FG to Toll Major Highways After Completion – Umahi

• The Minister of Works announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway will be tolled upon completion, with tolling to commence only when roads are “perfected”
• The 375-kilometer stretch will include solar lights, CCTV, and relief stations in preparation for tolling, aiming for completion in 14 months

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway and other major roads across the country will be tolled after they are fully completed to ensure proper maintenance.

Speaking during an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road on Saturday, Umahi emphasized that tolling would only commence once the roads were “perfected.”

He added that highways in key economic corridors would also be tolled once construction is completed.

The minister assured that work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway would be completed within 14 months, starting from February 1.

“This road will be tolled, as will major roads within the six geopolitical zones and economic corridors, but only after full completion.

“We have an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that no road will be tolled unless it is 100 percent completed. However, discussions will be held with stakeholders regarding where roads built over the past decade have deteriorated and require maintenance.

“One of the key issues affecting our roads is lack of maintenance. Maintaining 35,000 kilometers of road is challenging, so private sector involvement is necessary.

If a 200-kilometer road has 150 kilometers fully completed, discussions with the public may be needed to begin maintenance. Otherwise, the road may deteriorate.

Even our bodies require maintenance, not to mention roads that endure heavy traffic,” Umahi stated.

The minister clarified that the inspection aimed to assess the level of mobilization rather than the volume of completed work.

He revealed that Zone 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, handled by Infiouest International Limited, would prioritize the Kaduna-bound lane. By the end of February, earthwork should be completed, with concrete pavement work set to begin on March 1.

“We have identified several amendments to improve durability. There are noticeable depressions beyond the field shoulders, and the contractor will provide a solution.

“The entire 375-kilometer stretch from CH0 to Kano will include solar-powered lights, CCTV installations, and relief stations as part of preparations for tolling,” he added.