By Abaire Olanlesi
Transporters and labor unions have strongly opposed the reintroduction of highway tolls, warning that it will worsen economic hardship by driving up transportation and food costs.
The National Association of Road Transport Owners, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have criticized the policy, calling it an added burden on Nigerians.
Tolling commenced on Tuesday on the 227.2-kilometer Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Expressway, one of nine expressways designated for toll collection by the Federal Government.
The road was rehabilitated using a Preferential Credit Loan from the China Exim Bank.
Other roads slated for tolling under Phase I of the Highways Development and Management initiative include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile Road.
The initiative involves road concessions for improved management and development.
