The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has issued a bold directive to overhaul federal road construction standards nationwide, mandating concrete shoulders and cement-paved stone bases to boost durability and cut recurring repairs.
The announcement came during Umahi’s inspection of key Lagos infrastructure, where he also commissioned a ₦40 billion state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance centre on the Third Mainland Bridge — Nigeria’s busiest — aimed at strengthening security and revolutionizing traffic management.
“This facility will monitor traffic in real time, enforce speed limits, and ensure quick police response without disrupting flow,” Umahi said.
“Offenders will be stopped safely at designated lay-bys, easing congestion and improving safety.”
The minister revealed plans to extend pedestrian walkways, upgrade road markings, and beautify medians across the city, with completion targeted for January.
Umahi also gave updates on critical bridge repairs: phased reconstruction of the fire-damaged Ido Bridge is on track for completion by mid-year, while the structurally fragile Qatar Bridge faces urgent replacement within three years.
Updates on major bridge projects included:
- Ido Bridge: Damaged spans are being replaced with phased demolition and reconstruction, aiming for completion by mid-2026. The road level is being lowered to increase clearance for heavy vehicles.
- Qatar Bridge: Severely aged, the bridge will be replaced within three years. Meanwhile, structural repairs are ongoing to maintain safety.
- Third mainland Bridge: Undergoing extensive underwater structural rehabilitation to extend its lifespan without full replacement.
“President Tinubu is committed to building roads that last 50 to 100 years,” Umahi stressed.
“We are ending poor maintenance culture and prioritizing safety and longevity in every project.”
The ministry’s integrated approach combining improved supervision, modern technology, and enhanced construction techniques signals a new phase in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
He, also mandated all directors and engineers in the ministry to take direct supervision of at least one federal infrastructure project each, enhancing accountability and project quality across the nation.
Umahi called on Nigerians to support the government’s drive to secure lives and boost the economy through smarter, stronger infrastructure.
