Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, says the federal government will roll out measures to penalise vehicle owners damaging the roads across Nigeria.

MrGoronyo gave the warning on Tuesday when he inspected 58-kilometre road repairs being conducted by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) along Sokoto-Illela road in Sokoto.

He explained that the government spent huge amounts of money on road rehabilitation and maintenance every year, adding that it would not allow some unscrupulous vehicle owners to destroy the roads deliberately.

He warned vehicle owners and any other individuals causing road obstructions to desist or face the wrath of the law.

“We are launching ‘operation safeguard our roads initiative’. We are soliciting stakeholders’ support in order to achieve the desired objectives,” he said.

Mr Goronyo added that roads were the government’s assets meant for a smooth and quality transportation system towards enhancing socioeconomic well-being of the citizens.

The minister called on state and local governments and all citizens to support the federal government’s efforts in road maintenance while advising all to report any unscrupulous actions to the nearest authorities.

Mr Goronyo launched solar-powered street light projects executed by FERMA at Sultan Abubakar International Airport and nearby roads. He described the projects as life-saving and aimed at enhancing security surveillance for public safety.

He stressed that before the lights were installed, the places were considered danger zones, especially at night.

FERMA managing director Emeka Agbasi said the projects were awarded to enhance the condition of the roads for public use as part of FERMA’s mandates.

Mr Agbasi commended the minister for his determination to actualise President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of transformation in the country.

(NAN)