Toll Road Generated $172m in Nine Years, Government Got About $1m Annually — IGR Report
By Aminata Kamara
Sierra Leone’s toll road system generated an estimated US$172 million between 2017 and 2026, but the government received only about US$1 million per year, according to a new report by the Institute for Governance Research (IGR).
The findings are contained in IGR’s “ED Pa D Case” report, which reviewed toll revenue performance and the concession agreement governing the project. The report says the government’s share of proceeds remains disproportionately low compared with total collections, raising concerns about transparency, contract terms, and oversight of the public-private partnership.
IGR noted that toll roads are typically designed to provide a steady source of domestic revenue for infrastructure development and road maintenance. However, the report said the current revenue-sharing arrangement delivers limited fiscal benefits to the state.
“The gap between total toll collections and government receipts raises serious questions about who benefits from the concession and whether the agreement safeguards the national interest,” the report said.
The think tank called on the government to review the concession agreement, strengthen oversight, and publish detailed revenue and expenditure records. It also recommended an independent audit of the toll system to ensure accountability and value for money.
IGR urged authorities to disclose the full terms of the contract with the private operator and provide a clear explanation of how toll revenues have been managed over the nine-year period.
