The Federal Government has blamed insecurity, vandalism, and the non-payment of compensation by state governments for the delays in the completion of several ongoing road projects across the country.
Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Goronyo, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Sokoto during an assessment of the Ministry’s performance in the last two years.
According to Goronyo, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited over 36,000 kilometres of road projects from the previous government, a burden he described as “daunting” but not insurmountable.
“President Tinubu directed us to complete all inherited road projects while also initiating new ones. Among the key projects are the four legacy roads of this administration, notably the 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Lagos-Badagry road, which spans seven states. Work is already ongoing with significant progress made,” the minister stated.
Goronyo said the Ministry has completed 260 road projects across all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development. However, he noted that unresolved compensation issues have stalled several others.
“We cannot proceed with construction on lands where compensation has not been paid. Some state governments have failed to fulfill this obligation, and this continues to delay our work,” he explained.
The minister also raised concerns over rising insecurity along construction corridors, revealing that some contractors have suffered losses, including the deaths of workers in volatile areas.
“We are collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure better security for construction personnel and materials,” Goronyo said.
He further decried the increasing rate of vandalism, citing a recent tragic incident in Jaji, Kaduna State, where a vandalized bridge collapsed, resulting in multiple fatalities after vehicles plunged into a ditch.
“Acts of vandalism—ranging from the theft of iron rods to burning tyres on the roads and unauthorized excavation—are wreaking havoc on our infrastructure and putting lives at risk. There must be a national reorientation to put an end to road abuse,” he stressed.
Despite these setbacks, Goronyo assured Nigerians of the government’s unwavering resolve to deliver critical infrastructure and drive economic growth.
“President Tinubu is determined to open Nigeria up for business, but this can only happen with a solid and safe infrastructure base. I assure Nigerians that the President is not just making promises—he is delivering,” the minister said.
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