ICRC defends toll pricing on highways

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has defended the toll pricing structure under the Highway Development and Management Initiative, stating that charges are evaluated against the quality and benefits of the upgraded roads. Director-General Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh cited the 227-kilometre Akwanga–Makurdi road corridor, which has four toll gates, as an example.

He argued that toll payments should be viewed against the previous costs imposed by the poor condition of the road, including lost man-hours, vehicle damage, and accident risks. Feedback from road users suggests that many motorists are willing to pay tolls where they see clear improvements in road quality. The ICRC stated that a portion of the revenue is set aside specifically for road maintenance, and under the concession agreements, the government does not bear additional maintenance costs for the duration of the contract.

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