The Federal Government has reconstructed over 10 bridges in every state of the federation and completed more than 260 emergency road projects nationwide over the past three years, at a total cost exceeding N250 billion.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Sunday during a stakeholder engagement and project flag-off in Lagos. He emphasised that all ongoing projects had been subjected to independent scrutiny by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure compliance with procurement and execution standards.
“We have also written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to follow suit. This demonstrates transparency, accountability, and the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Umahi stated.
Addressing the rehabilitation of Eko Bridge, the Minister noted that the structure was in a critical state. To avoid severe disruption to Lagos commuters, only half of the carriageway has been closed, with cracks being monitored daily. He confirmed that seven piles would be reinstalled and a new pile cap constructed, providing temporary stability for 15 to 20 years while a permanent solution is being designed with input from international structural engineers.
On the recently deployed 40 guards for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi said their role would extend beyond routine oversight to include the elimination of hawking, loitering, commercial motorcycling, and illegal refuse dumping. He called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to enforce restrictions on unauthorised parking and misuse of highway infrastructure.
“Their primary responsibility is to maintain strategic infrastructure. We must ensure that our roads are protected from abuse,” he added.
