FG launches ‘Operation Safeguard Our Roads’ campaign in Sokoto

… Vows to sanction road users who damage highways

From Shafaatu Suleman, Sokoto

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched Operation Safeguard Our Roads as part of efforts to infuse maintenance culture in road users on the federal highways across the country.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, flagged off the campaign at the commissioning of the 58km road rehabilitation of Sokoto-Illela-Niger Republic highway in Sokoto State.

The project was executed by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The minster said the campaign is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in ensuring that the taxpayers’ money spent on the roads across the country is not a waste.

Goronyo explained that the government is expending significant funds each year for road rehabilitation and maintenance purposes, saying that it will not tolerate the nonchalant attitude of some raod users who deliberately damage the highways.

The Minister called on state and local governments, as well as residents, to cooperate with the Federal Government in maintaining the roads and to report any unlawful activities to the nearest authorities.

On the rehabilitated Sokoto-Illela-Niger Republic road, the minister said that the route is of great socio-economic importance as it is opening mutual bilateral business relationships to the citizens.

The Minister, who also commissioned solar-powered streetlight projects linking the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, described the project as life-saving, which will improve the security surveillance within the airport.

In his remarks, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, Managing Director of FERMA, commended the minister for his commitment to realizing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of national transformation.

Earlier, the acting coordinator, FERMA Northwest zone, Engr. Solomon Kwaghe said the solar project is part of the agency’s many projects designed to improve road conditions for public use.