Kano Toll Gate Project: Federal Government Hands Over 7 Strategic Sites to Contractors

 

​The Federal Government of Nigeria has reached a major milestone in its infrastructure revolution as the Federal Ministry of Works officially handed over seven strategic toll gate sites to private contractors in Kano State. This move, executed under the ambitious Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), signals the return of tolling systems designed to ensure the sustainable maintenance of Nigeria's federal road network. By partnering with the private sector, the government aims to transform these critical corridors into world-class motorways, easing the burden on the national budget while significantly improving the travel experience for commuters and commercial transporters across Northern Nigeria.

​The Strategic Sites and Contractors Involved

​During the formal handover ceremony in Kano on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Ministry’s representative and Federal Controller of Works in Kano, Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali, emphasized that this phase is part of a broader national strategy to de-risk and commercialize federal highways. The seven sites are located along high-traffic routes that serve as the commercial arteries for the region.

​The handover was made to three primary concessionaires who will be responsible for the "Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain" (DBFOM) model:

• ​Africa Plus Partners: Handed sites along the Kano-Maiduguri road and the Kano-Katsina corridor.
• ​Avia-Infrastructure Services: Tasked with the development of sites on the Kano-Zaria-Kaduna axis.
• ​International Technical and Economic Services (ITES): Responsible for the remaining strategic sections within the Kano zone.

​Engr. Ali noted that the contractors are expected to begin immediate mobilization to the sites, starting with perimeter fencing, site clearing, and the installation of modern, electronic tolling infrastructure.

​How the HDMI Model Benefits Kano Road Users

​The Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is not just about collecting tolls; it is a comprehensive management plan for Nigeria’s infrastructure. Under this agreement, the contractors are legally bound to maintain the roads in a "pothole-free" condition throughout the duration of their concession.

​For the residents of Kano and neighboring states, this project promises:

1. ​Enhanced Road Safety: Concessionaires are required to provide 24/7 security patrols and emergency towing services along their designated sections.
2. ​Job Creation: The construction and operational phases of these seven toll gates are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local youths in Kano.
3. ​Modern Amenities: Unlike the toll gates of the past, these modern sites will feature rest areas, truck parks, and automated payment systems to prevent traffic congestion.
4. ​Economic Growth: Reliable road networks reduce vehicle wear and tear and lower the cost of transporting agricultural produce from the North to other parts of the country.

​Sustainability and Accountability in Road Maintenance

​A key highlight of the Kano handover was the emphasis on accountability. The Federal Ministry of Works has established a strict monitoring framework to ensure that the private partners deliver on their promises. Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali warned that the "Value for Money" principle would be strictly applied, and any contractor failing to maintain the road quality would face penalties or contract termination.

​The return of tolling has been a subject of national debate, but the Ministry maintains that it is the only viable way to bridge the ₦16 trillion infrastructure funding gap in Nigeria. By allowing private firms to recover their investment through tolling, the government can redirect taxpayer funds to other critical sectors like healthcare and education.

​What Commuters Should Expect Next

​While the sites have been handed over, tolling will not commence immediately. The contractors must first achieve specific "Service Level Agreements" (SLAs), which include upgrading the existing pavement and ensuring basic safety features are in place. Commuters along the Kano-Zaria, Kano-Katsina, and Kano-Maiduguri roads will begin to see increased activity, including the installation of signage and the construction of administrative blocks at the tolling points.

​The Kano toll gate project serves as a pilot for similar handovers expected in other zones across the country. As Nigeria moves toward a more sustainable infrastructure model, the success of these seven sites in Kano will be a litmus test for the future of private-sector involvement in Nigerian public works.