The Federal Government has justified its decision to reintroduce tolling on selected roads across the country, citing the need for sustainable road infrastructure and increased private sector participation.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday during the eighth edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja.
Speaking alongside other cabinet members, including the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Umahi said that the tolling initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy anchored on durable infrastructure and local content development.
“The tolling of federal roads is not arbitrary; it is embedded in the contracts under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), a public-private partnership designed not only to construct but to maintain critical road infrastructure,” Umahi said.
According to him, unlike in the past where roads failed within a short period, the current administration is focused on constructing roads that will last over 50 years.
“This is the first time a Nigerian President is not just building roads but ensuring quality that stands the test of time.
We are delivering roads that will be sustained through proper maintenance and revenue generated from tolling,” he added.
Umahi noted that with over 35,000 kilometres of federal roads — projected to increase to 38,000km under the Legacy Projects — budgetary allocations alone are insufficient to maintain them.
He emphasized that the public-private partnership model would ensure both construction and long-term operation of roads.
He also revealed that stakeholder engagement across the country will commence in June to sensitize Nigerians on the rationale behind the tolling initiative.
“In every developed country, tolling is a standard practice. We cannot continue to expect government alone to shoulder the burden of infrastructure development,” Umahi said.
The minister urged all government workers to align with the President’s economic vision, stressing that national development requires a united effort from all sectors.
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