The Federal Government has raised concern over increasing cases of vandalism and misuse of newly completed and ongoing roads across the country, warning that such actions threaten public safety and waste national resources.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, gave the warning on Saturday during an inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, where he condemned acts of destruction along completed and active sections of the road.
Mr Goronyo said reports of people removing safety railings, damaging pavements, or using parts of the highway as refuse dumps and drying grounds were disturbing, especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State.
“Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” the minister said. “We have seen individuals cutting through newly completed sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately.”
He called on community and traditional leaders to take ownership of public infrastructure, stressing that the Tinubu administration has made huge investments to deliver durable roads nationwide.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to complete the Abuja–Kano Expressway within record time, Mr Goronyo described the project as a flagship of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to boost trade, promote national unity, and strengthen economic links between the North and South.
He disclosed that the Abuja–Kaduna section of the project, spanning about 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily, with 26 kilometres of rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing courses already completed.
“The President has made it clear that funding will not be a constraint. It is now a matter of work and getting paid,” the minister said.
The Acting Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Musa Sa’idu, explained that the project design was upgraded from asphalt to rigid concrete pavement, expected to last about a century. He added that a recycling approach mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement is being used to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact.
The Senior Project Manager of Messrs. Infiouest International Limited, Robert Turner, confirmed that work is ongoing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion.
“The government has been consistent with funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Mr Turner said.
Mr Goronyo also inspected the Unguwar Iliya–Bagudu–Kwantakaran–Tsiga–Bakori Road and Kadabo Bridge in Katsina State, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of work by Halis Matrix Limited.
He described the Abuja–Kano Expressway as a vital national asset that embodies President Tinubu’s vision for sustainable infrastructure, trade, and unity.
“This project is not just a road, it is a lifeline for the nation,” he said.
