F.G to introduce toll on Nigeria borders

The Federal Government has concluded plans to
introduce toll on Nigeria’s borders with
neighbouring African countries.
The chairman, Concessioning and Tolling
Committee, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,
Alhaji Mohammed Gusau, said this at the Idiroko
border on Friday when members of the committee
visited for on-the-spot assessment and a meeting
with stakeholders.

Gusau, who led other members of the committee
to the stakeholders meeting said the Federal
Government would soon introduce the
International Vehicle Transit charge at the nation’s
border posts.
And the revenue earned through this, he said,
would be used in maintaining the roads.
He said, “The Federal Government will soon
introduce the International Vehicle Transit charge.
The motorists coming into the country and those
leaving through our border posts will pay a toll.
This is the practice in other neighbouring African
countries.
“As you leave this Idiroko border, before you enter
the capital of Republic of Benin, Cotonou, you will
pay a toll at their border post before you enter
with your vehicle.”
Gusau, however, said FERMA would put the roads
leading to the border posts in good shape before
tolling would commence.
He said, “Before the tolling commences, FERMA
will put those roads in our border posts, whether
in Idiroko, Calabar, Seme and any other place
which are in deplorable condition, in good shape.
“If the roads are in good shape, the people will be
happy to pay the toll.”
Concerning the Idiroko border, the committee
chairman, after assessment and meeting with
stakeholders, said the committee would write
about its findings and make recommendations to
the appropriate authorities.
The stakeholders include the Nigeria Customs
Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Police,
Federal Road Safety Corps, traditional rulers,
Freight Forwarders Association, National Union of
Road Transport Workers, and the Road Transport
Employers Association of Nigeria.