The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that more federal roads in Nigeria will be tolled as part of efforts to ensure effective maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure.
Umahi made this statement on Saturday while inspecting the ongoing construction on the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway, emphasizing the need for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to improve road infrastructure across Nigeria.
“Major roads within the six geopolitical zones and key economic corridors will be tolled,” Umahi said. “However, we will not toll any road that has not been fully completed. Before tolling, we must ensure the road is 100 percent finished.”
He also highlighted the issue of road maintenance, stressing that lack of upkeep had contributed significantly to the deterioration of Nigerian roads.
“How do you maintain 35,000 kilometers of road? We must involve the private sector in this maintenance effort,” Umahi stated. “If a 200-kilometer road has 150 kilometers completed, we must decide on maintenance plans. Without maintenance, those sections could deteriorate.”
The Minister added that for roads completed years ago but now deteriorating, agreements would be made with stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance.
Umahi also provided an update on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, stating that work on the road would be completed within 14 months. “Sections one and three of the road have been awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd., following Federal Executive Council approval,” he said.
Efforts are also underway to address failed sections of the road, including depressions along 38 kilometers of section one, from Abuja to Kaduna.
