By Victor Nwegede
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has ordered urgent intervention on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound carriageway of the Shagamu–Benin expressway, at the Edo/Ondo border.
In a swift response to public concerns, Umahi dispatched a team of engineers to the site to commence rehabilitation.
According to a statement issued by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Barrister Uchenna Orji, the bridge constructed in 1981 suffered visible puncture damage on one span of its five-span structure due to age-related deterioration.
“The repair works will require a curing period of 45 days for the concrete to mature before reopening for traffic,” the Minister said, noting that a similar incident was addressed in the past with dispatch.
He explained that the long-term solution will involve removing and rebuilding the entire deck slab of both bridges in Ondo and Edo States using innovative engineering technology. Meanwhile, traffic will be managed through one carriageway, with the Federal Road Safety Corps deployed to ease gridlock.
Umahi apologized to motorists for the inconveniences caused, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration is prioritizing bridge rehabilitation nationwide. “Mr. President is intervening in over 30 bridge projects this year alone, underscoring his commitment to revolutionize Nigeria’s road infrastructure,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged the whistleblowing role of a content creator who raised alarm over the damaged span, stressing that the administration welcomes feedback but remains resolute in delivering sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth, regional integration, and national development.
