FG orders removal of obstructions on highways

As it takes steps to re­construct and re­habilitate highways across the country, the Fed­eral Government has direct­ed the Controllers of Works to ensure the removal of all obstructions on the Right of Ways in order to promote safety and prevent economic losses on the roads.

It also directed that the is­suance of permits to erect structures on Right of Ways on Federal Highways should no longer be granted and there would be no renewal for those who already have such structures on the high­ways.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Baba­tunde Fashola, gave the di­rective during a meeting with Federal Controllers of Works and Sector Commanders of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from across the Federation in Abuja.
Fashola said those with permit would be allowed to stay till the expiration of such permit, while others without permit should immediately leave the Right of Way.
Decrying the manner in which the permits were is­sued in the name of Internal­ly Generated Revenue (IGR), Fashola told the controllers, “Our first step is how to se­cure our Right of Way back. We have the right of way in this country; 45 metres from the centre line.”
A statement by the Special Adviser on Communica­tions to the Minister, Ha­keem Bello, quoted Fashola as pointing out that roads are built to move human beings, goods and services with ease adding, “If after building the roads we issue all sorts of permits on the Right of Way of the roads we have built in the name of Internally Gen­erated Revenue are we not defeating the purpose we set out to achieve?”
Although there was no suggestion to start breaking the structures currently on the rights of way, the minis­ter said it was in the interest of the government to clear them.
“There is an enlightenment process that we must pursue in doing this. But we must plan it together. Tell the peo­ple there is no more renewal of licenses you have given. Stop the renewal,” he said.