The Federal Government has announced plans to impose strict sanctions on vehicle owners who damage federal roads across the country.
Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Mohammed Goronyo, made this announcement during the commissioning of the rehabilitated 58-kilometer Sokoto-Illela-Niger Republic highway in Sokoto State.
Goronyo noted that the Federal Government spends significant amounts of money annually on road rehabilitation and maintenance.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate reckless behavior by road users that leads to the deliberate destruction of federal roads.
The Minister said that the Federal Government had launched the “Operation Safeguard Our Roads” campaign, aimed at promoting a culture of road maintenance among road users.
He emphasized that any vehicle found damaging federal roads would be impounded, and the owners to face appropriate fines.
According to him, the move is intended to serve as a deterrent to road offenders, emphasizing that road maintenance and safety are critical components of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, and strict compliance will be enforced.
Goranyo highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructural development.
He citing the ongoing projects such as the Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry Federal Highway as part of President Tinubu’s vision for improved connectivity.
The Minister called on state and local governments, as well as citizens, to support the government by reporting unlawful activities on roads and taking responsibility for preserving road .
Goranyo also stressed the importance of Sokoto-Illela and Niger Republic highway, emphasising its socio-economic significance, noting that it fosters mutual bilateral business relationships between Nigerians and their counterparts in Niger Republic.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated solar-powered streetlights on the road linking Sultan Abubakar International Airport Sokoto Describing the project as vital for travelers.
Goronyo stated that it would enhance security surveillance and improve nighttime visibility for commuters.
He urged residents to protect the streetlights from vandalism, adding that the government would not tolerate criminal acts that undermine infrastructure development. #radionigeriakaduna
COV/NASIR MALALI