The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, has stated that tolling operations on Nigerian roads mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable road infrastructure development.

He disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking last Tuesday 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, Gbeleyi emphasised the importance of good roads for national development.

“They (tolling) facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life,” he stated.

However, he noted that quality infrastructure comes at a cost, as the construction, maintenance, and upgrade of roads require substantial financial investment.

Gbeleyi argued that it is unrealistic to expect critical assets to be sustained without a structured revenue framework, hence the need for tolling operations. He stressed that if citizens desire 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.

To ensure accountability, Gbeleyi assured that 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 urged road users to see the initiative not as a burden but as an investment in their safety, convenience, and economic prosperity.