In an update published by The Punch, the federal government says the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could be tolled after it is commissioned, signalling a user-pay approach to long-term maintenance and financing.
Officials argue tolling helps keep roads serviceable, but critics often worry about transparency, value-for-money, and whether toll revenues will translate into better road quality and safety.
The policy debate is also about affordability: tolls can shift costs to commuters and logistics operators, potentially affecting prices of goods—especially if alternative routes remain poor.
The key question now is the framework: toll rates, exemptions, electronic collection, and an independent mechanism to track proceeds and maintenance performance.
Echotitbits take: Tolling isn’t inherently bad—opaque tolling is. Watch for a clear tariff regime, public disclosure of concession terms (if any), and measurable service standards (repairs, lighting, security, response time).
Source The Punch – https://punchng.com/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-to-be-tolled-after-unveiling-umahi/ 11 January 2026
The Punch 2026-01-11
Photo Credit: The Punch