By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Barrister Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, said penalty awaits vehicle owners causing damage to roads across the country.
Similarly, the Minister said soon, the federal government through the ministry will launch ” Operation Safeguard Our Roads” to further deepen commitment to the cause against road misuse and destructions.
He said federal government will no longer condone misuse of roads infrastructure as huge sums generated from tax payers were committed to the projects.
Goronyo dished out the warning Tuesday evening while inspecting 58km roads repairs by FERMA at Mamman Suka town on the Sokoto -Illela federal road.
According to the Minister” we will not hesitate to penalise any vehicle owner who causes damage to the road. The owner will be made to pay and will be penalised accordingly.
” We can afford to fold our arms and see roads constructed with tax payers money been destroyed after committing huge sums of money “, he stressed warning road vehicle owners to desist of face the law as appropriate.
He explained that the drive was aimed at ensuring the provision of qualitative road infrastructure for smooth transportation towards enhancing businesses, trades and for the general socio-economic prosperity of the country.
He stated that the initiative was in line with visionary and purposeful commitment of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to repositioning the country .
” We need the unflinching support and cooperation of all to actualise the agenda for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens”, urging states and LGs as well Nigerians to dispassionately report destructive actions by vehicle owners yo the nearest appropriate authority.
However, the Minister while on arrival in Sokoto, launched solar-powered streets lights project executed by FERMA at Sultan Abubakar International Airport and nearby roads.
He noted that the project was life-saving and would enhance security surveillance for public safety recalling that, before the project the place and surrounding areas were regarded as danger zones especially in the night.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr Emeka Agbasi, said the initiative for the installations were to enhance the condition of the roads for public use which were part of FERMA’s mandates.
Hitherto, the FERMA Boss eulogised the Minister for his dedication and commitment to driving Me President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a strategic template to making Nigeria great for all through the provision of road infrastructure.
