Responding to commuters who expressed concerns over the potential burden
of four toll payment points, Umahi emphasized, “The total length of that road
is 260 kilometers, and it is dualized, totaling 520 kilometers. I don’t think
we have more than four toll gates on that road.” He added that a committee has
been formed to implement a cashless tolling system, which will help modernize
toll payment and address potential literacy barriers for cashless transactions.
The cashless system, inaugurated by the Minister on October 17, aims to
enhance the efficiency and security of toll collections as part of the Highway
Development and Management Initiative. The committee’s objectives include
establishing relief stations equipped with essential services, such as clinics
and security outposts, and improving rapid-response security along the route.
"Within 10 minutes of any incident along the route, security personnel
will be able to respond,” Umahi assured.
The $542 million project was undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering
Company Ltd (CHEC) under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction–Finance
(EPC+F) model. The China Exim Bank provided 85 percent of the funding, with the
remaining 15 percent funded by the Nigerian government. As per the agreement,
the road will be tolled to recoup investment costs.
Commuters have commended the government for the road's timely delivery,
despite mixed reactions to the tolling arrangement.
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