The Federal Government has begun toll collection at the Garaku Toll plaza located on Abuja-Akwanga-Lafia-Markurdi Expressway, constructed under Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase II Value Added Concession (VAC).
The road connects the Federal Capital Territory to Nasarawa, Benue and Enugu states, and is expected to boost trade, commerce and social interaction among the regions.
At the ceremony in Garaku, Tuesday, February 4, the Minister of State Works, Bello Goronyo, revealed that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule for the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway has been gazetted as follows: cars would be tolled for N500, SUVs/Jeeps N800, minibuses N1000 and mult-axle vehicles N1,600.
Goronyo also added that frequent road users like commercial light vehicles as defined under the Federal Highway Act would enjoy 50 per cent discount, while authorised bicycles, pedal cycle, tricycles, and other modes of two or three-wheeled transport used by mainly disadvantaged group will be offered a 100 per cent discount.
“We encourage all Nigerians to embrace this initiative as this will serve as a catalyst for improved road maintenance and economic growth. We equally call on all to continue to support the government policy on modern, safe transportation capable of meeting the growing needs of the nation,” he said.
The minister further explained that;
“tolling operation is a pivotal step towards the realisation of their vision for a more efficient, sustainable and well-maintained road transport system, adding that the collection of tolls will generate the much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our roads.”
Also, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr.Emmanuel Akabe, stated that toll gate is widely used globally, and called for judicious use of the revenue from the gate to benefit the states and federal government involved in the deal.
Akabe urged the key players to enlighten the people, especially motorists on the operation of the station,and congratulated China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited for the completion of the project at Garaku in Nasarawa state.
Representative of China Harbour Engineering Company, Jason Wong, thanked the federal government for its cooperation and support that enable them to fully complete the project and delivered it to the Federal Ministry of Works for implementation.
Meanwhile, the Abuja-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi expressway has four toll stations, a development many road users and transporters have expressed concerns over its impact on transportation fares.
