The Federal Government has issued a warning over increasing cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects in parts of the country.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, gave the warning on Saturday at the Jere site of the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project. He decried acts of sabotage and carelessness by some residents along completed and ongoing road corridors.
Goronyo expressed regret about reports of individuals damaging road sections, removing safety railings, or converting portions of highways into dumping and drying grounds, particularly along the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State.
Decrying the new culture of refuse collectors, popularly known as Mai Bolla, vandalising iron components of the concrete pavement, the Minister said, “Maintenance means a lot. Preventing road abuse is part of road maintenance. We have noticed people going overnight to break newly completed roads or remove vital components.
“Along the Jaji Bridge, for instance, some residents have tampered with structures to pass cables or place logs across the bridge. These are acts of vandalism that must stop.”
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and discourage harmful practices that shorten the lifespan of roads. He noted that such damage forces the government to divert taxpayers’ money meant for other vital public services into repeated repairs.
“The government has invested huge resources in these projects, and we must protect them for the benefit of all,” he added.
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway within record time, the Minister described it as one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship projects.
Having inspected the 144-kilometre project more than five times since it was re-awarded to Infiouest International Ltd in March 2025, the Minister confirmed that construction is progressing steadily across at least eight sections.
He stressed that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated exceptional political will to deliver the highway without delay. “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that contractors must be kept on their toes until the entire stretch is completed to specification.
“This project is dear to Mr. President’s heart because of its strategic importance to trade, national unity, and security.”
Goronyo assured that funding will not delay the project, describing the highway as a critical national artery.
“The President has made it clear that funds will not stop this road. It’s now a matter of work and get paid. This commitment shows the administration’s seriousness about building infrastructure that truly serves Nigerians and stands the test of time,” he emphasised.
Senior Project Manager for Infiouest, Robert Turner, confirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the government’s timeline.
“We are working seven days a week and may soon extend to night shifts to speed up progress. The government has been consistent with funding, and our goal is to deliver within the record time set by the Minister and the President,” he said.
Discussion about this post