The Federal Government has outlined new prerequisites for tolling the Benin-Asaba and Lagos-Abeokuta road corridors, indicating that toll collection will only begin upon the completion of 100% of one carriageway.
These conditions emerged from a renegotiation process with Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd due to increased inflation, exchange rate concerns, and decreased vehicular traffic caused by the rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, introduced these new parameters to bolster the quality delivery and management of road infrastructure under the Highway Development and Management Initiative. The goal is to ensure the efficient use of completed projects by road users.
The conditions also include adherence to the project’s design, approved construction period, and a strict prohibition of variations.
Umahi emphasized the importance of these changes in optimizing the operational model of the Highway Development and Management Initiative.
He outlined key parameters to be incorporated into all contractual relations between the Federal Government and concessionaires.
These encompass alignment of business plans with socio-economic dynamics, adherence to federal laws for tolling road projects, and compliance with standard contract conditions.
Additionally, Umahi stressed that contingency and variation on price require express written permission, and the bill of quantities should align with prevailing market prices.
Investors must conduct traffic counts when provided by the client, and public sensitization to the toll program is the responsibility of the investors.
The Minister’s statement highlights that the client reserves the right to terminate an investor’s job for failing to meet the stipulated road project completion time.
All highway constructions must adhere to the standards prescribed by federal laws.
In response, the team leader of Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd expressed gratitude for the minister’s insight into the need for a comprehensive review, encompassing both cost and project scope.
They affirmed their commitment to thorough negotiations for a project review leading to a prompt financial close.
The team pledged to conduct further technical analysis on raised issues, presenting the findings to the minister for consideration.
