The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, has initiated plans for a cashless tolling system on the Abuja-Keffi expressway and the dualised Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road. This was announced during the inauguration of a committee by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, tasked with finalizing the implementation framework.
According to a statement by Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Works, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and boost economic growth. The Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road project, covering 221.8 km, was financed through an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction-Finance model, with 85% of the $542 million cost covered by China Exim Bank and 15% by the Nigerian government. China Harbour Engineering Company Limited executed the project, and a toll system will be implemented to recover funds for loan repayment.
During the inauguration, Umahi emphasized that the cashless tolling system is a key strategy under the Highway Development and Management Initiative, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. He urged the committee to develop a master plan that aligns with the initiative’s goals of sustainable private sector investment and road asset improvement for economic growth.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya, Head of the PPP Unit at the Ministry, highlighted that the initiative is part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ mandate to attract private funding for federal road development. The plan aligns with the ICRC Establishment Act, National Policy on Public-Private Partnership, and other relevant laws.
The committee, chaired by Jummai Katagum from the PPP Unit of the Ministry of Finance, includes members from key ministries and has two weeks to submit its
report.
NGI 
NewsGlobal Reporters