In a bid to modernise its road infrastructure, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Works, has unveiled plans for a cashless tolling system on the Abuja-Keffi expressway and the dualised Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi road. Announced by Minister of Works, David Umahi, this move is heralded as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for a more efficient, secure road network.
The project is, in theory, a step toward revolutionising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. But the reality is more complex. Funded up to 85% by China Exim Bank, the 221.8km road project has cost $542 million, with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) responsible for construction. The tolling system is designed to recoup the costs and repay the loan, raising critical questions about Nigeria’s continued reliance on foreign financing for essential infrastructure.
Minister Umahi celebrated the cashless tolling system as a forward-thinking approach under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). He outlined plans for modern amenities such as solar lighting, CCTV, and relief stations featuring clinics and supermarkets along the highways, emphasising the government’s commitment to a strong and sustainable transport ecosystem.
While the vision is ambitious, the financial structure underpinning it is concerning. The project, largely financed by Chinese loans, will be tolled to repay the debt—meaning Nigerians will ultimately bear the brunt of the repayment. This points to a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, where foreign loans, rather than domestic investment, are driving key projects.
The dependence on China’s financial muscle is not new, but it is increasingly becoming a hallmark of Nigeria’s infrastructure strategy. The tolling system, while innovative on paper, represents yet another instance where poor leadership decisions have led to a reliance on external debt.
In his remarks, Umahi also stressed that the committee overseeing the project should work swiftly to deliver a comprehensive implementation plan. But the rush to finalise the project, with a committee drawn from various ministries tasked with submitting its report within two weeks, raises concerns about the long-term viability of such initiatives. Is this another short-term fix designed to satisfy immediate needs, or a genuinely sustainable solution for Nigeria’s infrastructure crisis?
As the Minister and committee focus on rolling out cashless tolls, the broader issue of leadership and financial strategy remains unresolved. The true cost of this project may not be evident for years, but one thing is clear: Nigeria’s roads, funded by foreign loans, represent more than just infrastructure; they are a symbol of a nation caught in the cycle of dependency.
For now, the government may be celebrating progress, but the toll Nigerians will pay—financially and politically—may be much higher than anticipated.
