……..Orders Closure of Illegal Truck Routes, Demands Speedy Repairs by CCECC
Emmanuel ikpeama.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has ordered stringent sanctions against mining operators accused of destroying public roads through the use of overloaded trucks while allegedly evading government tax collection points.
The Governor issued the directive on Friday during an inspection of the damaged GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja, expressing deep concern over the extensive deterioration of the road, which was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) less than two years ago.
Governor Ododo said investigations revealed that some mining operators had diverted their heavy-duty trucks onto the road in an attempt to avoid designated tax collection routes, subjecting the urban road to loads far beyond its intended capacity.
According to him, the road was designed under its Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) to accommodate taxis, private vehicles and other light traffic, not overloaded trucks transporting mined materials.
He described the destruction of public infrastructure in the guise of tax evasion as unacceptable, stressing that his administration would no longer tolerate actions capable of undermining government investments in critical infrastructure.
“This road was built for light vehicles, not overloaded mining trucks. We cannot continue to invest public funds in infrastructure only for a few individuals to destroy it while attempting to evade their civic responsibilities,” the Governor said.
Ododo directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service to intensify enforcement against tax-defaulting miners, insisting that every legitimate operator must comply with the state’s tax laws.
He warned that any heavy-duty truck found using the restricted road would face severe sanctions, adding that offenders risk heavy fines and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.
The Governor also ordered the immediate closure of all illegal access routes being used by the trucks and announced plans to establish a special enforcement task force to ensure strict compliance with the new directives.
While inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works, Governor Ododo called on CCECC to accelerate repairs on the damaged sections of the road to restore smooth vehicular movement as quickly as possible.
He assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and appealed for patience while the repairs are being completed.
“We are following this project closely to ensure that the road is restored and preserved for the benefit of the people. Public infrastructure must be protected at all costs,” he stated.
Speaking during the inspection, the CCECC State Project Manager, Engineer Sun Yi Shi, explained that the road was specifically designed as an urban road for light vehicles and was never intended to carry overloaded mining trucks.
He noted that the continuous movement of heavy-duty trucks exceeded the road’s engineering capacity, resulting in its rapid deterioration.
Engineer Sun disclosed that CCECC has already commenced comprehensive remedial works, including excavation of damaged portions, reinforcement of the road foundation with stone base and cement stabilization, reconstruction of the failed pavement, and installation of concrete barriers and planters to prevent heavy trucks from accessing the road.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing repairs, coupled with the government’s enforcement measures, would prevent a recurrence of the damage and preserve the road for its intended use.