The federal government has raised the alarm over widespread vandalism and misuse of ongoing and newly constructed road projects across Nigeria, warning that such acts threaten the safety and lifespan of critical national infrastructure.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who inspected the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway over the weekend, condemned individuals removing safety railings, damaging pavements, or turning sections of the highway into refuse dumps, particularly around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State.
“Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately.”
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to safeguard public infrastructure, adding: “Every act of vandalism undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical priorities.”
Goronyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Abuja-Kano Expressway as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting trade, fostering unity, and promoting economic integration between northern and southern regions.
Work on Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), spanning 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily, with 26 kilometres of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing course already completed. The project has been upgraded from asphalt to concrete pavement to withstand heavy-duty traffic and last for decades.
“We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule,” said Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager for contractor Infiouest International Limited. “The government has ensured consistent funding, and we are matching that with performance.”
The minister also inspected the 17.3-kilometre Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road in Katsina State, which includes three reinforced concrete bridges, expressing satisfaction with progress.
“This project is dear to the President’s heart. It is not just a road—it is a lifeline for trade, social and political integration, as well as national unity. Every Nigerian must play a part in protecting it,” Goronyo declared.
