Ododo threatens fines, vehicle forfeiture for trucks using restricted Lokoja road

By Stephen Adeleye

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has threatened heavy fines and possible forfeiture of vehicles for miners using overloaded trucks on the GYB Junction–Zango–Lokoja road.

Ododo gave the directive on Friday during an on-the-spot inspection of the damaged road, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), less than two years ago.

Ododo declared that tax evasion and destruction of public infrastructure will no longer be tolerated.

He expressed concerns over the extensive deterioration of the road, attributing it to miners, who allegedly diverted heavy-duty trucks to the route to evade government tax collection points.

According to him, the road was designed primarily for taxis and other light vehicles, in line with its Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and was never intended to carry overloaded mining trucks.

“We are here to see how best we can address the issues on ground.

“This road was designed for small vehicles but unfortunately, miners trying to evade tax collection points have diverted their heavy trucks to this route, causing massive destruction,” he said.

Describing tax evasion as a criminal act, Ododo directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), to strengthen enforcement against defaulting miners.

“I call on the Kogi Internal Revenue Service to enforce tax collection on these miners.

“We cannot continue to construct roads only for them to be destroyed by people trying to evade tax.

“From now on, any heavy truck found on this road will be dealt with. This is not their designated route, and we will not take it anymore,” he said.

The governor also ordered the sealing of all illegal access points used by the trucks and announced plans to establish a special enforcement task force to ensure compliance.

The warned that, offenders would face stiff sanctions, including heavy fines and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.

While inspecting ongoing repair works, Ododo urged CCECC to intensify efforts to restore the damaged sections promptly, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to preserving critical infrastructure across the state.

He urged the people to exercise patience, stressing that the government is following up closely to ensure this road is fixed and continued to serve the people effectively.

CCECC State Project Manager, Mr Sun YiShi, explained that the road was constructed as an urban road for light vehicles and lacked the capacity to withstand overloaded trucks.

“This road was constructed as an urban road for light vehicles, not for heavy trucks. The damage occurred because miners have been using it as a shortcut.

“The road’s bearing capacity was not designed for such loads,” he said.

He disclosed that CCECC has commenced remedial works, including installation of barriers and concrete planters to restrict heavy-duty trucks, excavation of damaged sections, strengthening of the foundation with stone base and cement stabilisation, and reconstruction of the affected pavement.

“Once these barriers are in place and heavy trucks are prevented from using this route, this kind of deterioration will not happen again,” he assured.

The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo; Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr Bashir Gegu, and the Commissioner for Works, among others.

(NAN)