President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has inherited over 36,000 kilometers of roads across Nigeria, according to Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the State Minister for Works.
Goronyo stated this while addressing newsmen on Tuesday at his resident along Wurno road, Sokoto.
He noted that some of these roads have been in dilapidated conditions for over 40 years since their construction and asphalt overlay.
Goronyo emphasized that asphalt roads typically last no more than 15 years.
The minister acknowledged that the inherited roads were in extremely poor condition.
However, he highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to address this issue, particularly with the recent re-award of the contract for reconstructing the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, expected to be completed within 14 months.
Upon completion, these roads are projected to last over 50 years, thanks to the use of rigid concrete, a more expensive but durable construction method.
This project complements the ongoing reconstruction of the Sokoto-Gusau-Zaria road, also using concrete.
Goronyo praised President Tinubu’s initiative in engaging various stakeholders, including the army, police, DSS, and other security agencies, to tackle insecurity.
This collaborative approach has significantly reduced insecurity incidents in some areas.
The minister commended President Tinubu’s commitment to the “renewed hope agenda,” aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
This agenda encompasses various initiatives, including promoting economic growth, inclusivity, access to capital, and infrastructure development.
Goronyo also congratulated President Tinubu on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and extended his felicitations to the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, APC leader Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III.
The minister’s statement came during the Sallah celebrations at his residence in Sokoto.
He acknowledged Governor Aliyu’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people, particularly during Ramadan, where food items were distributed to alleviate hardship, and palliative measures were initiated to reduce commodity prices.
Echezona Okafor.
