By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
As part of its efforts to enhance road infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, has inaugurated a committee to implement a cashless tolling system for the Abuja-Keffi Expressway and oversee the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, on October 17, 2024, Minister Umahi stated that the cashless tolling system is a strategic initiative under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) aimed at promoting a sustainable transportation ecosystem. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on revolutionizing road development across the country.
He recalled that the Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road project was funded through an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) + Financing arrangement, with 85% of the funding provided by China Exim Bank and 15% by the Federal Government. China Harbour Ltd. successfully executed the project, with the agreement stipulating toll collection to recoup costs and repay the loan.
Inaugurating the committee, the Minister commended President Tinubu for his strategic economic recovery plans and expressed confidence that the committee would develop a robust implementation master plan. This plan is expected to help realize the economic and social objectives of the HDMI by attracting private sector investment and improving the quality and quantity of road infrastructure in Nigeria, thus driving rapid economic development.
The committee is tasked with developing a cashless tolling system framework, providing recommendations on relief stations and enhancing the physical environment along the corridors, and offering practical solutions to the challenges of cashless toll collection in Nigeria.
Minister Umahi also highlighted the need for relief stations along the highways, modeled after international expressways. These stations will feature amenities such as supermarkets, clinics, security facilities, parking areas, and towing services. Additionally, the development of the route will include the installation of CCTV cameras and solar lighting to enhance security and ensure rapid response times to incidents along the road.
Earlier, Mrs. Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya, Head of the PPP Unit at the Federal Ministry of Works, explained that the initiative is part of the ministry’s mandate to attract private sector funding for road development and management through the HDMI. She added that the initiative is consistent with national policies and legislation, such as the ICRC Establishment Act of 2005 and the Federal Highways Act of 1971.
In her acceptance speech, the committee’s Chairman, Hajiya Jummai Katagum, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to national development. She stressed the critical role of transportation in economic growth and assured the Minister of the committee’s commitment to the assignment.
The committee, which includes representatives from the Ministries of Works, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Justice, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has two weeks to submit its report. This was confirmed in a press statement issued by Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works.
