Motorists plying the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway will begin to pay tolls ranging from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi said this during the official inauguration of the new tolling regime at Garaku Toll Station, Nasarawa State.

The China Eximbank provided the USD $460.8 million loan used to fund the 227.2km road project.

Represented on occasion by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Umahi explained that the federal government rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from the China Exim Bank.

According to him, funds generated from the toll will also be used for the maintenance of federal roads nationwide.

Umahi said, “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 the commencement of toll operations on our federal roads, beginning with the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor.

“As you are aware, the Road Corridor is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as an essential Highway for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern regions of the country.

“The Road Corridor is crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria. It serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanization, and national cohesion.

“It is to be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from China Exim Bank.

“Tolling Operations is a pivotal step towards the realization of our vision for a more efficient, sustainable and well-maintained road transport system for our beloved country.

” 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 the maintenance and expansion of our roads.”

He further stated that, “It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Ket-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazette as follows: Saloon Cars would be tolled for N500; SUVs/Jeeps N800; Minibuses N1000; and Mult-Axle Vehicles N1,600.

“However, frequent road users like Commercial light vehicles as defined under the Federal Highway Act would enjoy a 50 per cent discount”.

Also speaking during the event, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the completion of the road and sought cooperation from Nigerians to make the project a success.

However, Police, Military Vehicles and a class of essential service vehicles are exempted from paying tolling fees on the 227.KM Abuja-Keffi- Akwanga-Makurdi Road.

The Toll gates on the routes are divided into four sections, namely: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia and Makurdi. (Vanguard)