SOKOTO — The Federal Government will begin penalizing vehicle owners who cause damage to highways across the country, announced Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Mohammed Goronyo, on Tuesday.

The Minister issued the warning during an inspection of the 58km road repairs being conducted by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) along the Sokoto-Illela road in Sokoto State.

Goronyo emphasized that the government spends substantial amounts on road rehabilitation and maintenance annually and will not tolerate unscrupulous vehicle owners deliberately damaging the roads.

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He warned that vehicle owners and individuals causing obstructions on highways must desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“We are launching the ‘Operation Safeguard Our Roads’ initiative and are soliciting stakeholder support to achieve the desired objectives,” Goronyo stated.

The Minister highlighted that roads are government assets meant for quality transportation systems that enhance the socioeconomic well-being of citizens. He called on state and local governments, as well as residents, to support the Federal Government in maintaining the roads and to report any unscrupulous actions to the nearest authorities.

Earlier, 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, aimed at enhancing security surveillance for public safety, and noted that the areas were previously regarded as danger zones, especially at night.

In his speech, the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, said the projects were awarded to improve the condition of the roads for public use, aligning with FERMA’s mandates.

Agbasi commended the Minister for his determination to actualize President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda of transformations in the country.