The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on Saturday that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway will be tolled upon its full completion.
He emphasized that this measure is essential for the adequate maintenance of the road.
Addressing journalists during an inspection of the highway, Umahi assured that the project would be completed within 14 months as previously promised.
He said, “This road will be tolled; major roads within the six geopolitical zones and the economic corridors will be tolled, but we are not tolling any road we have not perfected.”
The Minister emphasised an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress that roads must be fully constructed before tolling begins.
He explained, “We have an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that before we tolled any roads there would have been 100 per cent completion.”
Umahi also discussed the challenges of maintaining Nigeria’s extensive road network, noting, “How will you maintain 35,000 kilometres of the road? So we have to involve the private sector in this maintenance.”
He suggested that even if a significant portion of a road is completed, discussions with stakeholders could lead to early tolling to fund maintenance efforts.
Regarding the inspection, the Minister clarified that it was aimed at assessing mobilization levels rather than the volume of work done.
He mentioned that Zone 1 of the road, managed by Infiouest International Limited, is focusing on the Kaduna-bound lane, with completion expected by the end of February.
The flag-off for concrete pavements is scheduled for March 1.
Umahi noted several planned amendments to enhance the road’s durability, including addressing depressions beyond the field shoulders.
He also mentioned additional features such as solar lights, CCTV installations, and relief stations in preparation for tolling.
In a related development, the Minister inspected the Lambatta-Minna highway project, which has been under construction for over a decade.
The 140 km road, awarded to Salini, will include a bypass to improve traffic flow.