Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has called for strict enforcement of weight regulations on Nigerian roads to protect road infrastructure and human lives.
The governor made the call following the attitude of traders and heavy-duty vehicle owners plying the Maiduguri Gamboru Ngala road with loads exceeding 100 tons, a development he said was responsible for the state of the road.
Zulum, who was speaking on Sunday in Gamboru town, Ngala Local Government Council, described the attitude of the heavy-duty vehicle owners as economic sabotage.
Zulum noted that the excessive strain that heavy-duty trucks place on the road leads to accelerated deterioration, saying that only strict enforcement of weight regulations will solve the problem.
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He expressed concern over the long-term consequences of this practice, emphasising that it undermines the federal government’s efforts to improve and expand the state’s infrastructure, hindering economic progress and development.
He said, “It is sad to note what has been happening here. You can see trailers loaded with over 2,000 bags of cement or sugar. That entails more than 100 tons of commodities. This trend is only seen on this road and as a result, the road leading to Gamboru Ngala has been destroyed due to overload”.
The governor explained the threat posed to public safety by overloaded trucks, citing the increased risk of accidents, particularly along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Road.
The governor lamented that because of overloading, the bridge linking the Nigerian part of the border and other neighbouring countries was affected and nearly collapsed.
To address these concerns, Governor Zulum announced his administration’s plans to collaborate with relevant agencies of the federal government.
The governor also outlined a multifaceted approach, including increased enforcement of weight restrictions, strict implementation of penalties for violators and the establishment of weigh stations at strategic points along major transportation routes.
However, the governor noted that despite the government’s commitment to enhancing trans-border trade, appropriate measures will be implemented to maintain road infrastructure.
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