By Tony Obiechina Abuja
Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr.Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, says that tolling operations on Nigerian roads would mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable road infrastructure development.
Speaking 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”.
He however noted that quality infrastructure comes at a cost as construction, maintenance 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 include, Improved Road Maintenance, enhanced Safety and Security, Reduced Travel Time and Costs; job Creation, stressing that “tolling operations create direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting local communities”..
According to him, to ensure accountability, 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 then urged the road users to see the initiative not as a burden but as an investment in their safety, convenience, and economic prosperity.
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