ICRC defends toll pricing on highways

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has defended the toll pricing structure on highways as part of the Highway Development and Management Initiative, asserting that the charges are set based on the quality and benefits of the upgraded roads. In a statement to PUNCH Online, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General, highlighted the 227-kilometre Akwanga–Makurdi road corridor as an example, noting that it features four toll gates.

Ewalefoh argued that motorists should pay tolls, considering the previous costs associated with the road's poor condition, such as lost man-hours, vehicle damage, and accident risks. He further explained that feedback from road users indicates that many are willing to pay for tolls if they witness significant improvements in road quality.

The Director-General mentioned that drivers have expressed support for similar arrangements on other major corridors if roads are upgraded to the same standard. He emphasized that a well-structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) has its merits, particularly in maintaining fairness in toll pricing. A portion of the revenue generated from tolls is specifically allocated for road maintenance, including addressing potholes within 48 hours of their formation, and major routine repairs are funded from the dedicated toll revenue.