The Federal Government has launched toll operations on the Abuja–Makurdi road to repay a $460.8 million loan. Tolls range from N500 to N1,600, with police and military vehicles exempt. The road, rehabilitated with a China Exim Bank loan, serves as a vital route for Nigeria's economic and strategic growth.
The Nigerian Federal Government has officially launched toll collection on the Abuja–Makurdi road, a key route linking central and northern Nigeria. This development is part of a broader effort to repay a $460.8 million loan secured from the China Exim Bank to fund the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade. Motorists now face toll charges ranging from N500 for smaller vehicles to N1,600 for multi-axle trucks.
The toll gates, which have been established at four key locations along the road — Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi — are expected to generate revenue for the continued maintenance of the road and help with the loan repayment. The road spans 227.2 kilometers and was reconstructed under a preferential credit loan scheme.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized the importance of road tolls as a long-term solution to sustaining Nigeria’s road network. The revenue generated will not only serve loan repayment purposes but also support the upkeep of other federal roads across the country.
The Federal Government is confident that the toll system will enhance the country’s infrastructure while ensuring proper funding for road maintenance and development. Military and police vehicles are exempt from toll fees to facilitate their operational duties.
