Umahi: FG will toll major highways when completed, partner private sector on maintenance

David Umahi, minister of works, says the federal government will toll the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway and other major roads across the country once they are fully constructed. 

Speaking during an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road on Saturday, Umahi said tolling would not begin until the roads are perfected.

“This road will be tolled, major roads within the six geopolitical zones and within the economic corridors will be tolled. But we are not tolling any road we have not perfected,” he said.

He added that the government had an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to ensure roads are 100 percent completed before tolling begins.

“How will you maintain 35,000 kilometres of road? So we have to involve the private sector in this maintenance,” he added.

Umahi assured that work on the highway would be completed within 14 months, beginning from February 1.

He noted that while some sections of roads that were built years ago may require maintenance before full completion, any decision to toll such roads would be made in consultation with stakeholders.

The minister said his inspection was focused on assessing mobilisation efforts rather than the volume of work done.

He added that zone 1 of the road would prioritise the Kaduna-bound lane, with earthworks expected to be completed by the end of February and concrete pavement work to begin on March

“We’ve noticed a number of amendments we are going to do on the roads to make them most durable,” he said.

“We noticed a lot of depression beyond the field shoulders; so the contractor will come up with solutions.”

Umahi noted that additional infrastructure, including solar lights, CCTV cameras, and relief stations, would be incorporated along the 375-kilometre stretch from Abuja to Kano in preparation for tolling.