The Federal Government has promised to ensure the speedy completion of the Abuja-Kano Highway just as it expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects.
It warned that such actions, if not quickly halted, could threaten the longevity and safety of key national infrastructure projects.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, issued the warning during an inspection of the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project on Saturday.
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He condemned what he described as acts of sabotage and carelessness by residents living along completed and ongoing road corridors.
Goronyo, who expressed regret over 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.
He also decried the new culture of refuse collectors, commonly referred to as "Baban bola" who have included stealing of iron components of the pavement of the ongoing road projects for sale as scrap.
He said, "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," Goronyo said.
The minister appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and discourage harmful practices which shorten the lifespan of roads.
"The government has invested huge resources in these projects, and we must protect them for the benefit of all," Goronyo added.
Commenting on the project from point zero in Tungan Maje, Abuja, Goronyo highlighted that the improved road conditions have already enhanced travel safety and reduced insecurity along some formerly volatile corridors.
He said, "The importance of well-maintained roads cannot be overemphasised. They enhance safety, reduce travel time, and improve security. We must therefore work together to protect these national assets.
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 aimed at strengthening economic integration between northern and southern Nigeria.
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On his part, Engineer Musa, Director of Bridges and Design at the Ministry, said, "Most heavy-duty vehicles in Nigeria exceed axle load limits, and asphalt cannot withstand that stress. Rigid pavements are built to endure, with concrete designed to last over a century."
