FG commits to quality road infrastructure development projects

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians of its commitment to improve road infrastructure and delivery of quality projects across the country.

President, Muhammadu Buhari, gave the assurance recently at the commissioning of the completed 296 kilometres Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega phases I and II- of the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora – Makera Road.

Represented by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, he said the government would continue to deliver on its promise to the people, adding that it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads.

The president, who listed such abuses to include overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products and converting road shoulders to permanent parking places.

He explained that overloading accelerates pavement damage, while spilling of petroleum products dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate. He stressed that converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, brings about road failure.

Buhari said: “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them,” the president said.

He said the commissioned road, which links Sokoto and Kebbi States, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship, if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life.”

The president charged motorists to drive in accordance with the Highway Code,” adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 kilometres.”

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said other roads that would be commissioned include Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, Section III covering 106.3 x 2 kilometers between Azare and Potiskum, connecting Bauchi and Yobe States, Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road covering 24 kilometres connecting Benue and Cross River States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 kilometers with 14 kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

Fashola said: “These projects represent major investment in road transport infrastructure, which is a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

“They are visible and incontrovertible assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.”

He acknowledged the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads. “The Sukuk is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold,” he added.