The Federal Government plans to charge motorists between N1,500 to N5,000 at toll gates along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, according to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. This announcement was made during an interview on the Channels Television program, The Morning Brief, where Umahi discussed the funding strategy for the road project.
Umahi clarified that the estimated cost for the Lagos-Calabar highway project is N4 billion per kilometer, refuting claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who stated it was N8 billion per kilometer. Umahi emphasized that this pricing structure would enable the government to recoup its investment within 15 years.
The toll fees will vary depending on the type of vehicle, with smaller cars potentially paying N1,500 and larger trucks up to N5,000. Umahi explained that with an average of 50,000 vehicles passing through these toll points daily and an estimated average cost of N3,000 per vehicle, the revenue generated over time would justify the project’s expenses.
Umahi outlined plans for various facilities along the 700-kilometer stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. These include restaurants, filling stations, parking lots, and other amenities aimed at enhancing the experience for motorists. To bolster security and confidence, the government intends to install CCTV cameras throughout the highway sections.
The implementation of toll gates along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is part of the government’s strategy to finance the road project and ensure its sustainability. Umahi’s remarks shed light on the funding mechanisms and infrastructure developments planned for the extensive highway, emphasizing the importance of balancing cost recovery with providing essential services and facilities for road users.
