Abuja, Nigeria - February 04, 2025 The first phase of the Chinese-built Keffi Road, which serves the Nigerian capital Abuja, became the first federal highway in the country to start charging vehicle tolls, following a launch ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday. When complete, the Keffi Road, being built to Chinese standards by Chinese company China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), will connect the capital Abuja and the town of Makurdi, some 227 kilometers to the southeast. Nigerian Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, and other government officials attended the launch ceremony and thanked the Chinese contractor, saying they expect phase one of the Keffi Road project to usher in a new chapter of development for Nigeria's transportation network. CHEC will be responsible for the toll operations and the maintenance of the road for 25 years, with collected tolls to be used for road maintenance, security and vehicle rescue services. CHEC has begun building the second phase of the Keffi Road project, with completion scheduled by 2028. Shotlist: Abuja, Nigeria - Feb 4, 2025: 1. Nigerian Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq, attending launch ceremony for toll collection operations on Keffi Road phase one project; 2. Commemorative stone tablet; 3. Various of officials speaking at launch ceremony, attendees; 4. Various of toll booth, traffic; 5. Vehicle passing toll booth; 6. Various of toll collector taking payment; 7. Various of road workers watching CCTV footage; 8. Road workers talking; 9. Various of road signs with toll information; 10. Various of workers maintaining road. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]