Chinese-built Keffi Road in Nigeria starts collecting tolls

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.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou on Saturday for an official visit to China that will run through Tuesday, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang.

During his stay in Hangzhou, Sharif is expected to attend signing ceremonies, meet local officials, and visit Chinese technology companies.

One of the key events will be a business-to-business investment summit on Sunday, bringing together senior executives and industry leaders from both countries. The focus is expected to be on investment opportunities in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and advanced manufacturing.

Sharif is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping and hold talks with Li in Beijing afterwards. He will also attend a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.