By Othuke Evroh
The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works, Bello Mohammad Goronyo has stated that the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway is an essential road corridor that will not only spur economic and social activities of the central and northern regions of the country, but also enhance the economic and infrastructural development of Nigeria.
Goronyo, made these remarks on Tuesday, while inaugurating the official commencement of tolling operations on the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Accordingnto him the road corridor is crucial to the economic, social and strategic development of Nigeria because it. serves to stimulate trade, mobility and national security, while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, organization and national cohesion.
According to the Minister, the effective maintenance of the road corridor will continue to play a vital role in the development trajectory of Nigeria.
”The effective maintenance and further development of this corridor will continue to play a significant role in the nation’s development and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians”, he stated.
The Minister noted that effective tolling was part of the agreement upon which the loan for the construction of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway was availed from China Exim bank and emphasized the significance of protecting government infrastructures, urging Nigerians to take ownership of the project.
”The loan agreement provided among other things that upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated and maintained by a private party. And that revenue collected for the operation shall be preferentially used for the loan repayment to the China Exim Bank. Tolling concessions is a pivotal step towards the realization of our vision for a more efficient, sustainable and well maintained road transport system for our beloved country”, the Minister declared.
Also speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Wang Wenfei, the Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, (CHEC), stated that a lot of job opportunities were created during the construction phasebof the project.
”We recruited a large number of employees during the project implementation, creating significant job opportunities along the route and training many skilled construction professionals”, he said.
He noted further that the successful completion of the project has greatly improved road safety, security and comfort, significantly reduced travel time and provided immense convenience to residents and commuters.
Mr. Wang Wenfei further noted that the construction of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway has played a vital role in accelerating the economic development of Nigeria.
”The construction of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway has played a crucial role in stimulating economic growth along the corridor. I believe that everyone who travels on this road can personally experience the positive impact it has brought. Additionally, through our operation and maintenance company, we will create more long-term job opportunities, bringing lasting socio-economic benefits to the communities along the route”, he said.
The inauguration was witnessed by an impressive array of personalities including; Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Okorie Anthony, Senator Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the FCT, Engr. Olufunsho Adegbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Lai Are, representing Catamara, among others
