From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has said that motorable federal roads across the country will not only provide an economic value chain but also guarantee national security.
Goronyo stated this in Birnin Kebbi when he commissioned a federal highway at Alwasa village, under Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which was repaired by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The Minister explained that the cost of maintaining roads in the country is higher than constructing new ones.
He said: “A large chunk of monies were used to repair federal roads across the country; therefore, the people of this village must cultivate a maintenance culture to ensure the roads achieve their lifespan.”
Goronyo stated that the commissioned road will strengthen business ties between Kebbi, Sokoto, and other neighbouring states, thus creating hundreds of jobs for the teeming youths of the state.
The Minister urged safety personnel to monitor articulated vehicles plying the road to guard against damage.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to support the Tinubu-led government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that since he came on board, the country has been witnessing massive infrastructure development, with every sector receiving an overhaul.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engineer Abdullahi Umar Muslim, said the Tinubu-led government, through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, has repaired over two hundred federal roads, and the construction of new ones is ongoing.
The Minister also paid a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, at the Government House, alongside his entourage.