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Minister of Works, David Umahi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway and other major roads across the country will only be tolled when they are 100 per cent completed to ensure proper maintenance.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the road on Saturday, the minister stressed that tolling would not commence until the roads were fully completed.
He also stated that nine roads along key economic corridors, as well as other major highways across the six geopolitical zones, would be tolled once construction work was completed.
Umahi added that the private sector would be involved in road maintenance, as some sections were already beginning to deteriorate.
He pledged that work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway would be completed within 14 months as promised, beginning from 1st February.
The minister stated, “This road will be tolled, and major roads within the six geopolitical zones and economic corridors will also be tolled, but we will not toll any road that is not fully completed.
“We have an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress that before any road is tolled, it must be 100 per cent completed. However, where a road was completed 10 years ago but is now deteriorating, we will reach an agreement with stakeholders, as one of the key challenges our roads face is lack of maintenance.
“How do you maintain 35,000 kilometres of roads? We must involve the private sector in maintenance. For instance, if a road is 200 kilometres long and we have completed 150 kilometres, we can engage the public in discussions because if we leave that 150-kilometre stretch without maintenance, it could quickly deteriorate. Even our bodies require maintenance, let alone roads under heavy use.
“But for now, we are not tolling any road that is not fully completed.”
The former Ebonyi governor explained that the inspection was not focused on assessing the volume of work done but rather on evaluating the level of mobilisation.
He added that Zone 1 of the project, which is being handled by Infiouest International Limited, would focus on the Kaduna-bound lane. Upon approval from the Federal Executive Council, earthworks would be completed by the end of February, while concrete pavement construction would commence on 1st March.
“The Federal Executive Council, on Monday this week, graciously awarded the construction of these two sections to Infiouest Nigeria Limited, and work has already begun. So, our visit today is not necessarily to assess the amount of work done but to hold discussions on the level of mobilisation.
“We have identified several adjustments that need to be made to enhance the road’s durability. We have noticed depressions beyond the field shoulders, and the contractor will propose a solution.
“You are also aware that several additional features have been incorporated into the entire 375-kilometre stretch from CH0 to Kano, including solar streetlights, CCTV cameras, and relief stations, as part of preparations for tolling,” he added.
While inspecting the Lambata Bridge on the Abuja-Minna road, the Works Minister stated that measures had been put in place to deter illegal mining and prevent erosion.
“We have provided a solution to protect the pile caps against illegal sand mining and erosion, and we are confident that the measures will be effective.”
Present at the tour were the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary, and several directors from the ministry.
