THE Federal Government has condemned what it described as deliberate acts of sabotage targeting the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road reconstruction project, warning communities and residents along the corridor to desist from destroying critical infrastructure.
News Point Nigeria reports that Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, sounded the warning on Saturday during a site inspection tour of the major highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest roads and a key link between the North and the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite the progress recorded on the project, Goronyo expressed concern that vandalism and improper use of completed sections could undermine years of investment and delay delivery timelines.
“Maintenance means a lot. Prevention of road abuse is part of road maintenance,” the minister stated.
He disclosed that government officials observed disturbing practices, including the removal of iron rods from a completed portion of the Jaji Bridge in Kaduna State by scavengers commonly referred to as Baba Bola.
Other findings included dumping of refuse on new carriageways, drying of harvested crops on the asphalt surface, and digging through the road to install unauthorized cables.
“People go overnight to break road infrastructure and remove iron rods,” Goronyo lamented.
“Some are drying grains, some dump refuse, and others break the road just to pass cables.”
He warned that such actions not only weaken the structural integrity of the ongoing work but also endanger road users and public safety.
The minister called on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community organizations to sensitize residents and ensure full protection of the road assets, stressing that the Federal Government had invested heavily in the project to enhance transportation and security along the corridor.
“The importance of a well-maintained road cannot be overemphasized,” he said.
“It provides safer travel, reduces travel time, prevents accidents, and enhances security.”
Goronyo noted that the security situation along the route has significantly improved since construction began, with fewer cases of attacks on travelers.
He appealed for continuous cooperation and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure quality and durability of national road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Director of Federal Highways, Clement Ogbuagu, praised the contractor for the pace and quality of work done so far, describing the highway as “one of the fastest progressing road construction projects in Nigeria.”
“We are not sleeping; this road is top priority for Mr President,” Ogbuagu said.
“Every necessary effort is being made to deliver it and deliver it on time.”
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano project is a multi-billion-naira strategic highway designed to boost trade, facilitate mobility, and strengthen national security once completed.