The tolling of federal highways across the country is set to commence soon, according to Works Minister David Umahi.
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He mentioned that service stations and security patrols will be provided to complement the toll plazas.
During a media briefing in Abuja, the minister praised the collaboration between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Lagos and Ogun counterparts, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun, to illuminate the dual-carriage Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The reintroduction of toll gates was proposed during Mr. Babatunde Fashola’s tenure as Works and Housing Minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The government has identified preferred/reserved bidders for 12 federal highways listed for concession under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) after evaluating proposals for Phase I of the Value-Added Concession (VAC) under the HDMI. The HDMI is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at stimulating sustainable investment in road infrastructure development.
Umahi stated that the first phase of the VAC aims to concession 12 economically-viable road corridors to technically and financially capable private sector firms/consortia.
The 12 highways, spanning 1,963 kilometers or 5.6% of Nigeria’s 35,000 kilometers of federal highways, include Benin-Asaba, Abuja-Lokoja, Kano-Katsina, Onitsha-Owerri-Aba, Sagamu-Benin, Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga, Kano-Maiduguri (Kano-Shuarin), Kano-Maiduguri (Potiskum-Damaturu), Lokoja-Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ilorin-Jebba, Lagos-Otta-Abeokuta, and Lagos-Badagry-Seme Border.
Umahi also emphasized that road contractors using asphalt will be required to sign an indemnity bond guaranteeing the durability of the roads for 30 years. While concrete construction is preferred for its potential 50-year lifespan, contractors opting for asphalt must also ensure the roads’ durability.
To secure adequate funding for ongoing projects, the minister plans to request the National Assembly to restore the over N650 billion taken from most ongoing projects through the 2023 Supplementary Budget.
Umahi has initiated discussions with cement manufacturers to lower their prices, as concrete technology will increase their turnover. He emphasized that using concrete for road construction will attract investors, create jobs, and offer opportunities for more indigenous contractors.
In conclusion, Umahi urged contractors to commit to building roads according to design specifications and provide indemnities for their durability. He emphasized the importance of returning funds taken from ongoing projects to ensure their completion, prevent interest payments on generated certificates, and avoid economic repercussions.
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