The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and other major highways across the country will be tolled upon completion to ensure adequate maintenance.
The minister made this statement during an inspection of the road on Saturday, emphasizing that tolling would not commence until the roads are “perfected.”
Umahi stated that roads on economic corridors would also be tolled upon completion. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway within 14 months, starting from February 1.
“This road will be tolled, along with major roads within the six geopolitical zones and economic corridors, but only after they have been perfected,” Umahi explained.
“We have an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that no road will be tolled without 100% completion. However, for roads constructed over the past decade that are still faulty and require ongoing work, we will engage stakeholders to find a solution, as inadequate maintenance is a significant issue.”
Umahi noted that maintaining 35,000 kilometers of roads is a daunting task, necessitating private sector involvement.
The minister clarified that the inspection aimed to agree on the level of mobilization rather than assess the volume of work done.
Zone 1 of the road, handled by Infiouest International Limited, will focus on the Kaduna-bound lane. Earthwork is expected to be completed by the end of February, with concrete pavement construction commencing on March 1.
The minister highlighted planned amendments to enhance road durability, including addressing depression beyond field shoulders.
“The contractor will propose solutions to these issues. Additionally, we’ve incorporated solar lights, CCTV, and relief stations along the entire 375 km stretch from CH0 to Kano, in preparation for tolling,” Umahi concluded.
