Gov. Ododo Orders Clampdown on Tax-Evading Miners, Urges CCECC to Step Up Repairs on Lokoja-Zango Road
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered a clampdown on tax-evading miners whose overloaded trucks have damaged the recently constructed GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja, declaring that the destruction of public infrastructure in the guise of avoiding tax obligations will no longer be tolerated.
Governor Ododo gave the directive on Friday during an inspection of the damaged road, which was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) less than two years ago.
The Governor expressed concern over the extensive deterioration of the road, attributing the damage to the activities of miners who allegedly diverted heavy-duty trucks to the route in an attempt 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 accommodate overloaded mining trucks.
“We are here to see how best we can address the issues on ground,” the Governor said. “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.”
Describing tax evasion as a criminal act, Governor Ododo directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service to strengthen enforcement against defaulting miners, warning that the government would no longer allow public assets to be destroyed by individuals seeking to evade their civic responsibilities.
“I call on the Kogi State 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 that all illegal access points used by the trucks be sealed and announced plans to establish a special enforcement task force to ensure compliance with the restrictions. He warned that offenders would face stiff sanctions, including heavy fines and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.
While inspecting the repair works, Governor Ododo urged CCECC to intensify efforts to ensure the damaged sections of the road are restored promptly, assuring residents that the government is committed to preserving critical infrastructure across the state.
“I want to urge our people to exercise patience with us. We are following up closely to ensure this road is fixed and continues to serve the people effectively,” he added.
Speaking during the inspection, the CCECC State Project Manager, Engineer Sun Yi Shi, explained that the road was constructed as an urban road for light vehicles and was never designed to withstand the weight of overloaded mining trucks.
He said the persistent use of the road by heavy-duty trucks exceeded its load-bearing capacity, resulting in rapid deterioration.
“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 explained.
Engineer Sun disclosed that CCECC has commenced remedial works, including the installation of barriers and concrete planters to restrict heavy-duty trucks, excavation of damaged sections, strengthening of the road foundation with stone base and cement stabilization, and reconstruction of the affected pavement.
He expressed confidence that the repairs, combined with the enforcement of traffic restrictions, would prevent a recurrence of the damage.
“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.
