Economy
Tinubu Government Unveils Toll Gates On Abuja–Makurdi Road, Charges N500, N1,600
Tinubu Government Unveils Toll Gates On Abuja–Makurdi Road, Charges N500, N1,600
Tinubu government unveils toll gates on Abuja–Makurdi road, charges N500, N1,600. The Federal Government on Tuesday officially launched toll operations on the Abuja–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road corridor to repay the $460.8 million loan obtained from the China Exim Bank for the road’s rehabilitation and upgrade.
It also announced that motorists using the highway would begin paying tolls ranging from N500 for saloon cars to N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles.
However, police and military vehicles are exempt from toll fees to facilitate their operations.
The toll gates on the route are divided into four sections: Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.
The 227.2km road was rehabilitated and upgraded through a preferential credit loan from the China Exim Bank. The last administration secured a $460.8 million loan from the bank, covering 85 per cent of the project’s $542 million total cost.
As part of the loan agreement, the Federal Government committed to tolling the road upon completion, with revenue collected from toll operations prioritised for loan repayment.
Speaking at the official commissioning of toll operations at the Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the proper maintenance of Nigeria’s federal roads through sustainable funding mechanisms.
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Umahi stated that the road was rehabilitated and upgraded through a preferential credit loan from the China Exim Bank.
According to him, funds generated from tolls would also be used for the maintenance of federal roads nationwide, adding that toll operations would help sustain road networks across the country.
He explained that in 2023, the previous administration executed a 25-year “Operate and Maintain” concession agreement with Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company Limited in partnership with Messrs Catamaran Nigeria Limited.
He said, “It is with great pride and optimism that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as we officially launch toll operations on our federal roads, beginning with the 227.2km Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road corridor.
“As you are aware, this road corridor is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as a key highway for economic and social activities in the central and northern regions of the country.
“It is crucial for Nigeria’s economic, social, and strategic development, serving as an essential artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to infrastructure growth, urbanisation, and national cohesion.
“It is worth recalling that the Federal Government rehabilitated and upgraded the road through a preferential credit loan from the China Exim Bank.
Toll operations mark a pivotal step towards achieving our vision for a more efficient, sustainable, and well-maintained road transport system.
“Today, we embark on a journey to ensure that our infrastructure is preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. The collection of tolls will generate much-needed revenue for road maintenance and expansion.”
The minister stated that the project aligns with the priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to build a robust and interconnected infrastructure network.
“It is important to state that the Toll Order/Fee Schedule has been gazetted as follows: saloon cars will be tolled at N500, SUVs/jeeps at N800, minibuses at N1,000, and multi-axle vehicles at N1,600.
“However, frequent road users, such as commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highway Act, will enjoy a 50 per cent discount,” he added.
Additionally, tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled transport modes primarily used by disadvantaged populations will be exempt from toll charges.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, commended the President for completing the road and urged Nigerians to cooperate to ensure the project’s success.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Folorunsho Adebiyi, emphasised the importance of roads and the need for their proper management.
Adebiyi noted that less than one per cent of Nigerians travel by air.
He said, “In Nigeria today, we have four major modes of transport: air, rail, water, and road.

Toll Gates
“The most accessible, affordable, and realistic means of transport remains the road. Air travel is faster and preferable for those who value time, but the reality is that less than one per cent of Nigerians travel by air.”
He further stressed the need to generate sufficient revenue for effective road maintenance.
“When you examine the statistics, domestic air travel in Nigeria records about 13 million passengers annually, with approximately 12 million travelling internationally. However, when adjusted to exclude duplicate names, the actual number drops to less than 250,000.
“This is why our roads appear extremely stressed. As traffic volume increases daily, the average load on our roads also rises,” he stated.
Economy
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.
He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.
“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party
Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.
He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
Crime
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
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