The Federal Government has confirmed that the four toll gates along the 260km Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi expressway comply with the requirements set by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Minister of Works, David Umahi, addressed concerns raised by commuters regarding the tolls, stating that the law establishing the ICRC outlines both minimum and maximum requirements for tolling roads under concession agreements.
Although the toll gates are not yet operational, commuters have expressed worries that having four toll payment points on a 260km stretch could be burdensome. However, they have also praised the federal government for the timely completion of the expressway project.
Umahi explained, “The total length of that road is 260 kilometres, and it is dualised, which means you are talking about 520 kilometres, and I don’t think that we have more than four toll gates on that road.”
He reassured that the government has adhered to the legal framework regarding tolling and mentioned the establishment of a committee focused on implementing a cashless toll collection system. This committee will meet with the minister next week to discuss ways to assist those who may have difficulty with electronic payment systems, particularly individuals who may struggle with technology.
The minister noted, “We are trying to ensure that we carry such people along.”
Earlier, on October 17, Umahi inaugurated a committee tasked with the implementation of the cashless tolling system under the Highway Development and Management Initiative. This initiative aims to create a sustainable transportation ecosystem, with committee responsibilities including designing the cashless system and establishing relief stations equipped with essential services like supermarkets, clinics, and security outposts along the highway.
Umahi emphasized the commitment to safety, stating, “Within 10 minutes of any incident along the route, security people will be able to respond.”
