FG to adopt cashless toll collection for Abuja-Keffi highway
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has inaugurated a committee for the implementation of a cashless tolling system on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway and the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road.
The cashless tolling system is part of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), aimed at creating a sustainable transportation network.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi highlighted the significance of the cashless tolling system as one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategies for enhancing road sector development.
He recalled that the Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road project was funded 85% by China Exim Bank, with the federal government providing 15% counterpart funding, and the construction was executed by China Harbour Ltd.
Inaugurating the committee, Umahi praised President Tinubu for the various strategic economic recovery initiatives of the Renewed Hope administration.
He expressed optimism that the committee would leverage the ideals outlined in their Terms of Reference to develop a robust implementation plan.
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The minister tasked the committee with developing a cashless tolling system implementation framework, making recommendations on potential relief stations along the corridor, and finding practical solutions to the challenges of introducing cashless toll collection in Nigeria.
Umahi emphasized the importance of relief stations on the highways, describing them as essential for the success of the tolling system.
These relief stations, similar to those found on overseas expressways, would provide services like supermarkets, clinics, security posts, vehicle parking, and tow vans. The minister stressed that these stations would help reduce the response time to incidents on the highway, ensuring that help arrives within 10 minutes.
To further improve security, CCTV cameras and solar-powered lighting would be installed along the roads.
He noted that the idea of President Tinubu is to ensure a 10-minute maximum response time on major highways in the country. By strategically positioning security personnel and resources at relief stations, they would be able to respond quickly to emergencies, enhancing the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
The minister concluded by stating that the implementation of the cashless toll system and the accompanying security measures would greatly improve road safety and services, aligning with the administration’s goal of building a strong, secure, and sustainable transportation system for the country.
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