The Federal Government has expressed concerns over increasing cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects in parts of the country, warning that such actions threaten the longevity and safety of key national infrastructure projects.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, issued the warning on Saturday at Jere point of the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, where he decried acts of sabotage and carelessness by some residents along completed and ongoing road corridors.

Goronyo regretted 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 of the ongoing road construction, 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, noting 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.

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.

“The importance of well-maintained roads cannot be overemphasized. They enhance safety, reduce travel time, and improve security. We must therefore work together to protect these national assets,” the Minister said.

While reaffirming 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.

Having inspected the 144-kilometer 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 and simultaneously across at least eight sections of the corridor.

Stressing that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated exceptional political will to deliver the highway without delay, he noted, “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.

According to him, the Abuja–Kaduna section, spanning about 81 kilometers, is being built entirely with rigid concrete pavement, while the Kano section, including the completed 6.6-kilometre airport road, is constructed with asphalt.

He also explained that construction is ongoing simultaneously in over ten locations from Madalla and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction, covering drainage, reinforcement, and shoulder works.

“So far, about 26 kilometres of continuous concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing courses have been completed,” he added.

Goronyo assured that funding will not delay the project, describing the highway as a critical national artery that will boost commerce, ease mobility, and improve security across northern Nigeria.

“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 emphasized.

Engineer Musa, Director of Bridges and Design at the Ministry, noted that the road’s design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement in line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure.

“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.

“This project is built like a bridge deck, with grade 40 concrete and reinforced steel spacing to ensure strength and durability.”

He added that a recycling approach is also being adopted, where milled asphalt is mixed with a stone base and cement to create a stronger substructure, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact.

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.

He Informed the Minister of the readiness of the company to fast-track the project by introducing night shifts, citing the heavy traffic along the route and their determination to complete the work even before the scheduled timeframe. (The Nation)