Nigeria The Price of Good Roads: Nigeria to Toll Coaster Road at About N3,000 - Says Umahi

The Federal Government has disclosed its intention to implement toll charges averaging N3,000 per gate upon the completion of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, affirmed this figure during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. Umahi justified the decision, citing an estimated average of 50,000 vehicles passing through these toll points daily. He explained that the N3,000 charge was an average, considering varying rates for different vehicle types, ranging from N1,500 for cars to N5,000 for large trucks.

Umahi emphasized that this pricing strategy would allow the government to recoup its investment within 15 years. Despite criticisms regarding the road project's budget, Umahi remained steadfast in defending the proposed toll fees, asserting that they were necessary for sustainable financing.

Additionally, Umahi outlined plans to ensure security and provide essential facilities at toll stations, including restaurants, filling stations, and parking lots.

Moreover, the minister highlighted the integration of CCTV surveillance systems to enhance security and instill public confidence along the coastal road.

As the government moves forward with this initiative, stakeholders and citizens await further details on its implementation and potential implications for transportation and economic development in Nigeria.