Federal Government Warns Against Vandalism of National Infrastructure
The federal government has raised concerns over the increasing incidents of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across Nigeria. This alarming trend, described as “irresponsible,” poses a serious threat to the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, highlighted this issue during an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway project. The minister condemned the destructive activities of some individuals along the completed and active sections of the road, particularly around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State. According to a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister criticized actions such as removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, and converting parts of the highway into refuse dumps and drying grounds.
Goronyo emphasized that maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility. He warned against people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components, urging them to stop these acts immediately. The minister called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that national assets are protected from misuse.
He stressed that the Renewed Hope Administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making significant investments in road development. Every act of vandalism or road abuse, he said, undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical priorities.
A Strategic Infrastructure Project
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway is a flagship project under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country, the project is a priority for the administration.
Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) of the project, spanning 144 kilometers, is progressing steadily. Work is underway across several active sections, including Tungan Maje and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction. Significant work has already been completed in drainage, reinforcement, and the construction of the shoulders.
So far, about 26 kilometers of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometers of binder and wearing course have been completed. The minister assured the contractor, Messrs. Infiouest International Limited, that funding will not be a constraint, emphasizing that it is now a matter of work and getting paid.
Upgraded Design for Longevity
In line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure, the Acting Director, Highways, Bridges and Design at the Ministry, Musa Sa’idu, explained that the project design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement. This upgrade ensures a lifespan of about a century and the ability to withstand the stress of heavy-duty and overloaded vehicles.
A recycling approach is being used to strengthen the substructure. This involves mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement to improve durability and minimize environmental impact.
Commitment to Excellence
Senior Project Manager of the company, Mr. Robert Turner, reaffirmed the commitment to engineering excellence and set a target. He mentioned that work is progressing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion.
“We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule. The government has demonstrated exceptional consistency in funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Turner assured.
A Lifeline for the Nation
Concluding the inspection tour at the Kano end of the alignment, the minister reiterated that the Abuja-Kano Expressway remains one of the most strategic road corridors in the nation. It symbolizes the President’s commitment to infrastructural renewal, national security, and economic prosperity.
“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.
Earlier, at the end of Section II (Kaduna-Zaria), which has been completed and handed over by the previous contractor, the minister detoured to inspect another ongoing construction work on the Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo Bridge in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which has an approximate length of 17.3 kilometers, starting from Tsiga Town and passing through the Barde community. The scope of work includes the construction of a single carriageway and three reinforced concrete bridges.