The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s bridges and other critical infrastructure.
Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works stated this at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, in response to recent damages to the structural integrity of key bridges and flyovers, nationwide.
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The Minister cited a recent structural incident at the Keffi Flyover, which prompted an immediate technical evaluation. 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.”
Engr. Umahi also noted 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.
The Minister 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.
He went further to announce 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.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
