Federal Government Launches Tollgate on Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Road

A new tolling system has been implemented at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
As a result, drivers using the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway now have to pay tolls that range from ₦500 for regular automobiles to ₦1,600 for vehicles with more than one axle.
At yesterday’s formal tolling system launch, Works Minister David Umahi announced that the money raised from the project will go toward maintaining federal roads throughout the nation.
Recall that in order to finance the 227.2 km road project, China Eximbank offered a loan of $460.8 million.

According to Umahi, who was represented by Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, the federal government used a China Exim Bank Preferential Credit Loan to improve and repair the road.

As we formally begin toll operations on our federal roads, starting with the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor, Umahi stated, “I stand before you today on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria with great pride and optimism.”

As you are aware, the Road Corridor is an important piece of infrastructure in Nigeria that serves as a highway for the social and economic life of the country’s northern and central regions.

The Road Corridor is essential to Nigeria’s strategic, social, and economic growth. In addition to promoting infrastructure development, urbanization, and national cohesion, it is a vital conduit for trade, transportation, and national security.

Recall that the road was repaired and restored by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) using a China Exim Bank preferential credit loan.

He stated that the implementation of the tolling system is a crucial step in achieving a more effective, sustainable, and well-kept road transportation system in the nation.

We’re starting a journey today to make sure that our infrastructure is protected for the benefit of both the current and upcoming generations.

He declared, “The toll collection will generate much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our roads.”

The Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazetted as follows, he added. Multi-axle vehicles would cost ₦1,600, minibuses ₦1000, SUVs/jeeps ₦800, and saloon cars ₦500.

“On the other hand, regular users of the road, such as commercial light vehicles as defined by the Federal Highway Act, would receive a 50% discount.”

At the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was thanked by Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, through his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, for the successful completion of the road project.

Additionally, he called for Nigerians to work together to make sure the project was a success.

Note that certain vital service vehicles, police cars, and military vehicles are exempt from paying tolls for the use of the route.

The road was reportedly completed shortly before former President Muhammadu Buhari left office in 2023, having started construction in 2018 under his direction.