Ododo vows to end tax evasion as mining trucks damage newly built Lokoja road

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered an immediate crackdown on tax-evading miners whose overloaded trucks allegedly damaged the recently constructed GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja.

The governor directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) to strengthen tax enforcement against defaulting mining operators while warning that the destruction of public infrastructure under the guise of tax evasion would no longer be tolerated.

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.

According to the governor, 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’re 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 offence, Ododo instructed the state’s revenue authorities to intensify enforcement, stressing that the government would no longer allow public infrastructure to be destroyed by operators seeking to avoid their tax obligations.

“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,” the governor said.

Ododo also ordered the closure of all illegal access routes being used by the trucks and announced plans to establish a special enforcement task force to ensure compliance with the restrictions. He warned that violators would face stiff penalties, including heavy fines and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.

During the inspection, the governor urged CCECC to accelerate rehabilitation work on the damaged sections, assuring residents that his administration remains committed to protecting critical infrastructure across the state.

“I want to urge our people to exercise patience with us. We’re following up closely to ensure this road is fixed and continues to serve the people effectively,” he added.

Speaking at the site, 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 continued use of the road by heavy-duty trucks had exceeded its load-bearing capacity, leading to its 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 said.

Sun disclosed that the company has commenced remedial work, including installing barriers and concrete planters to prevent heavy-duty trucks from accessing the road, excavating damaged sections, reinforcing the road foundation with stone base and cement stabilisation, and reconstructing the affected pavement.

He expressed confidence that the repairs, coupled with stricter enforcement of traffic restrictions, would prevent a recurrence.

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