastructure growth, urbanisation, and national cohesion.

“It is worth recalling that the Federal Government rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a preferential credit loan from the China Exim Bank.

“Toll operations mark a pivotal step towards achieving our vision for a more efficient, sustainable, and well-maintained road transport system.

“Today, we embark on a journey to ensure that our infrastructure is preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. The collection of tolls will generate much-needed revenue for road maintenance and expansion.

“It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule has been gazetted as follows: saloon cars will be tolled at N500, SUVs/jeeps at N800, minibuses at N1,000, and multi-axle vehicles at N1,600.

“However, frequent road users, such as commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highway Act, will enjoy a 50 per cent discount,” the minister said.

Umahi said tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled transport modes would be exempted from toll charges.

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