By Chidi Ugwu
Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE),Mr.Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, has said that tolling operations on Nigerian roads would mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable road infrastructure development.
Speaking recently 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.
According to him,”they facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life”.
However,he said that quality infrastructure comes at a cost as construction, maintainance 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. According to him, 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 incude: “Improved Road Maintenance, with a steady revenue stream, the road will be regularly maintained, reducing potholes and improving safety; Enhanced Safety and Security; Tolling operations include surveillance, emergency response services, and better law enforcement presence; Reduced Travel Time and Costs; A well-maintained road means fewer breakdowns, lower vehicle repair costs, and a more predictable journey time; Job Creation; Tolling operations create direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting local communities; and to ensure accountability, he said,the tolling process would be managed through a transparent framework with oversight from relevant regulatory bodies.
“We are committed to ensuring that funds collected are appropriately utilized for road maintenance and development, and we encourage the public to hold the government accountable in this regard”, he added.
He urged the road users to see the initiative not as a burden but as an investment in their safety, convenience, and economic prosperity.
