Nigeria’s Road Tolling Era Begins Amid Push for Infrastructure Sustainability
Speaking at the inauguration of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor at Garaku Toll Station, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Gbeleyi underscored the critical role of tolling in funding road maintenance and ensuring long-term infrastructure quality.
“They facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life,” he stated, adding that world-class road networks cannot be sustained without structured revenue mechanisms.
Acknowledging the public’s concerns about additional financial burdens, Gbeleyi argued that quality infrastructure comes at a cost, requiring continuous investment for construction, maintenance, and upgrades.
“This tolling model is not just about collecting fees; it is about ensuring that we have well-maintained roads that offer comfort, safety, and efficiency to road users. The revenue generated will be directly reinvested into the maintenance and continuous improvement of this corridor,” he explained.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Gbeleyi assured that the tolling system would operate under a strict regulatory framework, with oversight from relevant authorities to prevent fund mismanagement.
“We are committed to ensuring that funds collected are appropriately utilised for road maintenance and development, and we encourage the public to hold the government accountable in this regard,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to view the tolling initiative not as a financial burden, but as an investment in road safety, efficiency, and economic growth. As the country embarks on a new phase of road infrastructure financing, the success of this model will depend on effective implementation, public trust, and the government’s ability to deliver tangible improvements.
Nigeria’s decision to introduce tolling on key road corridors marks a significant milestone in its efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Gbeleyi, has said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor at Garaku Toll Station, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Gbeleyi underscored the critical role of tolling in funding road maintenance and ensuring long-term infrastructure quality.
“They facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life,” he stated, adding that world-class road networks cannot be sustained without structured revenue mechanisms.
Acknowledging the public’s concerns about additional financial burdens, Gbeleyi argued that quality infrastructure comes at a cost, requiring continuous investment for construction, maintenance, and upgrades.
“This tolling model is not just about collecting fees; it is about ensuring that we have well-maintained roads that offer comfort, safety, and efficiency to road users. The revenue generated will be directly reinvested into the maintenance and continuous improvement of this corridor,” he explained.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Gbeleyi assured that the tolling system would operate under a strict regulatory framework, with oversight from relevant authorities to prevent fund mismanagement.
“We are committed to ensuring that funds collected are appropriately utilised for road maintenance and development, and we encourage the public to hold the government accountable in this regard,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to view the tolling initiative not as a financial burden, but as an investment in road safety, efficiency, and economic growth. As the country embarks on a new phase of road infrastructure financing, the success of this model will depend on effective implementation, public trust, and the government’s ability to deliver tangible improvements.
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