The Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, has reiterated the commitmemt of the Federal Government to providing quality infrastructure, designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people, through well thought out and strategically delivered projects.
The Minister made this statement on Tuesday, at the official commissioning ceremony of solar-powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto, Sokoto State.
In a statement signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations, the Minister stated that, amongst other benefits, the streetlights will create visibility, improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on the road users, as well as mitigate security challenges.
While also maintaining that the project is very strategic because it is both an entry point for travelers to Sokoto through the Airport and the fact that Sokoto is the coordinating nerve center of the adjoining states of Zamfara and Kebbi, Goronyo insisted that the commissioning aligns effectively with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He congratulated the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and communities within the corridor for having the streetlights, also urged them to take ownership of the project and full advantage of the inherent opportunities.
The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, described the project as iconic and of strategic importance to Sokoto, as it will enhance travel experience and the economic lives of the people being capable of prolonging their trading time.
The Minister and the MD/CEO, thereafter, led other dignitaries and stakeholders to commission the Sokoto – Ilela Road, recently rehabilitated by FERMA. It is about 58 kilometres, linking Sokoto to the border town on the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.
The Minister described the project as very strategic, as it is capable of providing employment opportunities, as well as curbing threats of insecurity.
He, however, warned that the palliative works were done through taxpayers’ money, warning that Government will not continue to fold its arms, while road users, especially articulated vehicles damage it without paying. “Vehicles found damaging the roads will be impounded and made to pay for it before they are released, to serve as deterrent to others,” Goronyo further warned.
