FG MOVES TO PROTECT BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE, WARNS AGAINST OVERLOADING AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE stated this today, July 17, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, in response to recent damages to the structural integrity of key bridges and flyovers, nationwide.

Engr. Umahi cited a recent structural incident at the Keffi Flyover, which prompted an immediate technical evaluation. The investigation revealed that the damage was caused by a container-laden trailer exceeding the permitted clearance height, highlighting a national disregard for vehicle height and load regulations. “When the height or weight of what you're transporting exceeds the permitted clearance, it directly compromises the structural integrity of bridges and flyovers,” the Minister stated. He further emphasized that “These infrastructures were never designed to accommodate such abuse. A single impact from an overloaded or improperly configured vehicle can lead to multi-billion-naira damage and threaten lives, as well as properties.”

The Honourable Minister also noted that the minimum standard headroom for flyovers and interchanges ranges between 5.5 and 6.5 meters. Violating this engineering requirement not only breaches federal regulations but also significantly shortens the lifespan of essential transport infrastructure.

Engr. Umahi reported that no fewer than seven bridges along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway have suffered structural compromises due to similar violations. He referenced the Eko Bridge, which was damaged by fire under the previous administration and is currently undergoing rehabilitation; it is now 80% complete, thanks to expedited funding approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Addressing the state of the 3rd Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos, the Honourable Minister acknowledged the discomfort faced by commuters due to ongoing maintenance exercises as witnessed during a recent inspection and urged them to be patient, while complying with the approved standards. He reaffirmed that integrity tests are essential to ensuring the long-term safety of these structures and the millions of Nigerians who use them daily. “We appreciate the patience of Nigerians during this time. All findings from our assessments are being addressed with precision, and every repair and reinforcement is being executed according to international engineering standards. No shortcuts will be taken,” he assured.

The Honourable Minister also announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, would launch a nationwide crackdown on non-compliant vehicles. This initiative includes strict enforcement of weight load regulations, clearance heights, and transport configurations across federal roads and bridges.

The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasising that bridge protection is a shared responsibility, not solely the government’s. “The bridges across Nigeria are a critical component of the nation’s economic and transport network. These structures are designed and constructed with load and height specifications. When motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, ignore these, they place undue stress on our infrastructure, leading to premature and costly damage,” he stated.

Engr. Adebiyi urged transport unions, construction firms, logistics companies, and motorists to comply with the federal regulations to preserve public assets and ensure road safety. “The government alone cannot monitor every kilometre of road or every single bridge. This must be a collective effort. We are open to collaboration, sensitisation, and enforcement because Nigerians must understand that protecting our roads is in our shared interest,” he affirmed.

In conclusion, the Ministry also called on all stakeholders—transport unions, construction companies, logistics operators, and road users—to join hands with the government in ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure investments are not rendered futile by negligence and lawlessness.

Mohammed A. Ahmed

Director, Press and Public Relations

17th June, 2025

EMBRACE THE DEVELOPMENTAL MASTERPLAN OF THE RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

The Renewed Hope Legacy Road Infrastructure projects are new national road networks that will stimulate national economic development and enhance the nation's GDP.

This is the central message at the ongoing nation-wide stakeholders' engagement on the Lagos - Calabar Coastal Highway project, the design of Sokoto- Badagry Super-Highway project and the design of Cross River- Abuja Superhighway project proposed to connect the various Geopolitical zones and stimulate potentialities in agriculture, trade, investment, industrialization and tourism, safety and national advancement. The Federal Ministry of Works under the watch of His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON is up to task in this vision.

HANDOVER CEREMONY OF THE NEW PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, DR. MARCUS O. OGUNBIYI, OUTGOING PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MAHMUDA MAMMAN AND THE NEW PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS, YAKUBU A. KOFARMATA AT THE MINISTRY’S HEADQUARTER ON THE 12TH OF JANUARY, 2024

Handover ceremony of the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, outgoing Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mahmuda Mamman and the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Yakubu A. Kofarmata at the Ministry’s Headquarter on the 12th of January, 2024

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