Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Works has assured motorists that the ongoing issues with electronic toll collection on the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi road will be swiftly addressed to ensure a seamless experience for road users.
This commitment was made by Senator Dave Umahi during an inspection visit to the Garaku Toll Gate Plaza in Nasarawa State, following complaints from commuters about the slow and cumbersome toll collection process. The visit was confirmed in a statement by Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works.
Senator Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the inefficiencies at the toll gate, emphasizing that motorists should not be subjected to undue delays. He directed the China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, the concessionaire in charge, to immediately increase the number of toll collection points and deploy additional Point-of-Sale (POS) machines to expedite transactions.
In addition, he stressed the need for the establishment of relief stations along the route to provide essential facilities for travelers. The minister warned that failure to comply with this directive would lead to the revocation of the concessionaire’s contract.
To ensure compliance, Senator Umahi pledged to revisit the site on Monday for a follow-up inspection.
Beyond the toll plaza concerns, the minister also addressed the slow progress on the Abuja-Keffi section of the road. He issued a 14-day termination notice to the China Harbour Engineering Company, citing their unsatisfactory performance and delay in project completion.
He made it clear that funds already disbursed for the project would not be reviewed or renegotiated, reaffirming the government’s stance on holding contractors accountable for cost overruns and inefficiencies.
Furthermore, Senator Umahi directed that the road median be restructured and equipped with solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and visibility for motorists.
Since the introduction of toll operations last Tuesday, motorists have faced significant delays at the Garaku Toll Plaza, worsened by the fully cashless payment system. The minister’s directives signal an urgent effort to resolve these issues and enhance the overall efficiency of the toll collection process.
By Taiwo Olatinwo |February 8, 2025
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