The Federal Government has announced plans to enforce stricter measures to protect roads and bridges from damage caused by overloaded and non-compliant vehicles. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, revealed in a statement that several bridges, such as the Keffi Flyover and others along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, had suffered significant structural damage due to trailers and trucks exceeding height and weight limits. He emphasized that such violations compromise the structural integrity of flyovers and interchanges, most of which are designed to accommodate heights between 5.5 and 6.5 meters.
Umahi reported that the Eko Bridge, which suffered fire damage during the previous administration, is now 80% repaired. He also assured Nigerians that repair works on the Third Mainland and Carter bridges are ongoing and being executed in line with professional engineering standards to ensure public safety. The minister urged Lagos road users to be patient and understanding, emphasizing that there would be “no shortcuts” in the restoration efforts.
To prevent further damage, the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will begin a nationwide clampdown on vehicles violating height and weight regulations. This campaign will target trucks, trailers, and other heavy-duty vehicles whose disregard for safety standards has shortened the lifespan of critical national infrastructure. The government stressed that these regulations are essential for maintaining public safety and preserving the billions spent on road development.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, reiterated that safeguarding national infrastructure requires collective effort. He called on drivers, transport unions, construction firms, and logistics companies to comply with road usage regulations. According to Adebiyi, preserving roads and bridges is a shared responsibility vital to national development, and cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to prevent the wastage of public resources.
