Tolling is for sustainable road infrastructure in Nigeria — BPE

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, has said tolling operations on Nigerian roads will mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable road infrastructure development. Speaking at the Garaku Toll Station, Km 32, Keffi-Akwanga Section, Keffi, Nasarawa State, during the inauguration of the  227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi […]

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, has said tolling operations on Nigerian roads will mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable road infrastructure development.

Speaking at the Garaku Toll Station, Km 32, Keffi-Akwanga Section, Keffi, Nasarawa State, during the inauguration of the  227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi road corridor, the director general noted that good roads are essential for national development.

“They facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life,” he said, adding, however, that quality infrastructure comes at a cost as construction, maintenance and upgrade of roads require substantial financial investment.

Gbeleyi said it was unrealistic to expect critical assets to be sustained without a structured revenue framework, hence the need for tolling operations on the roads.

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He said if the citizens want world-class infrastructure, they must be willing to contribute to its sustainability.

“This tolling model is not just about collecting fees; it is about ensuring that we have well-maintained roads that offer comfort, safety and efficiency to road users. The revenue generated will be directly reinvested into the maintenance and continuous improvement of this corridor, ensuring that it remains in top condition for years to come,” he stated.

He listed the benefits of the initiative, which far outweigh the costs, to include improved road maintenance – with a steady revenue stream, the road will be regularly maintained, reducing potholes and improving safety.

It will also, he said, enhance safety and security because tolling operations include surveillance, emergency response services, and better law enforcement presence.

To ensure accountability,  he said the tolling process would be managed through a transparent framework with oversight from relevant regulatory bodies.